J1 n. (also j) (pl. Js or j’s) tenth letter of the alphabet.
J2 abbr. (also j.) Joule(s).
Jab —v. (-bb-) 1 a poke roughly. B stab. 2 (foll. By into) thrust (a thing) hard or abruptly. —n. 1 abrupt blow, thrust, or stab. 2 colloq. Hypodermic injection. [var. Of job = prod]
Jabber —v. 1 chatter volubly. 2 utter (words) in this way. —n. Chatter; gabble. [imitative]
Jabot n. Ornamental frill etc. On the front of a shirt or blouse. [french]
Jacaranda n. Tropical american tree with trumpet-shaped blue flowers or hard scented wood. [tupi]
Jacinth n. Reddish-orange zircon used as a gem. [latin: related to *hyacinth]
Jack —n. 1 device for raising heavy objects, esp. Vehicles. 2 court-card with a picture of a soldier, page, etc. 3 ship’s flag, esp. Showing nationality. 4 device using a single-pronged plug to connect an electrical circuit. 5 small white target ball in bowls. 6 a = *jackstone. B (in pl.) Game of jackstones. 7 (jack) familiar
form of john, esp. Typifying the common man, male animal, etc. (i’m all right, jack). —v. (usu. Foll. By up) 1 raise with or as with a jack (in sense 1). 2 colloq. Raise (e.g. Prices). every man jack every person. Jack in slang abandon (an attempt etc.). [familiar form of the name john]
Jackal n. 1 african or asian wild animal of the dog family, scavenging in packs for food. 2 colloq. Menial. [persian]
Jackanapes n. Archaic rascal. [earlier jack napes, supposed to refer to the duke of suffolk]
Jackass n. 1 male ass. 2 stupid person.
Jackboot n. 1 military boot reaching above the knee. 2 this as a militaristic or fascist symbol.
Jackdaw n. Grey-headed bird of the crow family.
Jacket n. 1 a short coat with sleeves. B protective or supporting garment (life-jacket). 2 casing or covering round a boiler etc. 3 = *dust-jacket. 4 skin of a potato. 5 animal’s coat. [french]
Jacket potato n. Potato baked in its skin.
Jack frost n. Frost personified.
Jack-in-the-box n. Toy figure that springs out of a box.
Jackknife —n. 1 large clasp-knife. 2 dive in which the body is bent and then straightened. —v. (-fing) (of an articulated vehicle) fold against itself in an accident.
Jack of all trades n. Multi-skilled person.
Jack-o’-lantern n. 1 will-o’-the wisp. 2 pumpkin lantern.
Jack plane n. Medium-sized joinery plane.
Jack plug n. Plug for use with a jack (see *jack n. 4).
Jackpot n. Large prize, esp. Accumulated in a game, lottery, etc. hit the jackpot colloq. 1 win a large prize. 2 have remarkable luck or success.
Jackrabbit n. Us large prairie hare.
Jack russell n. Short-legged breed of terrier.
Jackstone n. 1 metal etc. Piece used in tossing-games. 2 (in pl.) Game with a ball and jackstones.
Jack tar n. Sailor.
Jacobean —adj. 1 of the reign of james i. 2 (of furniture) heavy and dark in style. —n. Jacobean person. [latin jacobus james]
Jacobite n. Hist. Supporter of james ii after his flight, or of the stuarts.
Jacquard n. 1 apparatus with perforated cards, for weaving figured fabrics. 2 (in full jacquard loom) loom with this. 3 fabric or article so made. [name of its inventor]
Jacuzzi n. (pl. -s) propr. Large bath with massaging underwater jets of water. [name of its inventor and manufacturers]
Jade1 n. 1 hard usu. Green stone used for ornaments etc. 2 green colour of jade. [spanish ijada from latin ilia flanks (named as a cure for colic)]
Jade2 n. 1 inferior or worn-out horse. 2 derog. Disreputable woman. [origin unknown]
Jaded adj. Tired out; surfeited.
J’adoube int. Chess declaration of the intention to adjust a piece without moving
J’adoube int. Chess declaration of the intention to adjust a piece without moving it. [french, = i adjust]
Jag1 —n. Sharp projection of rock etc. —v. (-gg-) 1 cut or tear unevenly. 2 make indentations in. [imitative]
Jag2 n. Slang 1 drinking bout. 2 period of indulgence in an activity, emotion, etc. [originally dial., = load]
Jagged adj. 1 unevenly cut or torn. 2 deeply indented. jaggedly adv. Jaggedness n.
Jaguar n. Large american flesh-eating spotted animal of the cat family. [tupi]
Jail (also gaol) —n. 1 place for the detention of prisoners. 2 confinement in a jail. —v. Put in jail. [french jaiole, ultimately from latin cavea cage]
Jailbird n. (also gaolbird) prisoner or habitual criminal.
Jailbreak n. (also gaolbreak) escape from jail.
Jailer n. (also gaoler) person in charge of a jail or prisoners.
Jain —n. Adherent of an indian religion resembling buddhism. —adj. Of this
religion. jainism n. Jainist n. & adj. [hindi]
Jalap n. Purgative drug from the tuberous roots of a mexican climbing plant. [spanish xalapa, name of a mexican city, from aztec]
Jalopy n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Dilapidated old vehicle. [origin unknown]
Jalousie n. Slatted blind or shutter to keep out rain etc. And control light. [french: related to *jealousy]
Jam1 —v. (-mm-) 1 a (usu. Foll. By into, together, etc.) Squeeze, cram, or wedge into a space. B become wedged. 2 cause (machinery etc.) To become wedged or (of machinery etc.) Become wedged and unworkable. 3 a block (a passage, road, etc.) By crowding etc. B (foll. By in) obstruct the exit of (was jammed in). 4 (usu. Foll. By on) apply (brakes etc.) Forcefully or abruptly. 5 make (a radio transmission) unintelligible by interference. 6 colloq. (in jazz etc.) Improvise with other musicians. —n. 1 squeeze, crush. 2 crowded mass (traffic jam). 3 colloq. Predicament. 4 stoppage (of a machine etc.) Due to jamming. 5 (in full jam session) colloq. (in jazz etc.) Improvised ensemble playing. [imitative]
Jam2 n. 1 conserve of boiled fruit and sugar. 2 colloq. Easy or pleasant thing (money for jam). jam tomorrow promise of future treats etc. That never materialize. [perhaps from *jam1]
Jamb n. Side post or side face of a doorway, window, or fireplace. [french jambe leg, from latin]
Jamboree n. 1 celebration. 2 large rally of scouts. [origin unknown]
Jamjar n. Glass jar for jam.
Jammy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 covered with jam. 2 colloq. A lucky. B profitable.
Jam-packed adj. Colloq. Full to capacity.
Jan. Abbr. January.
Jangle —v. (-ling) 1 (cause to) make a (esp. Harsh) metallic sound. 2 irritate (the nerves etc.) By discord etc. —n. Harsh metallic sound. [french]
Janitor n. 1 doorkeeper. 2 caretaker. [latin janua door]
January n. (pl. -ies) first month of the year. [latin janus, guardian god of doors]
Jap n. & adj. Colloq. Often offens. = *japanese. [abbreviation]
Japan —n. Hard usu. Black varnish, orig. From japan. —v. (-nn-) 1 varnish with japan. 2 make black and glossy. [japan in e. Asia]
Japanese —n. (pl. Same) 1 a native or national of japan. B person of japanese descent. 2 language of japan. —adj. Of japan, its people, or its language.
Jape —n. Practical joke. —v. (-ping) play a joke. [origin unknown]
Japonica n. Flowering shrub with bright red flowers and round edible fruits. [latinized name for japanese]
Jar1 n. 1 a container, usu. Of glass and cylindrical. B contents of this. 2 colloq. Glass of beer. [french from arabic]
Jar2 —v. (-rr-) 1 (often foll. By on) (of sound, manner, etc.) Sound discordant, grate (on the nerves etc.). 2 a (often foll. By against, on) (cause to) strike (esp. Part of the body) with vibration or shock (jarred his neck). B vibrate with shock etc. 3 (often foll. By with) be at variance or in conflict. —n. 1 jarring sound orsensation. 2 physical shock or jolt. [imitative]
Jar3 n. on the jar ajar. [obsolete char turn: see *ajar, *char2]
Jardinière n. 1 ornamental pot or stand for plants. 2 dish of mixed vegetables. [french]
Jargon n. 1 words or expressions used by a particular group or profession (medical jargon). 2 debased or pretentious language. [french]
Jasmine n. Ornamental shrub with white or yellow flowers. [french from arabic from persian]
Jasper n. Opaque quartz, usu. Red, yellow, or brown. [french from latin from greek iaspis]
Jaundice —n. 1 yellowing of the skin etc. Caused by liver disease, bile disorder, etc. 2 disordered (esp. Mental) vision. 3 envy. —v. (-cing) 1 affect withjaundice. 2 (esp. As jaundiced adj.) Affect (a person) with envy, resentment, etc. [french jaune yellow]
Jaunt —n. Short pleasure trip. —v. Take a jaunt. [origin unknown]
Jaunting car n. Light horse-drawn vehicle formerly used in ireland.
Jaunty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 cheerful and self-confident. 2 sprightly. jauntily adv. Jauntiness n. [french: related to *gentle]
Javanese —n. (pl. Same) 1 a native of java. B person of javanese descent. 2 language of java. —adj. (also javan) of java, its people, or its language. [java in indonesia]
Javelin n. Light spear thrown in sport or, formerly, as a weapon. [french]
Jaw —n. 1 a upper or lower bony structure in vertebrates containing the teeth. B
corresponding parts of certain invertebrates. 2 a (in pl.) The mouth with its bones and teeth. B narrow mouth of a valley, channel, etc. C gripping parts of a tool etc. D grip (jaws of death). 3 colloq. Tedious talk (hold your jaw). —v. Colloq.Speak, esp. At tedious length. [french]
Jawbone n. Lower jaw in most mammals.
Jaw-breaker n. Colloq. Long or hard word.
Jay n. Noisy european bird of the crow family with vivid plumage. [latin gaius, gaia, perhaps from the name gaius: cf. Jackdaw, robin]
Jaywalk v. Cross a road carelessly or dangerously. jaywalker n.
Jazz —n. 1 rhythmic syncopated esp. Improvised music of black us origin. 2 slang pretentious talk or behaviour (all that jazz). —v. Play or dance to jazz. jazz up brighten or enliven. jazzer n. [origin uncertain]
Jazzman n. Jazz-player.
Jazzy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of or like jazz. 2 vivid, showy.
Jcb n. Propr. Mechanical excavator with a shovel and a digging arm. [j. C. Bamford, name of the makers]
Jcr abbr. Junior common (or combination) room.
Jealous adj. 1 resentful of rivalry in love. 2 (often foll. By of) envious (of a person etc.). 3 (often foll. By of) fiercely protective (of rights etc.). 4 (of god) intolerant of disloyalty. 5 (of inquiry, supervision, etc.) Vigilant. jealously adv. [medieval latin zelosus: related to *zeal]
Jealousy n. (pl. -ies) 1 jealous state or feeling. 2 instance of this. [french: related to *jealous]
Jeans n.pl. Casual esp. Denim trousers. [earlier geane fustian, = material from genoa]
Jeep n. Propr. Small sturdy esp. Military vehicle with four-wheel drive. [originally us, from the initials of general purposes]
Jeepers int. Us slang expressing surprise etc. [corruption of jesus]
Jehovah n. Hebrew name of god in the old testament. [hebrew yahveh]
Jehovah’s witness n. Member of a millenarian christian sect rejecting the supremacy of the state and religious institutions over personal conscience, faith, etc.
Jejunum n. Small intestine between the duodenum and ileum. [latin: related to *jejune]
Jekyll and hyde n. Person having opposing good and evil personalities. [names of a character in a story by r. L. Stevenson]
Jell v. Colloq. 1 a set as jelly. B (of ideas etc.) Take a definite form. 2 cohere. [back-formation from *jelly]
Jellaba var. Of *djellaba.
Jellify v. (-ies, -ied) turn into jelly; make or become like jelly. jellification n.
Jelly —n. (pl. -ies) 1 a (usu. Fruit-flavoured) translucent dessert set with gelatin. B similar preparation as a jam, condiment, or sweet (redcurrant jelly). C similar
B similar preparation as a jam, condiment, or sweet (redcurrant jelly). C similar preparation from meat, bones, etc., and gelatin (marrowbone jelly). 2 any similar substance. 3 slang gelignite. —v. (-ies, -ied) (cause to) set as or in a jelly, congeal (jellied eels). jelly-like adj. [french gelée from latin gelo freeze]
Jelly baby n. Jelly-like baby-shaped sweet.
Jellyfish n. (pl. Same or -es) marine animal with a jelly-like body and stinging tentacles.
Jemmy n. (pl. -ies) burglar’s short crowbar. [from the name james]
Jenny n. (pl. -ies) 1 hist. = *spinning-jenny. 2 female donkey. [from the name janet]
Jenny-wren n. Female wren.
Jeopardize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) endanger.
Jeopardy n. Danger, esp. Severe. [obsolete french iu parti divided play]
Jerbil var. Of *gerbil.
Jerboa n. Small jumping desert rodent. [arabic]
Jeremiad n. Doleful complaint or lamentation. [church latin: related to *jeremiah]
Jeremiah n. Dismal prophet, denouncer of the times. [lamentations of jeremiah, in the old testament]
Jerk1 —n. 1 sharp sudden pull, twist, twitch, start, etc. 2 spasmodic muscular twitch. 3 (in pl.) Colloq. Exercises (physical jerks). 4 slang fool. —v. Move, pull, thrust, twist, throw, etc., with a jerk. jerk off coarse slang masturbate. [imitative]
Jerk2 v. Cure (beef) by cutting it in long slices and drying it in the sun. [quechua echarqui dried fish in strips]
Jeroboam n. Wine bottle of 4–12 times the ordinary size. [jeroboam in the old testament]
Jerry n. (pl. -ies) slang 1 german (esp. Soldier). 2 germans collectively.
[probably an alteration of german]
Jerry n. (pl. -ies) slang chamber-pot. [probably an abbreviation of *jeroboam]
Jerry-builder n. Incompetent builder using cheap materials. jerry-building n. Jerry-built adj. [origin uncertain]
Jerrycan n. (also jerrican) a kind of (orig. German) petrol-or water-can. [from *jerry]
Jersey n. (pl. -s) 1 a knitted usu. Woollen pullover. B plain-knitted (orig. Woollen) fabric. 2 (jersey) light brown dairy cow from jersey. [jersey in the channel islands]
Jerusalem artichoke n. 1 a kind of sunflower with edible tubers. 2 this as a vegetable. [corruption of italian girasole sunflower]
Jest —n. 1 joke; fun. 2 a raillery, banter. B object of derision. —v. Joke; fool about. in jest in fun. [latin gesta exploits]
Jester n. Hist. Professional clown at a medieval court etc.
Jesuit n. Member of the society of jesus, a roman catholic order. [latin jesus, founder of the christian religion]
Jesuitical adj. 1 of the jesuits. 2 often offens. Equivocating, casuistic.
Jesus int. Colloq. Exclamation of surprise, dismay, etc. [name of the founder of the christian religion]
Jet1 —n. 1 stream of water, steam, gas, flame, etc., shot esp. From a small opening. 2 spout or nozzle for this purpose. 3 jet engine or jet plane. —v. (-tt-) 1 spurt out in jets. 2 colloq. Send or travel by jet plane. [french jeter throw from latin jacto]
Jet2 n. (often attrib.) Hard black lignite often carved and highly polished. [french jaiet from gagai in asia minor]
Jet black adj. & n. (as adj. Often hyphenated) deep glossy black.
Jet engine n. Engine using jet propulsion, esp. Of an aircraft.
Jet lag n. Exhaustion etc. Felt after a long flight across time zones.
Jet plane n. Plane with a jet engine.
Jet-propelled adj. 1 having jet propulsion. 2 very fast.
Jet propulsion n. Propulsion by the backward ejection of a high-speed jet of gas etc.
Jetsam n. Objects washed ashore, esp. Jettisoned from a ship. [contraction of *jettison]
Jet set n. Wealthy people who travel widely, esp. For pleasure. jet-setter n. Jet-setting n. & attrib. Adj.
Jettison —v. 1 a throw (esp. Heavy material) overboard to lighten a ship etc. B drop (goods) from an aircraft. 2 abandon; get rid of. —n. Jettisoning. [anglo-french getteson: related to *jet1]
Jetty n. (pl. -ies) 1 pier or breakwater to protect or defend a harbour, coast, etc. 2 landing-pier. [french jetee: related to *jet1]
Jew n. 1 person of hebrew descent or whose religion is judaism. 2 slang offens. Miserly person. [greek ioudaios]
Usage the stereotype conveyed in sense 2 is deeply offensive. It arose from historical associations of jews as moneylenders in medieval england.
Jewel —n. 1 a precious stone. B this used in watchmaking. 2 jewelled personal ornament. 3 precious person or thing. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) (esp. As jewelled adj.) Adorn or set with jewels. [french]
Jeweler n. (brit. Jeweller) maker of or dealer in jewels or jewellery.
Jeweller n. (us jeweler) maker of or dealer in jewels or jewellery.
Jewellery n. (also jewelry) rings, brooches, necklaces, etc., regarded collectively.
Jewess n. Often offens. Woman or girl of hebrew descent or whose religion is judaism.
Jewish adj. 1 of jews. 2 of judaism. jewishness n.
Jewry n. Jews collectively.
Jew’s harp n. Small musical instrument held between the teeth.
Jezebel n. Shameless or immoral woman. [jezebel in the old testament]
Jib1 n. 1 triangular staysail. 2 projecting arm of a crane. [origin unknown]
Jib2 v. (-bb-) 1 (esp. Of a horse) stop and refuse to go on. 2 (foll. By at) show aversion to. jibber n. [origin unknown]
Jibe1 var. Of *gibe.
Jibe2 v. (brit. Gybe) (-bing) 1 (of a fore-and-aft sail or boom) swing across. 2 cause (a sail) to do this. 3 (of a ship or its crew) change course so that this happens. [dutch]
Jiff n. (also jiffy, pl. -ies) colloq. Short time; moment (in a jiffy). [origin unknown]
Jiffy bag n. Propr. Padded envelope.
Jig —n. 1 a lively leaping dance. B music for this. 2 device that holds a piece of work and guides the tools operating on it. —v. (-gg-) 1 dance a jig. 2 (often foll. By about) move quickly and jerkily up and down; fidget. 3 work on or equip with a jig or jigs. [origin unknown]
Jigger n. 1 billiards colloq. Cue-rest. 2 a measure of spirits etc. B small glass holding this. [partly from *jig]
Jiggered adj. Colloq. (as a mild oath) confounded (i’ll be jiggered). [euphemism]
Jiggery-pokery n. Colloq. Trickery; swindling. [origin uncertain]
Jiggle —v. (-ling) (often foll. By about etc.) Shake or jerk lightly; fidget. —n. Light shake. [from *jig]
Jigsaw n. 1 a (in full jigsaw puzzle) picture on board or wood etc. Cut into irregular interlocking pieces to be reassembled as a pastime. B problem consisting of various pieces of information. 2 mechanical fretsaw with a fine blade.
Jihad n. (also jehad) muslim holy war against unbelievers. [arabic jihad]
Jilt v. Abruptly reject or abandon (esp. A lover). [origin unknown]
Jim crow n. Us colloq. 1 segregation of blacks. 2 offens. A black. [nickname]
Jingle —n. 1 mixed ringing or clinking noise. 2 a repetition of sounds in a phrase etc. B short catchy verse or song in advertising etc. —v. (-ling) 1 (cause to)make a jingling sound. 2 (of writing) be full of alliteration, rhymes, etc. [imitative]
Jingo n. (pl. -es) supporter of war; blustering patriot. by jingo! Mild oath. jingoism n. Jingoist n. Jingoistic adj. [conjuror’s word]
Jink —v. 1 move elusively; dodge. 2 elude by dodging. —n. Dodging or eluding. [originally scots: imitative]
Jinnee n. (also jinn, djinn) (pl. Jinn or djinn) (in muslim mythology) spirit in human or animal form having power over people. [arabic]
Jinx colloq. —n. Person or thing that seems to cause bad luck. —v. (esp. As jinxed adj.) Subject to bad luck. [perhaps var. Of jynx wryneck, charm]
Jitter colloq. —n. (the jitters) extreme nervousness. —v. Be nervous; act nervously. jittery adj. Jitteriness n. [origin unknown]
Jitterbug —n. 1 nervous person. 2 hist. Fast popular dance. —v. (-gg-) hist.
Dance the jitterbug.
Jiu-jitsu var. Of *ju-jitsu.
Jive —n. 1 lively dance popular esp. In the 1950s. 2 music for this. —v. (-ving) dance to or play jive music. jiver n. [origin uncertain]
Jnr. Abbr. Junior.
Job —n. 1 piece of work to be done; task. 2 position in, or piece of, paid employment. 3 colloq. Difficult task (had a job to find it). 4 slang crime, esp. A robbery. 5 state of affairs etc. (bad job). —v. (-bb-) 1 do jobs; do piecework. 2 deal in stocks; buy and sell (stocks or goods). 3 deal corruptly with (a matter). just the job colloq. Exactly what is wanted. Make a job (or good job) of do well. On the job colloq. 1 at work. 2 engaged in sexual intercourse. Out of a job unemployed. [origin unknown]
Jobber n. 1 person who jobs. 2 hist. Principal or wholesaler on the stock exchange.
Usage up to oct. 1986 jobbers were permitted to deal only with brokers, not directly with the public. From oct. 1986 the name ceased to be in official use (see *broker 2).
Jobcentre n. Local government office advertising available jobs.
Job-hunt v. Colloq. Seek employment.
Jobless adj. Unemployed. joblessness n.
Job lot n. Mixed lot bought at auction etc.
Job’s comforter n. Person who intends to comfort but increases distress. [job in the old testament]
Jobs for the boys n.pl. Colloq. Appointments for members of one’s own group etc.
Job-sharing n. Sharing of a full-time job by two or more people. job-share n. & v.
Jobsheet n. Sheet for recording details of jobs done.
Jock n. Slang scotsman. [scots form of the name jack]
Jockey —n. (pl. -s) rider in horse-races, esp. Professional. —v. (-eys, -eyed) 1 trick, cheat, or outwit. 2 (foll. By away, out, into, etc.) Manoeuvre (a person). jockey for position manoeuvre for advantage. [diminutive of *jock]
Jockstrap n. Support or protection for the male genitals, worn esp. In sport. [slang jock genitals]
Jocose adj. Playful; jocular. jocosely adv. Jocosity n. (pl. -ies). [latin jocus jest]
Jocular adj. 1 fond of joking. 2 humorous. jocularity n. (pl. -ies). Jocularly adv.
Jocund adj. Literary merry, cheerful. jocundity n. (pl. -ies). Jocundly adv. [french from latin jucundus pleasant]
Jodhpurs n.pl. Riding breeches tight below the knee. [jodhpur in india]
Joe bloggs n. Colloq. Hypothetical average man.
Jog —v. (-gg-) 1 run slowly, esp. As exercise. 2 push or jerk, esp. Unsteadily. 3 nudge, esp. To alert. 4 stimulate (the memory). 5 (often foll. By on, along) trudge; proceed ploddingly (must jog on somehow). 6 (of a horse) trot. —n. 1 spell of jogging; slow walk or trot. 2 push, jerk, or nudge. [probably imitative]
Jogger n. Person who jogs, esp. For exercise.
Joggle —v. (-ling) move in jerks. —n. Slight shake.
Jogtrot n. Slow regular trot.
John n. Us slang lavatory. [from the name john]
John bull n. England or the typical englishman. [name of a character in an 18th-c. Satire]
John dory n. (pl. Same or -ies) edible marine fish. [see *dory]
Johnny n. (pl. -ies) 1 slang condom. 2 colloq. Fellow; man. [diminutive of john]
Johnny-come-lately n. Colloq. Newcomer; upstart.
Joie de vivre n. Exuberance; high spirits. [french, = joy of living]
Join —v. 1 (often foll. By to, together) put together; fasten, unite (with one or several things or people). 2 connect (points) by a line etc. 3 become a member of (a club, organization, etc.). 4 a take one’s place with (a person, group, etc.). B (foll. By in, for, etc.) Take part with (others) in an activity etc. (joined them in prayer). 5 (often foll. By with, to) come together; be united. 6 (of a river etc.) Be or become connected or continuous with. —n. Point, line, or surface at which things are joined. join battle begin fighting. Join forces combine efforts. Join hands 1 clasp hands. 2 combine in an action etc. Join in (also absol.) Take part in (an activity). Join up 1 enlist for military service. 2 (often foll. By with) unite, connect. [latin jungo junct-]
Joiner n. 1 maker of finished wood fittings. 2 colloq. Person who joins an organization or who readily joins societies etc. joinery n. (in sense 1).
Joint —n. 1 place at which two or more things or parts of a structure are joined; device for joining these. 2 point at which two bones fit together. 3 division of an animal carcass as meat. 4 slang restaurant, bar, etc. 5 slang marijuana cigarette. 6 geol. Crack in rock. —adj. 1 held, done by, or belonging to, two or more persons etc. (joint mortgage; joint action). 2 sharing with another (joint author; jointfavourite). —v. 1 connect by joint(s). 2 divide at a joint or into joints. out of joint 1 (of a bone) dislocated. 2 out of order. jointly adv. [french: related to *join]
Joint stock n. Capital held jointly; common fund.
Joint-stock company n. Company formed on the basis of a joint stock.
Jointure —n. Estate settled on a wife by her husband for use after his death. —v. Provide with a jointure. [latin: related to *join]
Joist n. Supporting beam in a floor, ceiling, etc. [french giste from latin jaceo lie]
Jojoba n. Plant with seeds yielding an oily extract used in cosmetics etc. [mexican spanish]
Joke —n. 1 thing said or done to cause laughter; witticism. 2 ridiculous person or thing. —v. (-king) make jokes; tease (only joking). no joke colloq. Serious matter. jokingly adv. Joky adj. (also jokey). Jokily adv. Jokiness n. [probably latin jocus jest]
Joker n. 1 person who jokes. 2 slang person. 3 playing-card used in some games.
Jollify v. (-ies, -ied) make merry. jollification n.
Jollity n. (pl. -ies) merrymaking; festivity. [french joliveté: related to *jolly1]
Jolly1 —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 cheerful; merry. 2 festive, jovial. 3 colloq. Pleasant, delightful. —adv. Colloq. Very. —v. (-ies, -ied) (usu. Foll. By along) colloq. Coax or humour in a friendly way. —n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Party or celebration. jollily adv. Jolliness n. [french jolif gay, pretty: perhaps related to *yule]
Jolly2 n. (pl. -ies) (in full jolly boat) clinker-built ship’s boat smaller than a cutter. [origin unknown: perhaps related to *yawl]
Jolly roger n. Pirates’ black flag, usu. With skull and crossbones.
Jolt —v. 1 disturb or shake (esp. In a moving vehicle) with a jerk. 2 shock; perturb. 3 move along jerkily. —n. 1 jerk. 2 surprise or shock. jolty adj. (-ier, – iest). [origin unknown]
Jonah n. Person who seems to bring bad luck. [jonah in the old testament]
Jonquil n. Narcissus with small fragrant yellow or white flowers. [ultimately from latin juncus rush plant]
Josh slang —v. 1 tease, banter. 2 indulge in ridicule. —n. Good-natured or teasing joke. [origin unknown]
Joss n. Chinese idol. [ultimately from latin deus god]
Joss-stick n. Incense-stick for burning.
Jostle —v. (-ling) 1 (often foll. By away, from, against, etc.) Push against; elbow, esp. Roughly or in a crowd. 2 (foll. By with) struggle roughly. —n. Jostling. [from *joust]
Jot —v. (-tt-) (usu. Foll. By down) write briefly or hastily. —n. Very small amount (not one jot). [greek *iota]
Jotter n. Small pad or notebook.
Jotting n. (usu. In pl.) Jotted note.
Joule n. Si unit of work or energy. [joule, name of a physicist]
Journal n. 1 newspaper or periodical. 2 daily record of events; diary. 3 book in which transactions and accounts are entered. 4 part of a shaft or axle that rests on bearings. [latin diurnalis *diurnal]
Journalese n. Hackneyed writing characteristic of newspapers.
Journalism n. Profession of writing for or editing newspapers etc.
Journalist n. Person writing for or editing newspapers etc. journalistic adj.
Journey —n. (pl. -s) 1 act of going from one place to another, esp. At a long distance. 2 time taken for this (a day’s journey). —v. (-s, -ed) make a journey. [french jornee day, day’s work or travel, from latin diurnus daily]
Journeyman n. 1 qualified mechanic or artisan who works for another. 2 derog.
Reliable but not outstanding worker.
Joust hist. —n. Combat between two knights on horseback with lances. —v. Engage in a joust. jouster n. [french jouste from latin juxta near]
Jove n. (in roman mythology) jupiter. by jove! Exclamation of surprise etc. [latin jupiter jov-]
Judge —n. 1 public official appointed to hear and try legal cases. 2 person appointed to decide in a contest, dispute, etc. 3 a person who decides a question. B person regarded as having judgement of a specified type (am no judge; good judge of art). —v. (-ging) 1 form an opinion or judgement (about); estimate,
appraise. 2 act as a judge (of). 3 a try (a case) at law. B pronounce sentence on. 4 (often foll. By to + infin. Or that + clause) conclude, consider. [latin judex judic-]
Judgement n. (also judgment) 1 critical faculty; discernment (error of judgement). 2 good sense. 3 opinion or estimate (in my judgement). 4 sentence of a court of justice. 5 often joc. Deserved misfortune. against one’s better judgement contrary to what one really feels to be advisable.
Judgemental adj. (also judgmental) 1 of or by way of judgement. 2 condemning, critical. judgementally adv.
Judgement day n. (in judaism, christianity, and islam) day on which mankind will be judged by god.
Judicature n. 1 administration of justice. 2 judge’s position. 3 judges collectively. [medieval latin judico judge]
Judicial adj. 1 of, done by, or proper to a court of law. 2 having the function of judgement (judicial assembly). 3 of or proper to a judge. 4 impartial. judicially adv. [latin judicium judgement]
Judiciary n. (pl. -ies) judges of a state collectively.
Judo n. Sport derived from ju-jitsu. [japanese, = gentle way]
Jug —n. 1 deep vessel for liquids, with a handle and a lip for pouring. 2 contents of this. 3 slang prison. —v. (-gg-) (usu. As jugged adj.) Stew or boil (esp. Hare) in a casserole etc. jugful n. (pl. -s). [origin uncertain]
Juggernaut n. 1 large heavy lorry etc. 2 overwhelming force or object. [hindi jagannath, = lord of the world]
Juggle —v. (-ling) 1 a (often foll. By with) keep several objects in the air at once by throwing and catching. B perform such feats with (balls etc.). 2 deal with (several activities) at once. 3 (often foll. By with) misrepresent or rearrange (facts) adroitly. —n. 1 juggling. 2 fraud. juggler n. [french from latin jocus jest]
Jugoslav var. Of *yugoslav.
Jugular —adj. Of the neck or throat. —n. = *jugular vein. [latin jugulum collar-bone]
Jugular vein n. Any of several large veins in the neck carrying blood from the head.
Juice n. 1 liquid part of vegetables or fruits. 2 animal fluid, esp. A secretion (gastric juice). 3 colloq. Petrol; electricity. [french from latin]
Juicy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 full of juice; succulent. 2 colloq. Interesting; racy, scandalous. 3 colloq. Profitable. juicily adv. Juiciness n.
Ju-jitsu n. (also jiu-jitsu, jujutsu) japanese system of unarmed combat and physical training. [japanese jujutsu gentle skill]
Ju-ju n. 1 charm or fetish of some w. African peoples. 2 supernatural power attributed to this. [perhaps french joujou toy]
Jujube n. Small flavoured jelly-like lozenge. [greek zizuphon]
Jujutsu var. Of *ju-jitsu.
Jukebox n. Coin-operated record-playing machine. [black juke disorderly]
Jul. Abbr. July.
Julep n. 1 a sweet drink, esp. As a vehicle for medicine. B medicated drink as a mild stimulant etc. 2 us iced and flavoured spirits and water (mint julep). [persian gulab rose-water]
Julian adj. Of julius caesar. [latin julius]
Julian calendar n. Calendar introduced by julius caesar, with a year of 365 days,
every fourth year having 366.
Julienne —n. Vegetables cut into short thin strips. —adj. Cut into thin strips. [french from name jules or julien]
Juliet cap n. Small net skullcap worn by brides etc. [juliet in shakespeare’s romeo & juliet]
July n. (pl. Julys) seventh month of the year. [latin julius caesar]
Jumble —v. (-ling) (often foll. By up) confuse; mix up; muddle. —n. 1 confused state or heap; muddle. 2 articles in a jumble sale. [probably imitative]
Jumble sale n. Sale of second-hand articles, esp. For charity.
Jumbo n. (pl. -s) colloq. 1 (often attrib.) Large animal (esp. An elephant), person, or thing (jumbo packet). 2 (in full jumbo jet) large airliner for several hundred passengers. [probably from *mumbo-jumbo]
Usage in sense 2, jumbo is usu. Applied specifically to the boeing 747.
Jump —v. 1 rise off the ground etc. By sudden muscular effort in the legs. 2 (often foll. By up, from, in, out, etc.) Move suddenly or hastily (jumped into the car). 3 jerk or twitch from shock or excitement etc. 4 a change, esp. Advance in status or rise, rapidly (prices jumped). B cause to do this. 5 (often foll. By about) change the subject etc. Rapidly. 6 pass over (an obstacle etc.) By jumping. 7 skip
(a passage in a book etc.). 8 cause (a horse etc.) To jump. 9 (foll. By to, at) reach (a conclusion) hastily. 10 (of a train) leave (the rails). 11 pass (a red traffic-light etc.). 12 get on or off (a train etc.) Quickly, esp. Illegally or dangerously. 13 attack (a person) unexpectedly. —n. 1 act of jumping. 2 sudden jerk caused by shock or excitement. 3 abrupt rise in amount, value, status, etc. 4 obstacle to be jumped. 5 a sudden transition. B gap in a series, logical sequence, etc. jump at accept eagerly. Jump bail fail to appear for trial having been released on bail. Jump down a person’s throat colloq. Reprimand or contradict a person fiercely. Jump the gun colloq. Begin prematurely. Jump on colloq. Attack or criticize severely. Jump out of one’s skin colloq. Be extremely startled. Jump the queue take unfair precedence. Jump ship (of a seaman) desert. Jump to it colloq. Act promptly. One jump ahead one stage further on than a rival etc. [imitative]
Jumped-up adj. Colloq. Upstart.
Jumper1 n. 1 knitted pullover. 2 loose outer jacket worn by sailors. 3 us pinafore dress. [probably jump short coat]
Jumper2 n. 1 person or animal that jumps. 2 short wire used to make or break an electrical circuit.
Jumping bean n. Seed of a mexican plant that jumps with the movement of a larva inside.
Jump-jet n. Vertical take-off jet aircraft.
Jump-lead n. Cable for conveying current from the battery of one vehicle to that of another.
Jump-off n. Deciding round in showjumping.
Jump-start —v. Start (a vehicle) by pushing it or with jump-leads. —n. Act of jump-starting.
Jump suit n. One-piece garment for the whole body.
Junction n. 1 joint; joining-point. 2 place where railway lines or roads meet. 3 joining. [latin: related to *join]
Junction box n. Box containing a junction of electric cables etc.
Juncture n. 1 critical convergence of events; point of time (at this juncture). 2 joining-point. 3 joining.
June n. Sixth month of the year. [latin junius from juno, name of a goddess]
Jungian —adj. Of the swiss psychologist carl jung or his theories. —n. Supporter of jung or of his theories.
Jungle n. 1 a land overgrown with tangled vegetation, esp. In the tropics. B an area of this. 2 wild tangled mass. 3 place of bewildering complexity, confusion, or struggle. law of the jungle state of ruthless competition. jungly adj. [hindi from sanskrit]
Junior —adj. 1 (often foll. By to) inferior in age, standing, or position. 2 the younger (esp. Appended to the name of a son for distinction from his father). 3 of the lower or lowest position (junior partner). 4 (of a school) for younger pupils, usu. Aged 7–11. —n. 1 junior person. 2 person at the lowest level (in an office etc.). [latin, comparative of juvenis young]
Junior common room n. (also junior combination room) 1 common-room for undergraduates in a college. 2 undergraduates of a college collectively.
Juniper n. Evergreen shrub or tree with prickly leaves and dark-purple berry-like cones. [latin juniperus]
Junk1 —n. 1 discarded articles; rubbish. 2 anything regarded as of little value. 3 slang narcotic drug, esp. Heroin. —v. Discard as junk. [origin unknown]
Junk2 n. Flat-bottomed sailing-vessel in the china seas. [javanese djong]
Junk bond n. Bond bearing high interest but deemed to be a risky investment.
Junket —n. 1 pleasure outing. 2 official’s tour at public expense. 3 sweetened and flavoured milk curds. 4 feast. —v. (-t-) feast, picnic. [french jonquette rush-basket (used for junket 3 and 4), from latin juncus rush]
Junk food n. Food, such as sweets and crisps, with low nutritional value.
Junkie n. Slang drug addict.
Junk mail n. Unsolicited advertising matter sent by post.
Junk shop n. Second-hand or cheap antiques shop.
Junta n. (usu. Military) clique taking power in a coup d’état. [spanish: related to *join]
Jural adj. 1 of law. 2 of rights and obligations. [latin jus jur-law, right]
Jurassic geol. —adj. Of the second period of the mesozoic era. —n. This era or system. [french from jura mountains]
Juridical n. 1 of judicial proceedings. 2 relating to the law. [latin jus jur-law, dico say]
Jurisdiction n. 1 (often foll. By over, of) administration of justice. 2 a legal or
Jurisdiction n. 1 (often foll. By over, of) administration of justice. 2 a legal or other authority. B extent of this; territory it extends over. jurisdictional adj.
Jurisprudence n. Science or philosophy of law. jurisprudential adj.
Jurist n. Expert in law. juristic adj.
Juror n. 1 member of a jury. 2 person taking an oath.
Jury n. (pl. -ies) 1 body of usu. Twelve people giving a verdict in a court of justice. 2 body of people awarding prizes in a competition.
Jury-box n. Enclosure for the jury in a lawcourt.
Jury-rigged adj. Naut. Having temporary makeshift rigging. [origin uncertain]
Just —adj. 1 morally right or fair. 2 (of treatment etc.) Deserved (just reward). 3 well-grounded; justified (just anger). 4 right in amount etc.; proper. —adv. 1 exactly (just what i need). 2 a little time ago; very recently (has just seen them). 3 colloq. Simply, merely (just good friends; just doesn’t make sense). 4 barely; no more than (just managed it). 5 colloq. Positively; indeed (just splendid; won’t i just tell him!). 6 quite (not just yet). just about colloq. Almost exactly; almost completely. Just in case as a precaution. Just now 1 at this moment. 2 a little time ago. Just the same = all the same. Just so 1 exactly arranged (everything just so). 2 it is exactly as you say. justly adv. Justness n. [latin justus from jus right]
Justice n. 1 justness, fairness. 2 authority exercised in the maintenance of right. 3 judicial proceedings (brought to justice; court of justice). 4 magistrate; judge. do justice to 1 treat fairly. 2 appreciate properly. Do oneself justice perform at one’s best. With justice reasonably. [latin justitia]
Justice of the peace n. Unpaid lay magistrate appointed to hear minor cases.
Justifiable adj. Able to be justified. justifiably adv.
Justify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 show the justice or correctness of (a person, act, assertion, etc.). 2 (esp. In passive) cite or constitute adequate grounds for (conduct, a claim, etc.); vindicate. 3 (as justified adj.) Just, right (justified in assuming). 4 printing adjust (a line of type) to give even margins. justification n. Justificatory adj.
Jut —v. (-tt-) (often foll. By out, forth) protrude, project. —n. Projection. [var. Of *jet1]
Jute n. 1 fibre from the bark of an e. Indian plant, used esp. For sacking, mats, etc. 2 plant yielding this. [bengali]
Juvenile —adj. 1 a youthful. B of or for young people. 2 often derog. Immature (juvenile behaviour). —n. 1 young person. 2 actor playing a juvenile part. [latin juvenis young]
Juvenile court n. Court for children under 17.
Juvenile delinquency n. Offences committed by people below the age of legal responsibility. juvenile delinquent n.
Juvenilia n.pl. Author’s or artist’s youthful works.
Juxtapose v. (-sing) 1 place (things) side by side. 2 (foll. By to, with) place (a thing) beside another. juxtaposition n. Juxtapositional adj. [latin juxta next, pono put]
K
K1 n. (also k) (pl. Ks or k’s) eleventh letter of the alphabet.
K2 abbr. (also k.) 1 kelvin(s). 2 king, king’s. 3 köchel (catalogue of mozart’s works). 4 (also k) (prec. By a numeral) a computing unit of 1,024 (i.e. 210) bytes or bits, or loosely 1,000. B 1,000. [sense 4 as abbreviation of *kilo-]
K3 symb. Potassium. [latin kalium]
K abbr. 1 kilo-. 2 knot(s).
Kaffir n. 1 hist. Member or language of a s. African people of the bantu family. 2 s.afr. Offens. Any black african. [arabic, = infidel]
Kafkaesque adj. Impenetrably oppressive or nightmarish, as in the fiction of franz kafka.
Kaftan var. Of *caftan.
Kaiser n. Hist. Emperor, esp. Of germany, austria, or the holy roman empire. [latin *caesar]
Kalashnikov n. Type of soviet rifle or sub-machine-gun. [russian]
Kale n. Variety of cabbage, esp. With wrinkled leaves and no heart. [northern var. Of *cole]
Kaleidoscope n. 1 tube containing mirrors and pieces of coloured glass etc. Producing changing reflected patterns when shaken. 2 constantly changing pattern, group, etc. kaleidoscopic adj. [greek kalos beautiful, eidos form, *-scope]
Kalends var. Of *calends.
Kaleyard n. Scot. Kitchen garden.
Kamikaze —n. Hist. 1 explosive-laden japanese aircraft deliberately crashed on a ship etc. During the war of 1939–45. 2 pilot of this. —attrib. Adj. 1 of a kamikaze. 2 reckless, esp. Suicidal. [japanese, = divine wind]
Kangaroo n. (pl. -s) australian marsupial with strong hind legs for jumping. [aboriginal]
Kangaroo court n. Illegal court, e.g. Held by strikers or mutineers.
Kaolin n. Fine soft white clay used esp. For porcelain and in medicines. [chinese kao-ling high hill]
Kapok n. Fine fibrous cotton-like substance from a tropical tree, used for padding. [malay]
Kappa n. Tenth letter of the greek alphabet (k, k). [greek]
Kaput predic. Adj. Slang broken, ruined. [german]
Karabiner n. Coupling link used by mountaineers. [german, literally ‘carbine’]
Karakul n. (also caracul) 1 asian sheep with a dark curled fleece when young. 2 fur of or like this. [russian]
Karaoke n. Entertainment in nightclubs etc. With customers singing to a backing track. [japanese, = empty orchestra]
Karate n. Japanese system of unarmed combat using the hands and feet as weapons. [japanese, = empty hand]
Karma n. Buddhism & hinduism person’s actions in previous lives, believed to decide his or her fate in future existences. [sanskrit, = action, fate]
Kauri n. (pl. -s) coniferous new zealand tree yielding timber and resin. [maori]
Kayak n. 1 eskimo one-man canoe of wood and sealskins. 2 small covered canoe. [eskimo]
Kazoo n. Toy musical instrument into which the player sings or hums. [origin uncertain]
Kbe abbr. Knight commander of the order of the british empire.
Kc abbr. King’s counsel.
Kc/s abbr. Kilocycles per second.
Kea n. New zealand parrot with brownish-green and red plumage. [maori, imitative]
Kebab n. Pieces of meat, vegetables, etc. Cooked on a skewer (cf. doner kebab, shish kebab). [urdu from arabic]
Kedge —v. (-ging) 1 move (a ship) with a hawser attached to a small anchor. 2 (of a ship) move in this way. —n. (in full kedge-anchor) small anchor for this purpose. [origin uncertain]
Kedgeree n. Dish of fish, rice, hard-boiled eggs, etc. [hindi]
Keel —n. Main lengthwise member of the base of a ship etc. —v. 1 (often foll. By over) (cause to) fall down or over. 2 turn keel upwards. on an even keel steady; balanced. [old norse]
Keelhaul v. 1 drag (a person) under the keel of a ship as a punishment. 2 scold or rebuke severely.
Keelson n. (also kelson) line of timber fastening a ship’s floor-timbers to its keel. [origin uncertain]
Keen1 adj. 1 enthusiastic, eager. 2 (foll. By on) enthusiastic about, fond of. 3 (of the senses) sharp. 4 intellectually acute. 5 (of a knife etc.) Sharp. 6 (of a sound, light, etc.) Penetrating, vivid. 7 (of a wind etc.) Piercingly cold. 8 (of a pain etc.) Acute. 9 (of a price) competitive. keenly adv. Keenness n. [old english]
Keen2 —n. Irish wailing funeral song. —v. (often foll. By over, for) wail mournfully, esp. At a funeral. [irish caoine from caoinim wail]
Keep —v. (past and past part. Kept) 1 have continuous charge of; retain possession of. 2 (foll. By for) retain or reserve for (a future time) (kept it for later). 3 retain or remain in a specified condition, position, place, etc. (keep cool; keep out; keep them happy; knives are kept here). 4 (foll. By from) restrain, hold back. 5 detain (what kept you?). 6 observe, honour, or respect (a law, custom, commitment, secret, etc.) (keep one’s word; keep the sabbath). 7 own and look after (animals). 8 a clothe, feed, maintain, etc. (a person, oneself, etc.). B (foll. By in) maintain (a person) with a supply of. 9 carry on; manage (a business etc.). 10 maintain (a diary, house, accounts, etc.) Regularly and in proper order. 11 normally have on sale (do you keep buttons?). 12 guard or protect (a person or place). 13 preserve (keep order). 14 (foll. By verbal noun) continue; repeat habitually (keeps telling me). 15 continue to follow (a way or course). 16 a (esp.
Of food) remain in good condition. B (of news etc.) Not suffer from delay in telling. 17 (often foll. By to) remain in (one’s bed, room, etc.). 18 maintain (a person) as one’s mistress etc. (kept woman). —n. 1 maintenance, food, etc.
(hardly earn your keep). 2 hist. Tower, esp. The central stronghold of a castle. for keeps colloq. Permanently, indefinitely. How are you keeping? How are you? Keep at (cause to) persist with. Keep away (often foll. By from) avoid, prevent from being near. Keep back 1 remain or keep at a distance. 2 retard the progress of. 3 conceal. 4 withhold (kept back £50). Keep down 1 hold in subjection. 2 keep low in amount. 3 stay hidden. 4 not vomit (food eaten). Keep one’s hair on see hair. Keep one’s hand in see hand. Keep in with remain on good terms with. Keep off 1 (cause to) stay away from. 2 ward off. 3 abstain from. 4 avoid (a subject) (let’s keep off religion). Keep on 1 continue; do continually (kept on laughing). 2 continue to employ. 3 (foll. By at) nag. Keep out 1 keep or remain outside. 2 exclude. Keep to 1 adhere to (a course, promise, etc.). 2 confine oneself to. Keep to oneself 1 avoid contact with others. 2 keep secret. Keep track of see *track. Keep under repress. Keep up 1 maintain (progress, morale, etc.). 2 keep in repair etc. 3 carry on (a correspondence etc.). 4 prevent from going to bed. 5 (often foll. By with) not fall behind.
Keeper n. 1 person who looks after or is in charge of animals, people, or a thing. 2 custodian of a museum, forest, etc. 3 a = *wicket-keeper. B = *goalkeeper. 4 a sleeper in a pierced ear. B ring that keeps another on the finger.
Keep-fit n. Regular physical exercises.
Keeping n. 1 custody, charge (in safe keeping). 2 agreement, harmony (esp. In or out of keeping (with)).
Keepsake n. Souvenir, esp. Of a person.
Keg n. Small barrel. [old norse]
Keg beer n. Beer kept in a metal keg under pressure.
Kelp n. 1 large brown seaweed suitable for manure. 2 its calcined ashes, formerly a source of sodium, potassium, etc. [origin unknown]
Kelpie n. Scot. 1 malevolent water-spirit, usu. In the form of a horse. 2 australian sheepdog. [origin unknown]
Kelson var. Of *keelson.
Kelt var. Of *celt.
Kelt n. Salmon or sea trout after spawning. [origin unknown]
Kelter var. Of *kilter.
Kelvin n. Si unit of thermodynamic temperature. [kelvin, name of a physicist]
Kelvin scale n. Scale of temperature with zero at absolute zero.
Ken —n. Range of knowledge or sight (beyond my ken). —v. (-nn-; past and past part. Kenned or kent) scot. & n.engl. 1 recognize at sight. 2 know. [old
past part. Kenned or kent) scot. & n.engl. 1 recognize at sight. 2 know. [old english, = make known: related to *can1]
Kendo n. Japanese fencing with two-handed bamboo swords. [japanese, = sword-way]
Kennel —n. 1 small shelter for a dog. 2 (in pl.) Breeding or boarding place for dogs. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) put into or keep in a kennel. [french chenil from latin canis dog]
Kent past and past part. Of *ken.
Kenyan —adj. Of kenya in e. Africa. —n. 1 native or national of kenya. 2 person of kenyan descent.
Kepi n. (pl. -s) french military cap with a horizontal peak. [french képi]
Kept past and past part. Of *keep.
Keratin n. Fibrous protein in hair, feathers, hooves, claws, horns, etc. [greek keras kerat-horn]
Kerb n. Stone edging to a pavement or raised path. [var. Of *curb]
Kerb-crawling n. Colloq. Driving slowly in order to engage a prostitute.
Kerb drill n. Precautions before crossing a road.
Kerbstone n. Stone forming part of a kerb.
Kerchief n. 1 headscarf, neckerchief. 2 poet. Handkerchief. [anglo-french courchef: related to cover, chief]
Kerfuffle n. Colloq. Fuss, commotion. [originally scots]
Kermes n. 1 female of an insect with a berry-like appearance. 2 (in full kermes oak) evergreen oak on which this feeds. 3 red dye made from these insects dried. [arabic]
Kernel n. 1 (usu. Soft) edible centre within the hard shell of a nut, fruit stone, seed, etc. 2 whole seed of a cereal. 3 essence of anything. [old english: related to *corn1]
Kerosene n. (also kerosine) esp. Us fuel oil for use in jet engines, boilers, etc.; paraffin oil. [greek keros wax]
Kestrel n. Small hovering falcon. [origin uncertain]
Ketch n. Small two-masted sailing-boat. [probably from *catch]
Ketchup n. (us catsup) spicy esp. Tomato sauce used as a condiment. [chinese]
Ketone n. Any of a class of organic compounds including propanone (acetone). [german keton, alteration of aketon *acetone]
Kettle n. Vessel for boiling water in. a different kettle of fish a different matter altogether. A fine (or pretty) kettle of fish iron. An awkward state of affairs. [old norse]
Kettledrum n. Large bowl-shaped drum.
Key1 —n. (pl. -s) 1 (usu. Metal) instrument for moving the bolt of a lock. 2 similar implement for operating a switch. 3 instrument for grasping screws, nuts, etc., or for winding a clock etc. 4 (often in pl.) Finger-operated button or lever on a typewriter, piano, computer terminal, etc. 5 means of advance, access, etc. (key to success). 6 (attrib.) Essential (key element). 7 a solution or explanation. B word or system for solving a cipher or code. C explanatory list of symbols used in a map, table, etc. 8 mus. System of notes related to each other and based on a particular note (key of c major).
Key2 n. Lowlying island or reef, esp. In the w. Indies. [spanish cayo]
Keyboard —n. 1 set of keys on a typewriter, computer, piano, etc. 2 electronic musical instrument with keys arranged as on a piano. —v. Enter (data) by means of a keyboard. keyboarder n. (in sense 1 of n.). Keyboardist n. (in sense 2 of n.).
Keyhole n. Hole in a door etc. For a key.
Keyhole surgery n. Colloq. Minimally invasive surgery carried out through a very small incision.
Keynesian adj. Of the economic theories of j. M. Keynes, esp. Regarding state intervention in the economy.
Keynote n. 1 (esp. Attrib.) Prevailing tone or idea, esp. In a speech, conference, etc. 2 mus. Note on which a key is based.
Keypad n. Miniature keyboard etc. For a portable electronic device, telephone, etc.
Keypunch —n. Device for recording data by means of punched holes or notches on cards or paper tape. —v. Record (data) thus.
Key-ring n. Ring for keeping keys on.
Key signature n. Mus. Any of several combinations of sharps or flats indicating the key of a composition.
Keystone n. 1 central principle of a system, policy, etc. 2 central locking stone in
an arch.
Keystroke n. Single depression of a key on a keyboard, esp. As a measure of work.
Keyword n. 1 key to a cipher etc. 2 a word of great significance. B significant word used in indexing.
Kg abbr. Knight of the order of the garter.
Kg abbr. Kilogram(s).
Kgb n. State security police of the former ussr. [russian abbreviation, = committee of state security]
Khaki —adj. Dull brownish-yellow. —n. (pl. -s) 1 khaki fabric or uniform. 2 dull brownish-yellow colour. [urdu, = dusty]
Khan n. Title of rulers and officials in central asia, afghanistan, etc. khanate n. [turki, = lord]
Khz abbr. Kilohertz.
Kibbutz n. (pl. Kibbutzim) communal esp. Farming settlement in israel. [hebrew,
Kibbutz n. (pl. Kibbutzim) communal esp. Farming settlement in israel. [hebrew, = gathering]
Kibosh n. Slang nonsense. put the kibosh on put an end to. [origin unknown]
Kick —v. 1 strike, strike out, or propel forcibly, with the foot or hoof. 2 (often foll. By at, against) protest at; rebel against. 3 slang give up (a habit). 4 (often foll. By out etc.) Expel or dismiss forcibly. 5 refl. Be annoyed with oneself. 6 football score (a goal) by a kick. —n. 1 kicking action or blow. 2 colloq. A sharp stimulant effect, esp. Of alcohol. B (often in pl.) Thrill (did it for kicks). 3 strength, resilience (no kick left). 4 colloq. Specified temporary interest (on a jogging kick). 5 recoil of a gun when fired. kick about (or around) colloq. 1 a drift idly from place to place. B be unused or unwanted. 2 a treat roughly. B discuss unsystematically. Kick the bucket slang die. Kick one’s heels see *heel1.
Kickback n. Colloq. 1 recoil. 2 (usu. Illegal) payment for help or favours, esp. In business.
Kick-off n. Football start or resumption of a match.
Kickstand n. Rod for supporting a bicycle or motor cycle when stationary.
Kick-start —n. (also kick-starter) device to start the engine of a motor cycle etc.
By the downward thrust of a pedal. —v. Start (a motor cycle etc.) In this way.
Kid1 —n. 1 young goat. 2 leather from this. 3 colloq. Child. —v. (-dd-) (of a goat) give birth. handle with kid gloves treat carefully. [old norse]
Kid2 v. (also refl.) (-dd-) colloq. Deceive, trick, tease (don’t kid yourself; only kidding). no kidding slang that is the truth. [origin uncertain]
Kiddie n. (also kiddy) (pl. -ies) slang = *kid1 n. 3.
Kiddo n. (pl. -s) slang = *kid1 n. 3.
Kidnap v. (-pp-; us -p-) 1 abduct (a person etc.), esp. To obtain a ransom. 2 steal (a child). kidnapper n. [from kid1, nap = nab]
Kidney n. (pl. -s) 1 either of two organs in the abdominal cavity of vertebrates which remove nitrogenous wastes from the blood and excrete urine. 2 animal’s kidney as food. [origin unknown]
Kidney bean n. Red-skinned dried bean.
Kidney machine n. Machine able to take over the function of a damaged kidney.
Kidney-shaped adj. Having one side concave and the other convex.
Kill —v. 1 (also absol.) Deprive of life or vitality; cause death or the death of. 2 destroy (feelings etc.). 3 refl. Colloq. A overexert oneself (don’t kill yourself trying). B laugh heartily. 4 colloq. Overwhelm with amusement. 5 switch off (a light, engine, etc.). 6 computing colloq. Delete. 7 colloq. Cause pain or discomfort to (my feet are killing me). 8 pass (time, or a specified period) usu.
While waiting (an hour to kill before the interview). 9 defeat (a bill in parliament). 10 a tennis etc. Hit (the ball) so that it cannot be returned. B stop (the ball) dead. 11 make ineffective (taste, sound, pain, etc.) (carpet killed the sound). —n. 1 act of killing (esp. In hunting). 2 animal(s) killed, esp. By a hunter. 3 colloq. Destruction or disablement of an enemy aircraft etc. dressed to kill dressed showily or alluringly. In at the kill present at a successful conclusion. Kill off 1 destroy completely. 2 (of an author) bring about the death of (a fictional character). Kill or cure (usu. Attrib.) (of a remedy etc.) Drastic, extreme. Kill two birds with one stone achieve two aims at once. Kill with kindness spoil with overindulgence. [perhaps related to *quell]
Killer n. 1 a person, animal, or thing that kills. B murderer. 2 colloq. A impressive, formidable, or excellent thing. B hilarious joke.
Killer instinct n. 1 innate tendency to kill. 2 ruthless streak.
Killer whale n. Dolphin with a prominent dorsal fin.
Killing —n. 1 a causing of death. B instance of this. 2 colloq. Great (esp.
Financial) success (make a killing). —adj. Colloq. 1 very funny. 2 exhausting.
Killjoy n. Gloomy or censorious person, esp. At a party etc.
Kiln n. Furnace or oven for burning, baking, or drying, esp. For calcining lime or firing pottery etc. [old english from latin culina kitchen]
Kilo n. (pl. -s) kilogram. [french, abbreviation]
Kilo-comb. Form 1,000 (esp. In metric units). [greek khilioi]
Kilobyte n. Computing 1,024 (i.e. 210) bytes as a measure of memory size etc.
Kilocalorie n. = large calorie (see *calorie).
Kilocycle n. Hist. Kilohertz.
Kilogram n. (also -gramme) si unit of mass, approx. 2.205 lb.
Kilohertz n. 1,000 hertz, 1,000 cycles per second.
Kilojoule n. 1,000 joules, esp. As a measure of the energy value of foods.
Kiloliter n. (brit. -litre) 1,000 litres (220 imperial gallons).
Kilolitre n. (us -liter) 1,000 litres (220 imperial gallons).
Kilometer n. (brit. -metre) 1,000 metres (approx. 0.62 miles). kilometric adj.
Usage the second pronunciation given, with the stress on the second syllable, is considered incorrect by some people.
Kilometre n. (us -meter) 1,000 metres (approx. 0.62 miles). kilometric adj.
Usage the second pronunciation given, with the stress on the second syllable, is considered incorrect by some people.
Kiloton n. (also kilotonne) unit of explosive power equivalent to 1,000 tons of tnt.
Kilovolt n. 1,000 volts.
Kilowatt n. 1,000 watts.
Kilowatt-hour n. Electrical energy equivalent to a power consumption of 1,000 watts for one hour.
Kilt —n. Pleated knee-length usu. Tartan skirt, traditionally worn by highland men. —v. 1 tuck up (the skirts) round the body. 2 (esp. As kilted adj.) Gather in vertical pleats. [scandinavian]
Kilter n. (also kelter) good working order (esp. Out of kilter). [origin unknown]
Kimono n. (pl. -s) 1 long sashed japanese robe. 2 similar dressing-gown. [japanese]
Kin —n. One’s relatives or family. —predic. Adj. Related. [old english]
Kind —n. 1 race, species, or natural group of animals, plants, etc. (human kind). 2 class, type, sort, variety. 3 natural way, fashion, etc. (true to kind). —adj. (often foll. By to) friendly, generous, or benevolent. in kind 1 in the same form, likewise (was insulted and replied in kind). 2 (of payment) in goods or labour, not money. 3 character, quality (differ in degree but not in kind). Kind of colloq. To some extent (i kind of expected it). A kind of loosely resembling (he’s a kind of doctor). [old english]
Usage in sense 2 of the noun, these kinds of is usually preferred to these kind of.
Kindergarten n. Class or school for very young children. [german, = children’s garden]
Kind-hearted adj. Of a kind disposition. kind-heartedly adv. Kind-heartedness n.
Kindle v. (-ling) 1 light, catch, or set on fire. 2 arouse or inspire. 3 become aroused or animated. [old norse]
Kindling n. Small sticks etc. For lighting fires.
Kindly1 adv. 1 in a kind manner (spoke kindly). 2 often iron. Please (kindly go away). look kindly upon regard sympathetically. Take kindly to be pleased by; like.
Kindred spirit n. Person like or in sympathy with oneself.
Kinematics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Branch of mechanics concerned with the motion of objects without reference to cause. kinematic adj. [greek kinema – matos motion]
Kinetic adj. Of or due to motion. kinetically adv. [greek kineo move]
Kinetic art n. Sculpture etc. Designed to move.
Kinetic energy n. Energy of motion.
Kinetics n.pl. 1 = *dynamics 1a. 2 (usu. Treated as sing.) Branch of physical chemistry measuring and studying the rates of chemical reactions.
King n. 1 (as a title usu. King) male sovereign, esp. A hereditary ruler. 2 pre-eminent person or thing (oil king). 3 (attrib.) Large (or the largest) kind of plant, animal, etc. (king penguin). 4 chess piece which must be checkmated for a win. 5 crowned piece in draughts. 6 court-card depicting a king. 7 (the king) national anthem when the sovereign is male. kingly adj. Kingship n. [old english]
King charles spaniel n. Small black and tan spaniel.
Kingcup n. Marsh marigold.
Kingdom n. 1 territory or state ruled by a king or queen. 2 spiritual reign or sphere of god. 3 domain. 4 division of the natural world (plant kingdom). 5 specified sphere (kingdom of the heart). [old english]
Kingdom come n. Colloq. The next world.
Kingfisher n. Small bird with brightly coloured plumage, diving for fish etc.
King of arms n. A chief herald.
King of beasts n. Lion.
King of beasts n. Lion.
King of birds n. Eagle.
Kingpin n. 1 main, large, or vertical bolt, esp. As a pivot. 2 essential person or thing.
King-post n. Upright post from the tie-beam of a roof to the apex of a truss.
King’s counsel n. = *queen’s counsel.
King’s english n. = *queen’s english.
King’s evidence see *evidence.
King’s guide n. = *queen’s guide.
King’s highway n. = *queen’s highway.
King-size adj. (also -sized) very large.
King’s proctor n. = *queen’s proctor.
King’s scout n. = *queen’s scout.
Kink —n. 1 a twist or bend in wire etc. B tight wave in hair. 2 mental twist or quirk, esp. When perverse. —v. (cause to) form a kink. [low german or dutch]
Kinky adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 colloq. A sexually perverted or unconventional. B (of clothing etc.) Bizarre and sexually provocative. 2 having kinks. kinkily adv. Kinkiness n.
Kinsfolk n.pl. One’s blood relations.
Kinship n. 1 blood relationship. 2 likeness; sympathy.
Kinsman n. (fem. Kinswoman) 1 blood relation. 2 relation by marriage.
Usage use of kinsman in sense 2 is considered incorrect by some people.
Kiosk n. 1 light open-fronted booth selling food, newspapers, tickets, etc. 2 telephone box. [turkish from persian]
Kip slang —n. 1 sleep; nap. 2 bed or cheap lodgings. —v. (-pp-) (often foll. By down) sleep. [cf. Danish kippe mean hut]
Kipper —n. Fish, esp. A herring, split, salted, dried, and usu. Smoked. —v. Cure (a herring etc.) Thus. [origin uncertain]
Kir n. Dry white wine with crème de cassis.
Kirby-grip n. (also kirbigrip propr.) Type of sprung hairgrip. [kirby, name of the manufacturer]
Kirk n. Scot. & n.engl. 1 church. 2 (the kirk or the kirk of scotland) church of scotland. [old norse kirkja = *church]
Kirk-session n. Lowest court in the church of scotland.
Kirsch n. Brandy distilled from cherries. [german, = cherry]
Kismet n. Destiny, fate. [turkish from arabic]
Kiss —v. 1 touch with the lips, esp. As a sign of love, affection, greeting, or reverence. 2 (of two people) touch each others’ lips in this way. 3 lightly touch. —n. 1 touch with the lips. 2 light touch. kiss and tell recount one’s sexual exploits. Kiss a person’s arse coarse slang toady to. Kiss the dust submit abjectly. [old english]
Kiss-curl n. Small curl of hair on the forehead, nape, etc.
Kisser n. 1 person who kisses. 2 slang mouth; face.
Kiss of death n. Apparent good luck etc. Which causes ruin.
Kiss of life n. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Kissogram n. (also kissagram propr.) Novelty telegram or greeting delivered with a kiss.
Kit —n. 1 articles, equipment, etc. For a specific purpose (first-aid kit). 2 specialized, esp. Sports, clothing or uniform (football kit). 3 set of parts needed to assemble furniture, a model, etc. —v. (-tt-) (often foll.
Kitbag n. Large usu. Cylindrical bag used for a soldier’s or traveller’s kit.
Kitchen n. 1 place where food is prepared and cooked. 2 kitchen fitments (half-price kitchens). [latin coquina]
Kitchenette n. Small kitchen or cooking area.
Kitchen garden n. Garden with vegetables, fruit, herbs, etc.
Kitchenware n. Cooking utensils.
Kite n. 1 light framework with a thin covering flown on a string in the wind. 2 soaring bird of prey. [old english]
Kitemark n. Official kite-shaped mark on goods approved by the british standards institution.
Kith n. kith and kin friends and relations. [old english, originally ‘knowledge’:
related to *can1]
Kitsch n. (often attrib.) Vulgar, pretentious, or worthless art. kitschy adj. (-ier, – iest). [german]
Kitten —n. Young cat, ferret, etc. —v. (of a cat etc.) Give birth (to). have kittens colloq. Be very upset or anxious. [anglo-french diminutive of chat *cat]
Kittenish adj. Playful, lively, or flirtatious.
Kittiwake n. A kind of small seagull. [imitative of its cry]
Kitty1 n. (pl. -ies) 1 fund of money for communal use. 2 pool in some card-games. [origin unknown]
Kitty2 n. (pl. -ies) childish name for a kitten or cat.
Kiwi n. (pl. -s) 1 flightless long-billed new zealand bird. 2 (kiwi) colloq. New zealander. [maori]
Kiwi fruit n. Green-fleshed fruit of a climbing plant.
Kj abbr. Kilojoule(s).
Kl abbr. Kilolitre(s).
Klaxon n. Propr. Horn or warning hooter. [name of the manufacturer]
Kleenex n. (pl. Same or -nexes) propr. Disposable paper handkerchief.
Kleptomania n. Obsessive apparently motiveless urge to steal. kleptomaniac n.
adj. [greek kleptes thief] Km abbr. Kilometre(s).
Knack n. 1 acquired faculty or trick of doing a thing. 2 habit (a knack of offending people). [origin unknown]
Knacker —n. Buyer of useless horses etc. For slaughter, or of old houses, ships, etc. For the materials. —v. Slang (esp. As knackered adj.) Exhaust, wear out.[origin unknown]
Knapsack n. Soldier’s or hiker’s usu. Canvas bag carried on the back. [german knappen bite, *sack1]
Knapweed n. Plant with thistle-like purple flowers. [from knop ornamental knob or tuft]
Knave n. 1 rogue, scoundrel. 2 = *jack n. 2. knavery n. (pl. -ies). Knavish adj. [old english, originally = boy, servant]
Knead v. 1 a work into a dough, paste, etc. By pummelling. B make (bread, pottery, etc.) Thus. 2 massage (muscles etc.) As if kneading. [old english]
Knee —n. 1 a (often attrib.) Joint between the thigh and the lower leg in humans. B corresponding joint in other animals. C area around this. D lap (sat on his knee). 2 part of a garment covering the knee. —v. (knees, kneed, kneeing) 1 touch or strike with the knee (kneed him in the groin). 2 colloq. Make (trousers) bulge at the knee. bring a person to his (or her) knees reduce a person to submission. [old english]
Knee-bend n. Bending of the knee, esp. As a physical exercise.
Knee-breeches n.pl. Close-fitting trousers to the knee or just below.
Kneecap —n. 1 convex bone in front of the knee. 2 protective covering for the knee. —v. (-pp-) slang (of a terrorist) shoot (a person) in the knee or leg as a punishment.
Knee-deep adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By in) a immersed up to the knees. B deeply involved. 2 so deep as to reach the knees.
Knee-high adj. So high as to reach the knees.
Knee-jerk n. 1 sudden involuntary kick caused by a blow on the tendon just below the knee. 2 (attrib.) Predictable, automatic, stereotyped.
Kneel v. (past and past part. Knelt or esp. Us kneeled) fall or rest on the knees or a knee. [old english: related to *knee]
Knee-length adj. Reaching the knees.
Kneeler n. 1 cushion for kneeling on. 2 person who kneels.
Knees-up n. Colloq. Lively party or gathering.
Knell —n. 1 sound of a bell, esp. For a death or funeral. 2 announcement, event, etc., regarded as an ill omen. —v. 1 ring a knell. 2 proclaim by or as by a knell. [old english]
[old english]
Knelt past and past part. Of *kneel.
Knew past of *know.
Knickerbocker n. (in pl.) Loose-fitting breeches gathered at the knee or calf. [the pseudonym of w. Irving, author of history of new york]
Knickerbocker glory n. Ice-cream served with fruit etc. In a tall glass.
Knickers n.pl. Woman’s or girl’s undergarment for the lower torso. [abbreviation of *knickerbocker]
Knick-knack n. (also nick-nack) trinket or small dainty ornament etc. [from *knack in the obsolete sense ‘trinket’]
Knife —n. (pl. Knives) 1 metal blade for cutting or as a weapon, with usu. One long sharp edge fixed in a handle. 2 cutting-blade in a machine. 3 (as the knife) surgical operation. —v. (-fing) cut or stab with a knife. at knife-point threatened with a knife or an ultimatum etc. Get (or have got) one’s knife into treat maliciously, persecute. [old english]
Knife-edge n. 1 edge of a knife. 2 position of extreme danger or uncertainty.
Knife-pleat n. Narrow flat usu. Overlapping pleat on a skirt etc.
Knight —n. 1 man awarded a non-hereditary title (sir) by a sovereign. 2 hist. A man, usu. Noble, raised to honourable military rank after service as a page and squire. B military follower, attendant, or lady’s champion in a war or tournament. 3 man devoted to a cause, woman, etc. 4 chess piece usu. Shaped like a horse’s head. —v. Confer a knighthood on. knighthood n. Knightly adj. Poet. [old english, originally = boy]
Knight commander see *commander.
Knight errant n. 1 medieval knight in search of chivalrous adventures. 2 chivalrous or quixotic man. knight-errantry n.
Knit v. (-tt-; past and past part. Knitted or (esp. In senses 2–4) knit) 1 (also absol.) A make (a garment etc.) By interlocking loops of esp. Wool with knitting-needles or a knitting-machine. B make (a plain stitch) in knitting (knit one, purl one). 2 momentarily wrinkle (the forehead) or (of the forehead) become momentarily wrinkled. 3 (often foll. By together) make or become close or compact. 4 (often foll. By together) (of a broken bone) become joined; heal. knit up make or repair by knitting. knitter n. [old english]
Knitting n. Work being knitted.
Knitting-machine n. Machine for knitting.
Knitting-needle n. Thin pointed rod used esp. In pairs for knitting by hand.
Knitwear n. Knitted garments.
Knives pl. Of *knife.
Knob n. 1 rounded protuberance, esp. At the end or on the surface of a thing, e.g. The handle of a door, drawer, a radio control, etc. 2 small piece (of butter etc.). with knobs on slang that and more (same to you with knobs on). knobby adj. Knoblike adj. [low german knobbe knot, knob]
Knobbly adj. (-ier, -iest) hard and lumpy. [knobble, diminutive of *knob]
Knock —v. 1 a strike with an audible sharp blow. B (often foll. By at) strike (a door etc.) To gain admittance. 2 make (a hole etc.) By knocking. 3 (usu. Foll. By in, out, off, etc.) Drive (a thing, person, etc.) By striking (knocked the ball into the hole; knocked those ideas out of him). 4 slang criticize. 5 a (of an engine) make a thumping or rattling noise. B = *pink3. 6 coarse slang offens. = knock off 6. —n. 1 act or sound of knocking. 2 knocking sound in esp. An engine. knock about (or around) colloq. 1 strike repeatedly; treat roughly. 2 a wander aimlessly or adventurously. B be present, esp. By chance (a cup knocking about somewhere). C (usu. Foll. By with) be associated socially. Knock back 1 slang eat or drink, esp. Quickly. 2 slang disconcert. Knock down 1 strike (esp. A person) to the ground. 2 demolish. 3 (usu. Foll.
Knock-down attrib. Adj. 1 overwhelming. 2 (of a price) very low. 3 (of a price at auction) reserve. 4 (of furniture etc.) Easily dismantled and reassembled.
Knocker n. 1 hinged esp. Metal instrument on a door for knocking with. 2 (in pl.) Coarse slang woman’s breasts.
Knocking-shop n. Slang brothel.
Knock knees n.pl. Abnormal curvature of the legs inwards at the knee. knock-kneed adj.
Knock-on effect n. Secondary, indirect, or cumulative effect.
Knockout n. 1 act of making unconscious by a blow. 2 (usu. Attrib.) Boxing etc. Such a blow. 3 competition in which the loser in each round is eliminated (also attrib.: knockout round). 4 colloq. Outstanding or irresistible person or thing.
Knock-up n. Practice at tennis etc.
Knoll n. Hillock, mound. [old english]
Knot1 —n. 1 a intertwining of rope, string, hair, etc., so as to fasten. B set method of this (reef knot). C knotted ribbon etc. As an ornament. D tangle in
hair, knitting, etc. 2 unit of a ship’s or aircraft’s speed, equivalent to one nautical mile per hour. 3 (usu. Foll. By of) cluster (knot of journalists). 4 bond, esp. Of marriage. 5 hard lump of organic tissue. 6 a hard mass in a tree-trunk where a branch grows out. B round cross-grained piece in timber marking this. 7 central point in a problem etc. —v. (-tt-) 1 tie in a knot. 2 entangle. 3 unite closely. at a rate of knots colloq. Very fast. Tie in knots colloq. Baffle or confuse completely. [old english]
Knot2 n. Small sandpiper. [origin unknown]
Knotgrass n. Wild plant with creeping stems and small pink flowers.
Knot-hole n. Hole in timber where a knot has fallen out.
Knotty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 full of knots. 2 puzzling (knotty problem).
Know v. (past knew; past part. Known) 1 (often foll. By that, how, what, etc.) A have in the mind; have learnt; be able to recall (knows a lot about cars). B (also absol.) Be aware of (a fact) (i think he knows). C have a good command of (knew german; knows his tables).
Know-all n. Colloq. Person who claims or seems to know everything.
Know-how n. Practical knowledge; natural skill.
Knowing adj. 1 suggesting that one has inside information (a knowing look). 2 showing knowledge; shrewd.
Knowingly adv. 1 consciously; intentionally (wouldn’t knowingly hurt him). 2 in a knowing manner (smiled knowingly).
Knowledge n. 1 a (usu. Foll. By of) awareness or familiarity (of or with a person or thing) (have no knowledge of that). B person’s range of information. 2 a (usu. Foll. By of) understanding of a subject etc. (good knowledge of greek). B sum of what is known (every branch of knowledge). to my knowledge as far as i know.
Knuckle —n. 1 bone at a finger-joint, esp. That connecting the finger to the hand. 2 a knee-or ankle-joint of a quadruped. B this as a joint of meat, esp. Of bacon or pork. —v. (-ling) strike, press, or rub with the knuckles. knuckle down (often foll. By to) 1 apply oneself seriously (to a task etc.). 2 (also knuckle under) give in; submit. [low german or dutch diminutive of knoke bone]
Knuckleduster n. Metal guard worn over the knuckles in fighting, esp. In order to inflict greater damage.
Knuckle sandwich n. Slang punch in the mouth.
Knurl n. Small projecting knob, ridge, etc. [low german or dutch]
Ko abbr. Knockout.
Koala n. (in full koala bear) small australian bearlike marsupial with thick grey fur. [aboriginal]
Kohl n. Black powder used as eye make-up, esp. In eastern countries. [arabic]
Kohlrabi n. (pl. -bies) cabbage with an edible turnip-like swollen stem. [german, from italian cavolo rapa]
Kola var. Of *cola.
Kolkhoz n. Collective farm in the ussr. [russian]
Koodoo var. Of *kudu.
Kook n. Us slang crazy or eccentric person. kooky adj. (-ier, -iest). [probably from *cuckoo]
Kookaburra n. Australian kingfisher with a strange laughing cry. [aboriginal]
Kopek (also kopeck) var. Of *copeck.
Kopek (also kopeck) var. Of *copeck.
Koppie n. (also kopje) s.afr. Small hill. [afrikaans koppie little head]
Koran n. Islamic sacred book. [arabic, = recitation]
Korean —n. 1 native or national of n. Or s. Korea. 2 language or korea. —adj.
Of korea, its people, or language.
Kosher —adj. 1 (of food or a food-shop) fulfilling the requirements of jewish law. 2 colloq. Correct, genuine, legitimate. —n. Kosher food or shop. [hebrew, = proper]
Kowtow —n. Hist. Chinese custom of kneeling with the forehead touching the ground, esp. In submission. —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By to) act obsequiously. 2 hist. Perform the kowtow. [chinese, = knock the head]
K.p.h. Abbr. Kilometres per hour.
Kr symb. Krypton.
K.p.h. Abbr. Kilometres per hour.
Kr symb. Krypton.
Kraal n. S.afr. 1 village of huts enclosed by a fence. 2 enclosure for cattle or sheep. [afrikaans from portuguese curral, of hottentot origin]
Kraut n. Slang offens. German. [shortening of *sauerkraut]
Kremlin n. 1 (the kremlin) a citadel in moscow. B russian government housed within it. 2 citadel within a russian town. [russian]
Krill n. Tiny planktonic crustaceans. [norwegian kril tiny fish]
Krona n. 1 (pl. Kronor) chief monetary unit of sweden. 2 (pl. Kronur) chief monetary unit of iceland. [swedish and icelandic, = *crown]
Krone n. (pl. Kroner) chief monetary unit of denmark and norway. [danish and norwegian, = *crown]
Krugerrand n. S. African gold coin. [kruger, name of a s. African statesman]
Krummhorn n. (also crumhorn) medieval wind instrument. [german]
Krypton n. Inert gaseous element used in fluorescent lamps etc. [greek krupto hide]
Kt. Abbr. Knight.
Kt. Abbr. Knight.
Kt. Abbr. Knot.
Ku symb. Kurchatovium.
Kudos n. Colloq. Glory; renown. [greek]
Kudu n. (also koodoo) (pl. Same or -s) african antelope with white stripes and corkscrew-shaped ridged horns. [xhosa]
Kufic (also cufic) —n. Early angular form of the arabic alphabet used esp. In decorative inscriptions. —adj. Of or in this script. [from kufa, city in iraq]
Ku klux klan n. Secret white racist society in the southern us. [origin uncertain]
Kümmel n. Sweet liqueur flavoured with caraway and cumin seeds. [german:
related to *cumin]
Kumquat n. (also cumquat) 1 small orange-like fruit. 2 shrub or small tree yielding this. [chinese kin kü gold orange]
Kung fu n. Chinese form of karate. [chinese]
Kurchatovium n. = *rutherfordium. [kurchatov, name of a russian physicist]
Kv abbr. Kilovolt(s).
Kw abbr. Kilowatt(s).
Kwh abbr. Kilowatt-hour(s).
Kyle n. (in scotland) narrow channel, strait. [gaelic caol strait]
L
L1 n. (also l) (pl. Ls or l’s) 1 twelfth letter of the alphabet. 2 (as a roman numeral) 50.
L2 abbr. (also l.) 1 learner driver. 2 lake.
L abbr. (also l.) 1 left. 2 line. 3 litre(s).
abbr. Pound(s) (money). [latin libra] La abbr. Los angeles.
La symb. Lanthanum. La var. Of *lah.
Lab. Abbr. Labour.
Lab n. Colloq. Laboratory. [abbreviation]
Label —n. 1 piece of paper etc. Attached to an object to give information about it. 2 short classifying phrase applied to a person etc. 3 logo, title, or trademark of a company. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 attach a label to. 2 (usu. Foll. By as) assign to a category. 3 replace (an atom) by an atom of a usu. Radioactive isotope as a means of identification. [french]
Labial —adj. 1 a of the lips. B of, like, or serving as a lip. 2 (of a sound) requiring partial or complete closure of the lips. —n. Labial sound (e.g. P, m, v). [latin labia lips]
Labium n. (pl. Labia) (usu. In pl.) Each fold of skin of the two pairs enclosing the vulva. [latin, = lip]
Labor etc. Us & austral. Var. Of *labour etc.
Laboratory n. (pl. -ies) room, building, or establishment for scientific experiments, research, chemical manufacture, etc. [latin: related to *laborious]
Laborer n. (brit. Labourer) person doing unskilled, usu. Manual, work for wages.
Laborious adj. 1 needing hard work or toil. 2 (esp. Of literary style) showing signs of toil. laboriously adv. [latin: related to *labour]
Labour (us & austral. Labor) —n. 1 physical or mental work; exertion. 2 a workers, esp. Manual, considered as a political and economic force. B (labour) labour party. 3 process of childbirth. 4 particular task. —v. 1 work hard; exert oneself. 2 a elaborate needlessly (don’t labour the point). B (as laboured adj.)
Done with great effort; not spontaneous.
Labour camp n. Prison camp enforcing a regime of hard labour.
Labour day n. May 1 (or in the us and canada the first monday in september), celebrated in honour of working people.
Labourer n. (us laborer) person doing unskilled, usu. Manual, work for wages.
Labour exchange n. Colloq. Or hist. Employment exchange.
Labour party n. Political party formed to represent the interests of working people.
Labour-saving adj. Designed to reduce or eliminate work.
Labrador n. Retriever of a breed with a black or golden coat. [labrador in canada]
Laburnum n. Tree with drooping golden flowers yielding poisonous seeds. [latin]
Labyrinth n. 1 complicated network of passages etc. 2 intricate or tangled arrangement. 3 the complex structure of the inner ear. labyrinthine adj. [latin from greek]
Lac n. Resinous substance secreted as a protective covering by a se asian insect. [hindustani]
Lace —n. 1 fine open fabric or trimming, made by weaving thread in patterns. 2 cord etc. Passed through holes or hooks for fastening shoes etc. —v. (-cing) 1 (usu. Foll. By up) fasten or tighten with a lace or laces. 2 add spirits to (a drink). 3 (often foll. By through) pass (a shoelace etc.) Through. [latin laqueus noose]
Lacerate v. (-ting) 1 mangle or tear (esp. Flesh etc.). 2 cause pain to (the feelings etc.). laceration n. [latin lacer torn]
Lace-up —n. Shoe fastened with a lace. —attrib. Adj. (of a shoe etc.) Fastened by a lace or laces.
Lachrymal adj. (also lacrimal) of or for tears (lacrimal duct). [latin lacrima tear]
Lachrymose adj. Formal given to weeping; tearful.
Lack —n. (usu. Foll. By of) want, deficiency. —v. Be without or deficient in. [low german or dutch]
Lackey n. (pl. -s) 1 servile follower; toady. 2 footman, manservant. [catalan alacay]
Lacking adj. Absent or deficient (money was lacking; is lacking in determination).
Lackluster adj. (brit. Lacklustre) 1 lacking in vitality etc. 2 dull.
Lacklustre adj. (us lackluster) 1 lacking in vitality etc. 2 dull.
Laconic adj. Terse, using few words. laconically adv. [greek lakon spartan]
Lacquer —n. 1 varnish made of shellac or a synthetic substance. 2 substance sprayed on the hair to keep it in place. —v. Coat with lacquer. [french lacre *lac]
Lacrimal var. Of *lachrymal.
Lacrosse n. Game like hockey, but with the ball carried in a crosse. [french la the, *crosse]
Lactate1 v. (-ting) (of mammals) secrete milk. [as *lactation]
Lactate2 n. Salt or ester of lactic acid.
Lactation n. 1 secretion of milk. 2 suckling. [latin: related to *lactic]
Lacteal —adj. 1 of milk. 2 conveying chyle etc. —n. (in pl.) Anat. Vessels which absorb fats. [latin lacteus: related to *lactic]
Lactic adj. Of milk. [latin lac lactis milk]
Lactic acid n. Acid formed esp. In sour milk.
Lactose n. Sugar that occurs in milk.
Lacuna n. (pl. Lacunae or -s) 1 gap. 2 missing portion etc., esp. In an ancient ms etc. [latin: related to *lake1]
Lacy adj. (-ier, -iest) of or resembling lace fabric.
Lad n. 1 boy, youth. 2 colloq. Man. [origin unknown]
Ladder —n. 1 set of horizontal bars fixed between two uprights and used for climbing up or down. 2 vertical strip of unravelled stitching in a stocking etc. 3 hierarchical structure, esp. As a means of career advancement. —v. 1 cause a ladder in (a stocking etc.).
Ladder-back n. Upright chair with a back resembling a ladder.
Ladder-back n. Upright chair with a back resembling a ladder.
Lade v. (-ding; past part. Laden) 1 a load (a ship). B ship (goods). 2 (as laden adj.) (usu. Foll. By with) loaded, burdened. [old english]
La-di-da adj. Colloq. Pretentious or snobbish, esp. In manner or speech. [imitative]
Ladies’ man n. (also lady’s man) man fond of female company.
Ladle —n. Deep long-handled spoon used for serving liquids. —v. (-ling) (often foll. By out) transfer (liquid) with a ladle. [old english]
Lady n. (pl. -ies) 1 a woman regarded as being of superior social status or as having refined manners. B (lady) title of peeresses, female relatives of peers, the wives and widows of knights, etc. 2 (often attrib.) Woman; female (ask that lady; lady butcher). 3 colloq. Wife, girlfriend. 4 ruling woman (lady of the house). 5 (the ladies or ladies’) women’s public lavatory. [old english, = loaf-kneader]
Ladybird n. Small beetle, usu. Red with black spots.
Lady chapel n. Chapel dedicated to the virgin mary.
Lady day n. Feast of the annunciation, 25 mar.
Lady-in-waiting n. Lady attending a queen or princess.
Lady-killer n. Habitual seducer of women.
Ladylike adj. Like or befitting a lady.
Ladyship n. her (or your) ladyship respectful form of reference or address to a lady.
Lady’s slipper n. Plant of the orchid family with a slipper-shaped lip on its flowers.
Lag1 —v. (-gg-) fall behind; not keep pace. —n. Delay. [origin uncertain]
Lager n. A kind of light effervescent beer. [german, = store]
Lager lout n. Colloq. Youth behaving violently etc. As a result of excessive drinking.
Laggard n. Person who lags behind.
Lagging n. Material used to lag a boiler etc. Against loss of heat.
Lagoon n. Stretch of salt water separated from the sea by a sandbank, reef, etc. [latin *lacuna pool]
Lah n. (also la) mus. Sixth note of a major scale. [latin labii, word arbitrarily taken]
Laid past and past part. Of *lay1.
Laid-back adj. Relaxed; easygoing.
Laid paper n. Paper with the surface marked in fine ribs.
Laid up adj. Confined to bed or the house.
Lain past part. Of *lie1.
Lair n. 1 wild animal’s resting-place. 2 person’s hiding-place. [old english]
Laird n. Scot. Landed proprietor. [from *lord]
Laissez-faire n. (also laisser-faire) policy of non-interference. [french, = let act]
Laity n. Lay people, as distinct from the clergy. [from *lay2]
Lake1 n. Large body of water surrounded by land. [latin lacus]
Lake2 n. 1 reddish pigment orig. Made from lac. 2 pigment obtained by combining an organic colouring matter with a metallic oxide, hydroxide, or salt. [var. Of *lac]
Lake district n. (also the lakes) region of lakes in cumbria.
Lakh n. Ind. (usu. Foll. By of) hundred thousand (rupees etc.). [hindustani lakh]
Lam v. (-mm-) slang thrash; hit. [perhaps scandinavian]
Lama n. Tibetan or mongolian buddhist monk. [tibetan]
Lamasery n. (pl. -ies) monastery of lamas. [french]
Lamb —n. 1 young sheep. 2 its flesh as food. 3 mild, gentle, or kind person. —v. Give birth to lambs. the lamb (or lamb of god) name for christ. [old english]
Lambada n. Fast erotic brazilian dance in which couples dance with their stomachs touching each other. [portuguese, = a beating]
Lambda n. Eleventh letter of the greek alphabet (l, l). [greek]
Lambent adj. 1 (of a flame or a light) playing on a surface. 2 (of the eyes, sky, wit, etc.) Lightly brilliant. lambency n. [latin lambo lick]
Lambswool n. Soft fine wool from a young sheep.
Lame —adj. 1 disabled in the foot or leg. 2 a (of an excuse etc.) Unconvincing; feeble. B (of verse etc.) Halting. —v. (-ming) make lame; disable. lamely adv. Lameness n. [old english]
Lamé n. Fabric with gold or silver threads interwoven. [french]
Lame duck n. Helpless person or firm.
Lame duck n. Helpless person or firm.
Lament —n. 1 passionate expression of grief. 2 song etc. Of mourning etc. —v. (also absol.) 1 express or feel grief for or about. 2 (as lamented adj.) Used to refer to a recently dead person. lament for (or over) mourn or regret. [latin lamentor]
Lamina n. (pl. -nae) thin plate or scale. laminar adj. [latin]
Laminate —v. (-ting) 1 beat or roll into thin plates. 2 overlay with metal plates, a plastic layer, etc. 3 split into layers. —n. Laminated structure, esp. Of layers fixed together. —adj. In the form of thin plates. lamination n.
Lammas n. (in full lammas day) first day of august, formerly kept as harvest festival. [old english: related to loaf1, mass2]
Lamp n. 1 device for producing a steady light, esp.: a an electric bulb, and usu.
Its holder. B an oil-lamp. C a gas-jet and mantle. 2 device producing esp.
Ultraviolet or infrared radiation. [greek lampas torch]
Lampblack n. Pigment made from soot.
Lamplight n. Light from a lamp.
Lamplighter n. Hist. Person who lit street lamps.
Lampoon —n. Satirical attack on a person etc. —v. Satirize. lampoonist n. [french lampon]
Lamppost n. Tall post supporting a street-light.
Lamprey n. (pl. -s) eel-like aquatic animal with a sucker mouth. [latin lampreda]
Lampshade n. Translucent cover for a lamp.
Lancastrian —n. 1 native of lancashire or lancaster. 2 hist. Member or supporter of the house of lancaster in the wars of the roses. —adj. Of or concerning lancashire or lancaster, or the house of lancaster. [lancaster in lancashire]
Lance —n. Long spear, esp. One used by a horseman. —v. (-cing) 1 prick or cut open with a lancet. 2 pierce with a lance. [french from latin]
Lance-corporal n. Lowest rank of nco in the army.
Lanceolate adj. Shaped like a lance-head, tapering at each end.
Lancer n. 1 hist. Soldier of a cavalry regiment armed with lances. 2 (in pl.) A quadrille. B music for this.
Lancet n. Small broad two-edged surgical knife with a sharp point.
Lancet arch n. (also lancet light or window) narrow arch or window with a pointed head.
Land —n. 1 solid part of the earth’s surface. 2 a expanse of country; ground, soil. B this in relation to its use, quality, etc., or as a basis for agriculture. 3 country, nation, state. 4 a landed property. B (in pl.) Estates. —v. 1 a set or go ashore. B (often foll. By at) disembark. 2 bring (an aircraft) to the ground or another surface. 3 alight on the ground etc. 4 bring (a fish) to land. 5 (also refl.; often foll. By up) colloq. Bring to, reach, or find oneself in a certain situation or place. 6 colloq. A deal (a person etc. A blow etc.). B (foll. By with) present (a person) with (a problem, job, etc.). 7 colloq. Win or obtain (a prize, job, etc.). how the land lies what is the state of affairs. Land on one’s feet attain a good position, job, etc., by luck. landless adj. [old english]
Land-agent n. 1 steward of an estate. 2 agent for the sale of estates.
Landau n. Four-wheeled enclosed carriage with a divided top. [landau in germany]
Landed adj. 1 owning land. 2 consisting of land.
Landfall n. Approach to land, esp. After a sea or air journey.
Landfill n. 1 waste material etc. Used to landscape or reclaim land. 2 process of disposing of rubbish in this way.
Land-girl n. Woman doing farm work, esp. In wartime.
Landing n. 1 platform at the top of or part way up a flight of stairs. 2 coming to land. 3 place where ships etc. Land.
Landing-craft n. Craft designed for putting troops and equipment ashore.
Landing-gear n. Undercarriage of an aircraft.
Landing-stage n. Platform for disembarking goods and passengers.
Landlady n. 1 woman who owns and lets land or premises. 2 woman who keeps a public house, boarding-house, etc.
Land line n. Means of telecommunication over land.
Landlocked adj. Almost or entirely enclosed by land.
Landlord n. 1 man who owns and lets land or premises. 2 man who keeps a public house, boarding-house, etc.
Landlubber n. Person unfamiliar with the sea.
Landmark n. 1 conspicuous object in a district, landscape, etc. 2 prominent and critical event etc.
Land mass n. Large area of land.
Land-mine n. Explosive mine laid in or on the ground.
Landowner n. Owner of (esp. Much) land. landowning adj. & n.
Landscape —n. 1 scenery as seen in a broad view. 2 (often attrib.) Picture representing this; this genre of painting. —v. (-ping) improve (a piece of land) by landscape gardening. [dutch landscap]
Landscape gardening n. Laying out of grounds to resemble natural scenery.
Landslide n. 1 sliding down of a mass of land from a mountain, cliff, etc. 2 overwhelming victory in an election.
Landslip n. = *landslide 1.
Lane n. 1 narrow road. 2 division of a road for a stream of traffic. 3 strip of track etc. For a competitor in a race. 4 path regularly followed by a ship, aircraft, etc.
5 gangway between crowds of people. [old english]
Language n. 1 use of words in an agreed way as a method of human communication. 2 system of words of a particular community or country etc. 3 a faculty of speech. B style of expression; use of words, etc. (poetic language). 4 system of symbols and rules for writing computer programs. 5 any method of communication. 6 professional or specialized vocabulary. [latin lingua tongue]
Language laboratory n. Room equipped with tape recorders etc. For learning a foreign language.
Languish v. Lose or lack vitality. languish for droop or pine for. Languish under suffer under (depression, confinement, etc.). [latin langueo]
Languor n. 1 lack of energy; idleness. 2 soft or tender mood or effect. 3 oppressive stillness. languorous adj.
Lank adj. 1 (of hair, grass, etc.) Long and limp. 2 thin and tall. [old english]
Lanky adj. (-ier, -iest) ungracefully thin and long or tall. lankiness n.
Lanolin n. Fat found on sheep’s wool and used in cosmetics etc. [latin lana wool, oleum *oil]
Lantern n. 1 lamp with a transparent case protecting a flame etc. 2 raised structure on a dome, room, etc., glazed to admit light. 3 light-chamber of a lighthouse. [greek lampter torch]
Lantern jaws n.pl. Long thin jaws and chin.
Lanthanide n. Any element of the lanthanide series. [german: related to *lanthanum]
Lanthanide series n. Chem. Series of 15 metallic elements from lanthanum to lutetium in the periodic table, having similar chemical properties.
Lanthanum n. Metallic element, first of the lanthanide series. [greek lanthano escape notice]
Lanyard n. 1 cord worn round the neck or the shoulder, to which a knife etc. May be attached. 2 naut. Short rope or line used for securing, tightening, etc. [french laniere, assimilated to *yard1]
Laodicean half-hearted, esp. In religion or politics. [laodicea in asia minor (rev. 3:16)]
Lap1 n. 1 front of the body from the waist to the knees of a sitting person. 2 clothing covering this. in the lap of the gods beyond human control. In the lap of luxury in extremely luxurious surroundings. [old english]
Lap2 —n. 1 a one circuit of a racetrack etc. B section of a journey etc. 2 a amount of overlapping. B overlapping part. 3 single turn of thread etc. Round a reel etc. —v. (-pp-) 1 lead or overtake (a competitor in a race) by one or more laps. 2 (often foll. By about, round) fold or wrap (a garment etc.) Round. 3 (usu. Foll. By in) enfold in wraps etc. 4 (as lapped adj.) (usu. Foll. By in) enfolded caressingly. 5 cause to overlap. [probably from *lap1]
Lap3 —v. (-pp-) 1 a (esp. Of an animal) drink with the tongue. B (usu. Foll. By up, down) consume (liquid) greedily. C (usu. Foll. By up) consume (gossip, praise, etc.) Greedily. 2 (of waves etc.) Ripple; make a lapping sound against (the shore). —n. 1 a act of lapping. B amount of liquid taken up. 2 sound of wavelets. [old english]
Lap-dog n. Small pet dog.
Lapel n. Part of either side of a coat-front etc., folded back against itself. [from *lap1]
Lapidary —adj. 1 concerned with stone or stones. 2 engraved upon stone. 3 concise, well-expressed, epigrammatic. —n. (pl. -ies) cutter, polisher, or engraver, of gems. [latin lapis lapid-stone]
Lapis lazuli n. 1 blue mineral used as a gemstone. 2 bright blue pigment. 3 its colour. [related to lapidary, azure]
Laplander n. Native or inhabitant of lapland; lapp. [as *lapp]
Lap of honour n. Ceremonial circuit of a racetrack etc. By a winner.
Lapp n. 1 member of a mongol people of n. Scandinavia and nw russia. 2 their language. [swedish]
Lappet n. 1 small flap or fold of a garment etc. 2 hanging piece of flesh. [from *lap1]
Lapse —n. 1 slight error; slip of memory etc. 2 weak or careless decline into an inferior state. 3 (foll. By of) passage of time. —v. (-sing) 1 fail to maintain a position or standard. 2 (foll. By into) fall back into an inferior or previous state. 3 (of a right or privilege etc.) Become invalid through disuse, failure to renew, etc. 4 (as lapsed adj.) That has lapsed. [latin lapsus from labor laps-slip]
Laptop n. (often attrib.) Portable microcomputer suitable for use while travelling.
Lapwing n. Plover with a shrill cry. [old english: related to leap, wink: from its mode of flight]
Larboard n. & adj. Archaic = port3. [originally ladboard, perhaps ‘side on which cargo was taken in’: related to lade]
Larceny n. (pl. -ies) theft of personal property. larcenous adj. [anglo-french from latin latrocinium]
Usage in 1968 larceny was replaced as a statutory crime in english law by theft.
Larch n. 1 deciduous coniferous tree with bright foliage. 2 its wood. [latin larix – icis]
Lard —n. Pig fat used in cooking etc. —v. 1 insert strips of fat or bacon in (meat etc.) Before cooking. 2 (foll. By with) garnish (talk etc.) With strange terms. [french = bacon, from latin lardum]
Larder n. Room or large cupboard for storing food.
Lardy adj. Like lard.
Lardy-cake n. Cake made with lard, currants, etc.
Large adj. 1 of relatively great size or extent. 2 of the larger kind (large intestine). 3 comprehensive. 4 pursuing an activity on a large scale (large farmer). at large 1 at liberty. 2 as a body or whole. 3 at full length, with all details. largeness n. Largish adj. [latin largus copious]
Large as life adj. Colloq. In person, esp. Prominently.
Largely adv. To a great extent (largely my own fault).
Large-scale adj. Made or occurring on a large scale.
Largesse n. (also largess) money or gifts freely given. [latin largus: related to *large]
Largo mus. —adv. & adj. In a slow tempo and dignified style. —n. (pl. -s) largo passage or movement. [italian, = broad]
Lariat n. 1 lasso. 2 tethering-rope. [spanish la reata]
Lark1 n. Small bird with a tuneful song, esp. The skylark. [old english]
Lark2 colloq. —n. 1 frolic; amusing incident. 2 type of activity (fed up with this digging lark). —v. (foll. By about) play tricks. [origin uncertain]
Larkspur n. Plant with a spur-shaped calyx.
Larva n. (pl. -vae) stage of an insect’s development between egg and pupa. larval adj. [latin, = ghost]
Laryngeal adj. Of the larynx.
Laryngitis n. Inflammation of the larynx.
Larynx n. (pl. Larynges or -xes) hollow organ in the throat holding the vocal cords. [latin from greek]
Lasagne n. Pasta in the form of sheets. [italian pl., from latin lasanum cooking-pot]
Laser n. Device that generates an intense beam of coherent light, or other electromagnetic radiation, in one direction. [light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation]
Lash —v. 1 make a sudden whiplike movement. 2 beat with a whip etc. 3 (often foll. By against, down, etc.) (of rain etc.) Beat, strike. 4 criticize harshly. 5 rouse, incite. 6 (foll. By down, together, etc.) Fasten with a cord etc. —n. 1 sharp blow made by a whip etc. 2 flexible end of a whip. 3 eyelash. lash out 1 speak or hit out angrily. 2 colloq. Spend money extravagantly. [imitative]
Lashings n.pl. Colloq. (foll. By of) plenty.
Lass n. Esp. Scot. & n.engl. Or poet. Girl. [old norse]
Lassa fever n. Acute febrile viral disease of tropical africa. [lassa in nigeria]
Lassitude n. 1 languor. 2 disinclination to exert oneself. [latin lassus tired]
Lasso —n. (pl. -s or -es) rope with a noose at one end, esp. For catching cattle. —v. (-es, -ed) catch with a lasso. [spanish lazo: related to *lace]
Last1 —adj. 1 after all others; coming at or belonging to the end. 2 most recent; next before a specified time (last christmas). 3 only remaining (last chance). 4 (prec. By the) least likely or suitable (the last person i’d want). 5 lowest in rank (last place). —adv. 1 after all others (esp. In comb.: last-mentioned). 2 on the most recent occasion (when did you last see him?). 3 lastly. —n. 1 person or thing that is last, last-mentioned, most recent, etc. 2 (prec. By the) last mention or sight etc. (shall never hear the last of it). 3 last performance of certain acts (breathed his last). 4 (prec. By the) the end; death (fighting to the last). at last (or long last) in the end; after much delay. [old english, = latest]
Last2 v. 1 remain unexhausted or alive for a specified or considerable time (food to last a week). 2 continue for a specified time (match lasts an hour). last out be strong enough or sufficient for the whole of a given period. [old english]
Last3 n. Shoemaker’s model for shaping a shoe etc. stick to one’s last not meddle in what one does not understand. [old english]
Last-ditch attrib. Adj. (of an attempt etc.) Final, desperate.
Lasting adj. Permanent; durable.
Lastly adv. Finally; in the last place.
Last minute n. (also last moment) the time just before an important event (often (with hyphen) attrib.: last-minute panic).
Last name n. Surname.
Last post n. Bugle-call at military funerals or as a signal to retire for the night.
Last rites n.pl. Rites for a person about to die.
Last straw n. (prec. By the) slight addition to a burden that makes it finally unbearable.
Last trump n. (prec. By the) trumpet-blast to wake the dead on judgement day.
Last word n. (prec. By the) 1 final or definitive statement. 2 (often foll. By in) latest fashion.
Lat. Abbr. Latitude.
Latch —n. 1 bar with a catch and lever as a fastening for a gate etc. 2 spring-lock preventing a door from being opened from the outside without a key. —v. Fasten with a latch. latch on (often foll. By to) colloq. 1 attach oneself (to). 2 understand. On the latch fastened by the latch (sense 1) only. [old english]
Latchkey n. (pl. -s) key of an outer door.
Late —adj. 1 after the due or usual time; occurring or done after the proper time. 2 a far on in the day or night or in a specified period. B far on in development. 3 flowering or ripening towards the end of the season. 4 no longer alive; no longer having the specified status, former (my late husband; the late prime minister). 5 of recent date. —adv. 1 after the due or usual time. 2 far on in time. 3 at or till a late hour. 4 at a late stage of development. 5 formerly but not now (late of the scillies). late in the day colloq. At a late stage in the proceedings. lateness n. [old english]
Latecomer n. Person who arrives late.
Lateen adj. (of a ship) rigged with a lateen sail. [french voile latine latin sail]
Lateen sail n. Triangular sail on a long yard at an angle of 45° to the mast.
Lately adv. Not long ago; recently. [old english: related to *late]
Latent adj. Existing but not developed or manifest; concealed, dormant. latency
n. [latin lateo be hidden]
Latent heat n. Physics heat required to convert a solid into a liquid or vapour, or a liquid into a vapour, without change of temperature.
Lateral —adj. 1 of, at, towards, or from the side or sides. 2 descended from the sibling of a person in direct line. —n. Lateral shoot or branch. laterally adv. [latin latus later-side]
Lateral thinking n. Method of solving problems other than by using conventional logic.
Latex n. (pl. -xes) 1 milky fluid of esp. The rubber tree. 2 synthetic product resembling this. [latin, = liquid]
Lath n. (pl. Laths) thin flat strip of wood. [old english]
Lathe n. Machine for shaping wood, metal, etc., by rotating the article against cutting tools. [origin uncertain]
Lather —n. 1 froth produced by agitating soap etc. And water. 2 frothy sweat. 3 state of agitation. —v. 1 (of soap etc.) Form a lather. 2 cover with lather. 3 colloq. Thrash. [old english]
Latin —n. Language of ancient rome and its empire. —adj. 1 of or in latin. 2 of
the countries or peoples using languages descended from latin. 3 of the roman
the countries or peoples using languages descended from latin. 3 of the roman catholic church. [latin latium district around rome]
Latin america n. Parts of central and s. America where spanish or portuguese is the main language.
Latinate adj. Having the character of latin.
Latinize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) give a latin form to. latinization n.
Latish adj. & adv. Fairly late.
Latitude n. 1 a angular distance on a meridian north or south of the equator. B (usu. In pl.) Regions or climes. 2 tolerated variety of action or opinion. latitudinal adj. [latin latus broad]
Latitudinarian —adj. Liberal, esp. In religion. —n. Latitudinarian person.
Latrine n. Communal lavatory, esp. In a camp. [latin latrina]
Latter adj. 1 a second-mentioned of two, or last-mentioned of three or more. B (prec. By the; usu. Absol.) The second-or last-mentioned person or thing. 2 nearer the end (latter part of the year). 3 recent. 4 of the end of a period, the world, etc. [old english, = later]
Usage the use of latter to mean ‘last mentioned of three or more’ is considered incorrect by some people.
Latter-day attrib. Adj. Modern, contemporary.
Latter-day saints n.pl. Mormons’ name for themselves.
Latterly adv. 1 recently. 2 in the latter part of life or a period.
Lattice n. 1 structure of crossed laths or bars with spaces between, used as a screen, fence, etc. 2 regular periodic arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules. latticed adj. [french lattis from latte *lath]
Lattice window n. Window with small panes set in diagonally crossing strips of lead.
Latvian —n. 1 a native or national of latvia in eastern europe. B person of latvian descent. 2 language of latvia. —adj. Of latvia, its people, or language.
Laud —v. Praise or extol. —n. 1 praise; hymn of praise. 2 (in pl.) The first morning prayer of the roman catholic church. [latin laus laud-]
Laudable adj. Commendable. laudability n. Laudably adv.
Usage laudable is sometimes confused with laudatory.
Laudanum n. Solution prepared from opium. [perhaps from medieval latin]
Laudatory adj. Praising.
Usage laudatory is sometimes confused with laudable.
Laugh —v. 1 make the sounds and movements usual in expressing lively amusement, scorn, etc. 2 express by laughing. 3 (foll. By at) ridicule, make fun of. —n. 1 sound, act, or manner of laughing. 2 colloq. Comical thing. laugh off get rid of (embarrassment or humiliation) by joking. Laugh up one’s sleeve laugh secretly. [old english]
Laughable adj. Ludicrous; amusing. laughably adv.
Laughing n. Laughter. no laughing matter serious matter. laughingly adv.
Laughing-gas n. Nitrous oxide as an anaesthetic.
Laughing jackass n. = *kookaburra.
Laughing stock n. Person or thing open to general ridicule.
Laughter n. Act or sound of laughing. [old english]
Launch1 —v. 1 set (a vessel) afloat. 2 hurl or send forth (a weapon, rocket, etc.). 3 start or set in motion (an enterprise, person, etc.). 4 formally introduce (a new product) with publicity etc. 5 (foll. By out, into, etc.) A make a start on (an enterprise etc.). B burst into (strong language etc.). —n. Act of launching. [anglo-norman launcher: related to *lance]
Launch2 n. 1 large motor boat. 2 man-of-war’s largest boat. [spanish lancha]
Launcher n. Structure to hold a rocket during launching.
Launch pad n. (also launching pad) platform with a supporting structure, for launching rockets from.
Launder v. 1 wash and iron (clothes etc.). 2 colloq. Transfer (funds) to conceal their origin. [french: related to *lave]
Launderette n. (also laundrette) establishment with coin-operated washing-machines and driers for public use.
Laundress n. Woman who launders, esp. Professionally.
Laundry n. (pl. -ies) 1 a place for washing clothes etc. B firm washing clothes etc. Commercially. 2 clothes or linen for laundering or newly laundered.
Laureate —adj. Wreathed with laurel as a mark of honour. —n. = *poet laureate. laureateship n. [related to *laurel]
Laurel n. 1 = *bay2. 2 (in sing. Or pl.) Wreath of bay-leaves as an emblem of victory or poetic merit. 3 any of various plants with dark-green glossy leaves. look to one’s laurels beware of losing one’s pre-eminence. Rest on one’s laurels see *rest1. [latin laurus bay]
Lav n. Colloq. Lavatory. [abbreviation]
Lava n. Matter flowing from a volcano and solidifying as it cools. [latin lavo wash]
Lavatorial adj. Of or like lavatories; (esp. Of humour) relating to excretion.
Lavatory n. (pl. -ies) 1 receptacle for urine and faeces, usu. With a means of disposal. 2 room or compartment containing this. [latin: related to *lava]
Lavatory paper n. = *toilet paper.
Lave v. (-ving) literary 1 wash, bathe. 2 (of water) wash against; flow along. [latin lavo wash]
Lavender n. 1 a evergreen shrub with purple aromatic flowers. B its flowers and stalks dried and used to scent linen etc. 2 pale mauve colour. [latin lavandula]
Lavender-water n. Light perfume made with distilled lavender.
Laver n. Edible seaweed. [latin]
Lavish —adj. 1 giving or producing in large quantities; profuse. 2 generous. —v. (often foll. By on) bestow or spend (money, effort, praise, etc.) Abundantly. lavishly adv. [french lavasse deluge: related to *lave]
Law n. 1 a rule enacted or customary in a community and recognized as commanding or forbidding certain actions. B body of such rules. 2 controlling influence of laws; respect for laws. 3 laws collectively as a social system or subject of study. 4 binding force (her word is law). 5 (prec. By the) a the legal profession. B colloq. The police. 6 (in pl.) Jurisprudence. 7 a the judicial remedy. B the lawcourts as providing this (go to law). 8 rule of action or procedure. 9 regularity in natural occurrences (laws of nature; law of gravity). 10 divine commandments. be a law unto oneself do what one considers right; disregard custom. Lay down the law be dogmatic or authoritarian. Take the law into one’s own hands redress a grievance by one’s own means, esp. By force. [old english from old norse, = thing laid down]
Law-abiding adj. Obedient to the laws.
Lawbreaker n. Person who breaks the law. lawbreaking n. & adj.
Lawcourt n. Court of law.
Lawful adj. Conforming with or recognized by law; not illegal. lawfully adv.
Lawfulness n.
Lawgiver n. Person who formulates laws; legislator.
Lawless adj. 1 having no laws or law enforcement. 2 disregarding laws.
lawlessness n.
Law lord n. Member of the house of lords qualified to perform its legal work.
Lawmaker n. Legislator.
Lawn1 n. Piece of closely-mown grass in a garden etc. [french launde glade]
Lawn2 n. Fine linen or cotton. [probably from laon in france]
Lawnmower n. Machine for cutting lawns.
Lawn tennis n. Tennis played with a soft ball on outdoor grass or a hard court.
Lawrencium n. Artificially made transuranic metallic element. [lawrence, name of a physicist]
Lawsuit n. Bringing of a dispute, claim, etc. Before a lawcourt.
Lawyer n. Legal practitioner, esp. A solicitor.
Lax adj. 1 lacking care or precision. 2 not strict. laxity n. Laxly adv. Laxness n. [latin laxus loose]
Laxative —adj. Facilitating evacuation of the bowels. —n. Laxative medicine. [latin: related to *lax]
Lay1 —v. (past and past part. Laid) 1 place on a surface, esp. Horizontally or in the proper or specified place. 2 put or bring into the required position or state (lay carpet). 3 make by laying (lay foundations). 4 (often absol.) (of a hen bird) produce (an egg). 5 cause to subside or lie flat. 6 (usu. Foll. By on); attribute or impute (blame etc.). 7 prepare or make ready (a plan or trap). 8 prepare (a table) for a meal. 9 arrange the material for (a fire). 10 put down as a wager; stake. 11 (foll. By with) coat or strew (a surface). 12 slang offens. Have sexual intercourse with (esp. A woman). —n. 1 way, position, or direction in which something lies. 2 slang offens. Partner (esp. Female) in, or act of, sexual intercourse. lay about one hit out on all sides. Lay aside 1 put to one side. 2 cease to consider. Lay at the door of impute to. Lay bare expose, reveal. Lay claim to claim as one’s own. Lay down 1 put on a flat surface. 2 give up (an office). 3 formulate (a rule). 4 store (wine) for maturing. 5 sacrifice (one’s life). Lay (one’s) hands on obtain, locate. Lay hands on seize or attack. Lay hold of seize. Lay in provide oneself with a stock of. Lay into colloq. Punish or scold harshly. Lay it on thick (or with a trowel) colloq. Flatter or exaggerate grossly. Lay low overthrow or humble. Lay off 1 discharge (unneeded workers) temporarily; make redundant. 2 colloq. Desist. Lay on 1 provide. 2 impose. 3 inflict (blows). 4 spread on (paint etc.).
Desist. Lay on 1 provide. 2 impose. 3 inflict (blows). 4 spread on (paint etc.). Lay open 1 break the skin of. 2 (foll. By to) expose (to criticism etc.). Lay out 1 spread out, expose to view. 2 prepare (a corpse) for burial. 3 colloq. Knock unconscious. 4 arrange (grounds etc.) According to a design.
Lay2 adj. 1 a non-clerical. B not ordained into the clergy. 2 a not professionally qualified. B of or done by such persons. [greek laos people]
Lay3 n. 1 short poem meant to be sung. 2 song. [french]
Lay4 past of *lie1.
Layabout n. Habitual loafer or idler.
Lay-by n. (pl. -bys) area at the side of a road where vehicles may stop.
Layer —n. 1 thickness of matter, esp. One of several, covering a surface. 2 person or thing that lays. 3 hen that lays eggs. 4 shoot fastened down to take root while attached to the parent plant. —v. 1 arrange in layers. 2 cut (hair) in layers. 3 propagate (a plant) by a layer.
Layette n. Set of clothing etc. For a newborn child. [french from dutch]
Lay figure n. 1 jointed figure of a human body used by artists for arranging drapery on etc. 2 unrealistic character in a novel etc. [dutch led joint]
Layman n. (fem. Laywoman) 1 non-ordained member of a church. 2 person without professional or specialized knowledge.
Lay-off n. Temporary discharge of workers; a redundancy.
Layout n. 1 way in which land, a building, printed matter, etc., is arranged or set out. 2 something arranged in a particular way; display.
Lay reader n. Lay person licensed to conduct some religious services.
Laze —v. (-zing) 1 spend time idly. 2 (foll. By away) pass (time) idly. —n. Spell of lazing. [back-formation from *lazy]
Lazy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 disinclined to work, doing little work. 2 of or inducing idleness. lazily adv. Laziness n. [perhaps from low german]
Leach v. 1 make (a liquid) percolate through some material. 2 subject (bark, ore, ash, or soil) to the action of percolating fluid. 3 (foll. By away, out) remove (soluble matter) or be removed in this way. [old english]
Lead1 —v. (past and past part. Led) 1 cause to go with one, esp. By guiding or going in front. 2 a direct the actions or opinions of. B (often foll. By to, or to + infin.) Guide by persuasion or example (what led you to think that). 3 (also absol.) Provide access to; bring to a certain position (gate leads you into a field; road leads to lincoln). 4 pass or go through (a life etc. Of a specified kind). 5 a have the first place in. B (absol.) Go first; be ahead in a race etc. C (absol.) Be pre-eminent in some field. 6 be in charge of (leads a team). 7 (also absol.) Play
(a card) or a card of (a particular suit) as first player in a round. 8 (foll. By to) result in. 9 (foll. By with) (of a newspaper or news broadcast) have as its main story (led with the royal wedding). 10 (foll. By through) make (a liquid, strip of material, etc.) Pass through a certain course. —n. 1 guidance given by going in front; example. 2 a leading place (take the lead). B amount by which a competitor is ahead of the others. 3 clue. 4 strap etc. For leading a dog etc. 5 conductor (usu. A wire) conveying electric current to an appliance. 6 a chief part in a play etc. B person playing this. C (attrib.) Chief performer or instrument of a specified type (lead guitar). 7 cards a act or right of playing first. B card led. lead by the nose cajole into compliance. Lead off begin. Lead on entice dishonestly. Lead up the garden path colloq. Mislead. Lead up to form a preparation for; direct conversation towards. [old english]
Lead2 —n. 1 heavy bluish-grey soft metallic element. 2 a graphite. B thin length of this in a pencil. 3 lump of lead used in sounding water. 4 (in pl.) A strips of lead covering a roof. B piece of lead-covered roof. 5 (in pl.) Lead frames holding the glass of a lattice etc. 6 blank space between lines of print. —v. 1 cover, weight, or frame with lead. 2 space (printed matter) with leads. [old english]
Leaden adj. 1 of or like lead. 2 heavy or slow. 3 lead-coloured.
Leader n. 1 a person or thing that leads. B person followed by others. 2 principal player in a music group or of the first violins in an orchestra. 3 = *leading article. 4 shoot of a plant at the apex of a stem or of the main branch. leadership n.
Lead-free adj. (of petrol) without added lead compounds.
Lead-in n. Introduction, opening, etc.
Leading1 adj. Chief; most important.
Leading2 n. Printing = *lead2 n. 6.
Leading aircraftman n. Rank above aircraftman in the raf.
Leading article n. Newspaper article giving editorial opinion.
Leading light n. Prominent and influential person.
Leading note n. Mus. Seventh note of a diatonic scale.
Leading question n. Question prompting the answer wanted.
Usage leading question does not mean a ‘principal’ or ‘loaded’ or ‘searching’ question.
Lead pencil n. Pencil of graphite in wood.
Lead-poisoning n. Poisoning by absorption of lead into the body.
Leaf —n. (pl. Leaves) 1 each of several flattened usu. Green structures of a plant, growing usu. On the side of a stem. 2 a foliage regarded collectively. B state of bearing leaves (tree in leaf). 3 single thickness of paper. 4 very thin sheet of metal etc. 5 hinged part, extra section, or flap of a table etc. —v. 1 put forth leaves. 2 (foll. By through) turn over the pages of (a book etc.). leafage n. Leafy adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Leaflet —n. 1 sheet of paper, pamphlet, etc. Giving information. 2 young leaf. 3 bot. Division of a compound leaf. —v. (-t-) distribute leaflets (to).
Leaf-mould n. Soil or compost consisting chiefly of decayed leaves.
Leaf-stalk n. Stalk joining a leaf to a stem.
League1 —n. 1 people, countries, groups, etc., combining for a particular purpose. 2 agreement to combine in this way. 3 group of sports clubs which compete for a championship. 4 class of contestants etc. —v. (-gues, -gued, – guing) (often foll. By together) join in a league. in league allied, conspiring. [latin ligo bind]
League2 n. Hist. Varying measure of distance, usu. About three miles. [latin from celtic]
League table n. List in ranked order of success etc.
Leak —n. 1 a hole through which matter passes accidentally in or out. B matter passing through thus. C act of passing through thus. 2 a similar escape of
electrical charge. B charge that escapes. 3 disclosure of secret information. —v. 1 a pass through a leak. B lose or admit through a leak. 2 disclose (secret information). 3 (often foll. By out) become known. have (or take) a leak slang urinate. leaky adj. (-ier, -iest). [low german or dutch]
Leakage n. Action or result of leaking.
Lean1 —v. (past and past part. Leaned or leant) 1 (often foll. By across, back, over, etc.) Be or place in a sloping position; incline from the perpendicular. 2 (foll. By against, on, upon) (cause to) rest for support against etc. 3 (foll. By on, upon) rely on. 4 (foll. By to, towards) be inclined or partial to. —n. Deviation from the perpendicular; inclination. lean on colloq. Put pressure on (a person) to act in a certain way. Lean over backwards see *backwards. [old english]
Lean2 —adj. 1 (of a person or animal) thin; having no superfluous fat. 2 (of meat) containing little fat. 3 meagre. —n. Lean part of meat. leanness n. [old english]
Leaning n. Tendency or partiality.
Lean-to n. (pl. -tos) building with its roof leaning against a larger building or a wall.
Lean years n.pl. Years of scarcity.
Leap —v. (past and past part. Leaped or leapt) jump or spring forcefully. —n. Forceful jump. by leaps and bounds with startlingly rapid progress. Leap in the
dark daring step or enterprise. [old english]
Leap-frog —n. Game in which players vault with parted legs over others bending down. —v. (-gg-) 1 perform such a vault (over). 2 overtake alternately.
Leap year n. Year with 366 days (including 29th feb. As an intercalary day).
Learn v. (past and past part. Learned or learnt) 1 gain knowledge of or skill in. 2 commit to memory. 3 (foll. By of) be told about. 4 (foll. By that, how, etc.) Become aware of. 5 receive instruction. 6 archaic or dial. Teach. [old english]
Learned adj. 1 having much knowledge acquired by study. 2 showing or requiring learning (a learned work). 3 (of a publication) academic.
Learner n. 1 person who is learning a subject or skill. 2 (in full learner driver) person who is learning to drive but has not yet passed a driving test.
Learning n. Knowledge acquired by study.
Lease —n. Contract by which the owner of property allows another to use it for a specified time, usu. In return for payment. —v. (-sing) grant or take on lease. new lease of (us on) life improved prospect of living, or of use after repair. [anglo-french lesser let, from latin laxo loosen]
Leasehold n. 1 holding of property by lease. 2 property held by lease.
leaseholder n.
Leash —n. Strap for holding a dog etc.; lead. —v. 1 put a leash on. 2 restrain. straining at the leash eager to begin. [french lesse: related to *lease]
Least —adj. 1 smallest, slightest. 2 (of a species etc.) Very small. —n. The least amount. —adv. In the least degree. at least 1 at any rate. 2 (also at the least) not less than. In the least (or the least) (usu. With neg.) At all (not in the least offended). To say the least putting the case moderately. [old english, superlative of *less]
Least common denominator n. = *lowest common denominator.
Least common multiple n. = *lowest common multiple.
Leather —n. 1 material made from the skin of an animal by tanning etc. 2 piece of leather for polishing with. 3 leather part(s) of a thing. 4 slang cricket-ball or football. 5 (in pl.) Leather clothes. —v. 1 beat, thrash. 2 cover with leather. 3 polish or wipe with a leather. [old english]
Leatherback n. Large marine turtle with a leathery shell.
Leather-bound adj. Bound in leather.
Leatherette n. Propr. Imitation leather.
Leather-jacket n. Crane-fly grub with a tough skin.
Leathery adj. 1 like leather. 2 tough.
Leave1 v. (-ving; past and past part. Left) 1 a go away from. B (often foll. By for) depart. 2 cause to or let remain; depart without taking. 3 (also absol.) Cease to reside at or belong to or work for. 4 abandon; cease to live with (one’s family etc.). 5 have remaining after one’s death. 6 bequeath. 7 (foll. By to + infin.) Allow (a person or thing) to do something independently. 8 (foll. By to) commit to another person etc. (leave that to me). 9 a abstain from consuming or dealing with. B (in passive; often foll. By over) remain over. 10 a deposit or entrust (a thing) to be attended to in one’s absence (left a message with his secretary). B depute (a person) to perform a function in one’s absence. 11 allow to remain or cause to be in a specified state or position (left the door open; left me exhausted). leave alone refrain from disturbing, not interfere with. Leave a person cold not impress or excite a person. Leave off 1 come to or make an end. 2 discontinue. Leave out omit; exclude. [old english]
Leave2 n. 1 (often foll. By to + infin.) Permission. 2 a (in full leave of absence) permission to be absent from duty. B period for which this lasts. on leave legitimately absent from duty. Take one’s leave (of) bid farewell (to). Take leave of one’s senses go mad. [old english]
Leaved adj. Having a leaf or leaves, esp. (in comb.) Of a specified kind or number (four-leaved clover).
Leaven —n. 1 substance causing dough to ferment and rise. 2 pervasive transforming influence; admixture. —v. 1 ferment (dough) with leaven. 2 permeate and transform; modify with a tempering element. [latin levo lift]
Leaves pl. Of *leaf.
Leave-taking n. Act of taking one’s leave.
Leavings n.pl. Things left over.
Lebanese —adj. Of lebanon. —n. (pl. Same) 1 native or national of lebanon. 2 person of lebanese descent.
Lech colloq. —v. (often foll. By after) lust. —n. 1 lecherous man. 2 lust. [back-formation from *lecher]
Lecher n. Lecherous man. [french lechier live in debauchery]
Lecherous adj. Lustful, having excessive sexual desire. lecherously adv.
Lechery n. Excessive sexual desire.
Lectern n. 1 stand for holding a book in a church etc. 2 similar stand for a lecturer etc. [latin lectrum from lego read]
Lecture —n. 1 talk giving specified information to a class etc. 2 long serious speech, esp. As a reprimand. —v. (-ring) 1 (often foll. By on) deliver lecture(s).
2 talk seriously or reprovingly to. lectureship n. [latin: related to *lectern]
Lecturer n. Person who lectures, esp. As a teacher in higher education.
Led abbr. Light-emitting diode.
Led past and past part. Of *lead1.
Lederhosen n.pl. Leather shorts as worn by some men in bavaria etc. [german, = leather trousers]
Ledge n. Narrow horizontal or shelflike projection. [origin uncertain]
Ledger n. Main record of the accounts of a business. [dutch]
Lee n. 1 shelter given by a close object (under the lee of). 2 (in full lee side) side away from the wind. [old english]
Leech n. 1 bloodsucking worm formerly much used medically. 2 person who sponges on others. [old english]
Leek n. 1 plant of the onion family with flat leaves forming a cylindrical bulb, used as food. 2 this as a welsh national emblem. [old english]
Leer —v. Look slyly, lasciviously, or maliciously. —n. Leering look. [perhaps from obsolete leer cheek]
Lees n.pl. 1 sediment of wine etc. 2 dregs. [french]
Leeward —adj. & adv. On or towards the side sheltered from the wind. —n.
Leeward region or side.
Leeway n. 1 allowable scope of action. 2 sideways drift of a ship to leeward of the desired course.
Left1 —adj. 1 on or towards the west side of the human body, or of any object, when facing north. 2 (also left) polit. Of the left. —adv. On or to the left side. — n. 1 left-hand part, region, or direction. 2 boxing a left hand. B blow with this. 3 (often left) group or section favouring socialism; socialists collectively. [old english, originally = ‘weak, worthless’]
Left2 past and past part. Of *leave1.
Left bank n. Bank of a river on the left facing downstream.
Left-hand attrib. Adj. 1 on or towards the left side of a person or thing. 2 done
Left-hand attrib. Adj. 1 on or towards the left side of a person or thing. 2 done with the left hand. 3 (of a screw) = *left-handed 4b.
Left-handed adj. 1 naturally using the left hand for writing etc. 2 (of a tool etc.) For use by the left hand. 3 (of a blow) struck with the left hand. 4 a turning to the left. B (of a screw) turned anticlockwise to tighten. 5 awkward, clumsy. 6 a (of a compliment) ambiguous. B of doubtful sincerity. left-handedly adv. Left-handedness n.
Left-hander n. 1 left-handed person. 2 left-handed blow.
Leftism n. Socialist political principles. leftist n. & adj.
Left luggage n. Luggage deposited for later retrieval.
Leftmost adj. Furthest to the left.
Leftover —n. (usu. In pl.) Surplus items (esp. Of food). —attrib. Adj. Remaining over, surplus.
Leftward —adv. (also leftwards) towards the left. —adj. Going towards or facing the left.
Left wing —n. 1 more socialist section of a political party or system. 2 left side of a football etc. Team on the field. —adj. (leftwing) socialist, radical. left-
winger n.
Lefty n. (pl. -ies) colloq. 1 polit. Often derog. Left-winger. 2 left-handed person.
Leg n. 1 each of the limbs on which a person or animal walks and stands. 2 leg of an animal or bird as food. 3 part of a garment covering a leg. 4 support of a chair, table, etc. 5 cricket the half of the field (divided lengthways) in which the batsman’s feet are placed. 6 a section of a journey. B section of a relay race. C stage in a competition. leg it (-gg-) colloq. Walk or run hard. Not have a leg to stand on be unable to support one’s argument by facts or sound reasons. On one’s last legs near death or the end of usefulness etc. legged adj. (also in comb.). [old norse]
Legacy n. (pl. -ies) 1 gift left in a will. 2 thing handed down by a predecessor. [latin lego bequeath]
Legal adj. 1 of or based on law; concerned with law. 2 appointed or required by law. 3 permitted by law. legally adv. [latin lex leg-law]
Legal aid n. State assistance for legal advice or action.
Legalese n. Colloq. Technical language of legal documents.
Legalistic adj. Adhering excessively to a law or formula. legalism n. Legalist n.
Legality n. (pl. -ies) 1 lawfulness. 2 (in pl.) Obligations imposed by law.
Legalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make lawful. 2 bring into harmony with the law. legalization n.
Legal separation see *separation.
Legal tender n. Currency that cannot legally be refused in payment of a debt.
Legate n. Ambassador of the pope. [latin lego depute]
Legatee n. Recipient of a legacy. [latin lego bequeath]
Legation n. 1 diplomatic minister and his or her staff. 2 this minister’s official residence. [latin: related to *legate]
Legato mus. —adv. & adj. In a smooth flowing manner. —n. (pl. -s) 1 legato passage. 2 legato playing. [italian, = bound, from ligo bind]
Leg before —adj. & adv. (in full leg before wicket) cricket (of a batsman) out because of stopping the ball, other than with the bat or hand, which would otherwise have hit the wicket. —n. Such a dismissal.
Leg-bye n. Cricket run scored from a ball that touches the batsman.
Legend n. 1 a traditional story; myth. B these collectively. 2 colloq. Famous or remarkable event or person. 3 inscription. 4 explanation on a map etc. Of symbols used. [latin legenda what is to be read]
Legendary adj. 1 of, based on, or described in a legend. 2 colloq. Remarkable.
Legerdemain n. 1 sleight of hand. 2 trickery, sophistry. [french, = light of hand]
Leger line n. Mus. Short line added for notes above or below the range of a staff. [var. Of *ledger]
Legging n. (usu. In pl.) 1 close-fitting knitted trousers for women or children. 2 stout protective outer covering for the lower leg.
Leggy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 long-legged. 2 long-stemmed and weak. legginess n.
Legible adj. Clear enough to read; readable. legibility n. Legibly adv. [latin lego read]
Legion —n. 1 division of 3,000–6,000 men in the ancient roman army. 2 large organized body. —predic. Adj. Great in number (his good works were legion). [latin legio -onis]
Legionary —adj. Of a legion or legions. —n. (pl. -ies) member of a legion.
Legionary —adj. Of a legion or legions. —n. (pl. -ies) member of a legion.
Legionnaire n. Member of a legion. [french: related to *legion]
Legionnaires’ disease n. Form of bacterial pneumonia.
Legislate v. (-ting) make laws. legislator n. [from *legislation]
Legislation n. 1 law-making. 2 laws collectively. [latin lex legis law, latus past part. Of fero carry]
Legislative adj. Of or empowered to make legislation.
Legislature n. Legislative body of a state.
Legit adj. Colloq. Legitimate (in sense 2). [abbreviation]
Legitimate adj. 1 (of a child) born of parents married to each other. 2 lawful, proper, regular. 3 logically acceptable. legitimacy n. Legitimately adv. [latin legitimo legitimize, from lex legis law]
Legitimatize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) legitimize.
Legitimize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make legitimate. 2 serve as a justification for. legitimization n.
Legless adj. 1 having no legs. 2 slang very drunk.
Lego n. Propr. Toy consisting of interlocking plastic building blocks. [danish legetøj toys]
Leg-of-mutton sleeve n. Sleeve which is full and loose on the upper arm but close-fitting on the forearm.
Leg-pull n. Colloq. Hoax.
Leg-room n. Space for the legs of a seated person.
Legume n. 1 leguminous plant. 2 edible part of a leguminous plant. [latin legumen -minis from lego pick, because pickable by hand]
Leguminous adj. Of the family of plants with seeds in pods (e.g. Peas and beans).
Leg up n. Help given to mount a horse etc., or to overcome an obstacle or problem; boost.
Leg warmer n. Either of a pair of tubular knitted garments covering the leg from ankle to knee or thigh.
Lei n. Polynesian garland of flowers. [hawaiian]
Leisure n. 1 free time. 2 enjoyment of free time. at leisure 1 not occupied. 2 in an unhurried manner. At one’s leisure when one has time. [anglo-french leisour from latin licet it is allowed]
Leisure centre n. Public building with sports facilities etc.
Leisured adj. Having ample leisure.
Leisurely —adj. Unhurried, relaxed. —adv. Without hurry. leisureliness n.
Leisurewear n. Informal clothes, esp. Sportswear.
Leitmotif n. (also leitmotiv) recurrent theme in a musical etc. Composition representing a particular person, idea, etc. [german: related to lead1, motive]
Lemming n. Small arctic rodent reputed to rush into the sea and drown during migration. [norwegian]
Lemon n. 1 a yellow oval citrus fruit with acidic juice. B tree bearing it. 2 pale
Lemon n. 1 a yellow oval citrus fruit with acidic juice. B tree bearing it. 2 pale yellow colour. 3 colloq. Person or thing regarded as a failure. lemony adj. [arabic laimun]
Lemonade n. 1 drink made from lemon juice. 2 synthetic substitute for this.
Lemon balm n. Bushy plant smelling and tasting of lemon.
Lemon curd n. (also lemon cheese) creamy conserve made from lemons.
Lemon geranium n. Lemon-scented pelargonium.
Lemon sole n. (pl. Same or -s) flat-fish of the plaice family. [french limande]
Lemur n. Tree-dwelling primate of madagascar. [latin lemures ghosts]
Lend v. (past and past part. Lent) 1 (usu. Foll. By to) grant (to a person) the use of (a thing) on the understanding that it or its equivalent shall be returned. 2 allow the use of (money) at interest. 3 bestow or contribute (lends a certain charm). lend an ear listen. Lend a hand help. Lend itself to (of a thing) be suitable for. lender n. [old english: related to *loan]
Length n. 1 measurement or extent from end to end. 2 extent in or of time. 3 distance a thing extends. 4 length of a horse, boat, etc., as a measure of the lead in a race. 5 long stretch or extent. 6 degree of thoroughness in action (went to great lengths). 7 piece of a certain length (length of cloth). 8 prosody quantity of
a vowel or syllable. 9 cricket a distance from the batsman at which the ball pitches. B proper amount of this. 10 length of a swimming-pool as a measure of distance swum. at length 1 in detail. 2 after a long time. [old english: related to *long1]
Lengthen v. Make or become longer.
Lengthways adv. In a direction parallel with a thing’s length.
Lengthwise —adv. Lengthways. —adj. Lying or moving lengthways.
Lengthy adj. (-ier, -iest) of unusual or tedious length. lengthily adv. Lengthiness n.
Lenient adj. Merciful, not severe. lenience n. Leniency n. Leniently adv. [latin lenis gentle]
Lens n. 1 piece of a transparent substance with one or (usu.) Both sides curved for concentrating or dispersing light-rays esp. In optical instruments. 2 combination of lenses used in photography. 3 transparent substance behind the iris of the eye. 4 = *contact lens. [latin lens lent-lentil (from the similarity of shape)]
Lent n. Eccl. Period of fasting and penitence from ash wednesday to holy saturday. lenten adj. [old english, = spring]
Lent past and past part. Of *lend.
Lentil n. 1 pea-like plant. 2 its seed, esp. Used as food. [latin lens]
Lento mus. —adj. Slow. —adv. Slowly. [italian]
Leo n. (pl. -s) 1 constellation and fifth sign of the zodiac (the lion). 2 person born when the sun is in this sign. [latin]
Leonine adj. 1 like a lion. 2 of or relating to lions. [latin: related to *leo]
Leopard n. Large african or asian animal of the cat family with a black-spotted yellowish or all black coat, panther. [greek leon lion, pardos panther]
Leotard n. Close-fitting one-piece garment worn by dancers etc. [léotard, name of a trapeze artist]
Leper n. 1 person with leprosy. 2 person who is shunned. [greek lepros scaly]
Lepidopterous adj. Of the order of insects with four scale-covered wings, including butterflies and moths. lepidopterist n. [greek lepis -idos scale, pteron wing]
Leprechaun n. Small mischievous sprite in irish folklore. [irish lu small, corp
Leprechaun n. Small mischievous sprite in irish folklore. [irish lu small, corp body]
Leprosy n. Contagious disease that damages the skin and nerves. leprous adj. [related to *leper]
Lesbian —n. Homosexual woman. —adj. Of female homosexuality. lesbianism n. [lesbos, name of an island in the aegean sea]
Lese-majesty n. 1 treason. 2 insult to a sovereign or ruler. 3 presumptuous conduct. [french lèse-majesté injured sovereignty]
Lesion n. 1 damage. 2 injury. 3 morbid change in the functioning or texture of an organ etc. [latin laedo laes-injure]
Less —adj. 1 smaller in extent, degree, duration, number, etc. 2 of smaller quantity, not so much (less meat). 3 colloq. Fewer (less biscuits). —adv. To a smaller extent, in a lower degree. —n. Smaller amount, quantity, or number (will take less; for less than £10). —prep. Minus (made £1,000 less tax). [old english]
Usage the use of less to mean ‘fewer’, as in sense 3, is regarded as incorrect in standard english.
-less suffix forming adjectives and adverbs: 1 from nouns, meaning ‘not having, without, free from’ (powerless). 2 from verbs, meaning ‘not accessible to, affected by, or performing the action of the verb’ (fathomless; ceaseless). [old english]
Lessee n. (often foll. By of) person holding a property by lease. [french: related to *lease]
Lessen v. Make or become less, diminish.
Lesser adj. (usu. Attrib.) Not so great as the other(s) (lesser evil; lesser mortals).
Lesson n. 1 spell of teaching. 2 (in pl.; foll. By in) systematic instruction. 3 thing learnt by a pupil. 4 experience that serves to warn or encourage (let that be a lesson). 5 passage from the bible read aloud during a church service. [french leçon from latin lego lect-]
Lessor n. Person who lets a property by lease. [anglo-french: related to *lease]
Lest conj. Formal 1 in order that not, for fear that (lest he forget). 2 that (afraid lest we should be late). [old english: related to *less]
Usage lest is followed by should or the subjunctive (see examples above).
Let1 —v. (-tt-; past and past part. Let) 1 a allow to, not prevent or forbid. B cause to (let me know). 2 (foll. By into) allow to enter. 3 grant the use of (rooms, land, etc.) For rent or hire. 4 allow or cause (liquid or air) to escape (let blood). 5 aux. Supplying the first and third persons of the imperative in exhortations (let us pray), commands (let it be done at once; let there be light), assumptions, etc. (let ab equal cd). —n. Act of letting a house, room, etc. let alone 1 not to
mention, far less or more (hasn’t got a television, let alone a video). 2 = let be. Let be not interfere with, attend to, or do. Let down 1 lower. 2 fail to support or satisfy, disappoint. 3 lengthen (a garment). 4 deflate (a tyre). Let down gently reject or disappoint without humiliating. Let drop (or fall) drop (esp. A word or hint) intentionally or by accident. Let go 1 release. 2 a (often foll. By of) lose one’s hold. B lose hold of. Let oneself go 1 act spontaneously. 2 neglect one’s appearance or habits. Let in 1 allow to enter (let the dog in; let in a flood of light). 2 (foll. By for) involve (a person, often oneself) in loss or difficulty. 3 (foll. By on) allow (a person) to share a secret, privileges, etc. Let loose release, unchain. Let off 1 a fire (a gun). B explode (a bomb). 2 allow or cause (steam etc.) To escape. 3 a not punish or compel. B (foll. By with) punish lightly.
Let2 —n. Obstruction of a ball or player in tennis etc., requiring the ball to be served again. —v. (-tt-; past and past part. Letted or let) archaic hinder, obstruct. without let or hindrance unimpeded. [old english: related to *late]
-let suffix forming nouns, usu. Diminutive (flatlet) or denoting articles of ornament or dress (anklet). [french]
Let-down n. Disappointment.
Lethal adj. Causing or sufficient to cause death. lethally adv. [latin letum death]
Lethargy n. 1 lack of energy. 2 morbid drowsiness. lethargic adj. Lethargically adv. [greek lethargos forgetful]
Let-out n. Colloq. Opportunity to escape a commitment etc.
Letter —n. 1 character representing one or more of the sounds used in speech. 2 a written or printed message, usu. Sent in an envelope by post. B (in pl.) Addressed legal or formal document. 3 precise terms of a statement, the strict verbal interpretation (letter of the law). 4 (in pl.) A literature. B acquaintance with books, erudition. —v. 1 inscribe letters on. 2 classify with letters. to the
letter with adherence to every detail. [french from latin littera]
Letter-bomb n. Terrorist explosive device in the form of a postal packet.
Letter-box n. Box or slot into which letters are posted or delivered.
Lettered adj. Well-read or educated.
Letterhead n. 1 printed heading on stationery. 2 stationery with this.
Letter of credit n. Letter from a bank authorizing the bearer to draw money from another bank.
Letterpress n. 1 printed words of an illustrated book. 2 printing from raised type.
Lettuce n. Plant with crisp leaves used in salads. [latin lactuca from lac lact-milk]
Let-up n. Colloq. 1 reduction in intensity. 2 relaxation of effort.
Leuco-comb. Form white. [greek leukos white]
Leucocyte n. White blood cell.
Leukaemia n. (us leukemia) malignant disease in which the bone-marrow etc. Produces too many leucocytes. [greek leukos white, haima blood]
Leukemia n. (brit. Leukaemia) malignant disease in which the bone-marrow etc. Produces too many leucocytes. [greek leukos white, haima blood]
Levant n. (prec. By the) archaic eastern mediterranean countries. [french, = point of sunrise, from latin levo lift]
Levantine —adj. Of or trading to the levant. —n. Native or inhabitant of the levant.
Levee n. Us 1 embankment against river floods. 2 natural embankment built up by a river. 3 landing-place. [french levée past part. Of lever raise: related to *levy]
Level —n. 1 horizontal line or plane. 2 height or value reached; position on a real or imaginary scale (eye level; sugar level; danger level). 3 social, moral, or intellectual standard. 4 plane of rank or authority (talks at cabinet level). 5 instrument giving a line parallel to the plane of the horizon. 6 level surface. 7 flat tract of land. —adj. 1 flat and even; not bumpy. 2 horizontal. 3 (often foll. By with) a on the same horizontal plane as something else. B having equality with something else. 4 even, uniform, equable, or well-balanced. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 make level. 2 raze. 3 (also absol.) Aim (a missile or gun). 4 (also absol.; foll. By at, against) direct (an accusation etc.). do one’s level best colloq. Do one’s utmost. Find one’s level reach the right social, intellectual, etc. Position. Level down bring down to a standard. Level off make or become level. Level out make or become level. Level up bring up to a standard. On the level 1 honestly,
without deception. 2 honest, truthful. On a level with 1 in the same horizontal plane as. 2 equal with. [latin diminutive of libra balance]
Level crossing n. Crossing of a railway and a road, or two railways, at the same level.
Leveler n. (brit. Leveller) 1 person who advocates the abolition of social distinctions. 2 person or thing that levels.
Level-headed adj. Mentally well-balanced, sensible. level-headedness n.
Leveller n. (us leveler) 1 person who advocates the abolition of social distinctions. 2 person or thing that levels.
Level pegging n. Equality of scores etc.
Lever —n. 1 bar resting on a pivot, used to prise. 2 bar pivoted about a fulcrum (fixed point) which can be acted upon by a force (effort) in order to move a load. 3 projecting handle moved to operate a mechanism. 4 means of exerting moral pressure. —v. 1 use a lever. 2 (often foll. By away, out, up, etc.) Lift, move, etc. With a lever. [latin levo raise]
Leverage n. 1 action or power of a lever. 2 power to accomplish a purpose.
Leveraged buyout n. Buyout in which outside capital is used to enable the
management to buy up the company.
Usage the pronunciation is american because the practice takes place mainly in the us.
Leveret n. Young hare, esp. One in its first year. [latin lepus lepor-hare]
Leviathan n. 1 bibl. Sea-monster. 2 very large or powerful thing. [latin from hebrew]
Levis n.pl. (also levi’s propr.) Type of (orig. Blue) denim jeans or overalls reinforced with rivets. [levi strauss, name of the manufacturer]
Levitate v. (-ting) 1 rise and float in the air (esp. With reference to spiritualism). 2 cause to do this. levitation n. [latin levis light, after *gravitate]
Levity n. Lack of serious thought, frivolity. [latin levis light]
Levy —v. (-ies, -ied) 1 impose or collect compulsorily (payment etc.). 2 enrol (troops etc.). 3 wage (war). —n. (pl. -ies) 1 a collecting of a contribution, tax, etc. B contribution etc. Levied. 2 a act of enrolling troops etc. B (in pl.) Troopsenrolled. [latin levo raise]
Lexical adj. 1 of the words of a language. 2 of or as of a lexicon. [greek lexikos, lexikon: see *lexicon]
Lexicography n. Compiling of dictionaries. lexicographer n. [from lexicon, – graphy]
Lexicon n. 1 dictionary, esp. Of greek, hebrew, syriac, or arabic. 2 vocabulary of a person etc. [greek lexis word]
Leyden jar n. Early capacitor consisting of a glass jar with layers of metal foil on the outside and inside. [leyden (now leiden) in holland]
Lf abbr. Low frequency.
Li symb. Lithium.
Liability n. (pl. -ies) 1 being liable. 2 troublesome responsibility; handicap. 3 (in pl.) Debts etc. For which one is liable.
Liable predic. Adj. 1 legally bound. 2 (foll. By to) subject to. 3 (foll. By to + infin.) Under an obligation. 4 (foll. By to) exposed or open to (something undesirable). 5 (foll. By to + infin.) Apt, likely (it is liable to rain). 6 (foll. By for) answerable. [french lier bind, from latin ligo]
Usage use of liable in sense 5, though common, is considered incorrect by some
people.
Liaise v. (-sing) (foll. By with, between) colloq. Establish cooperation, act as a link. [back-formation from *liaison]
Liaison n. 1 communication or cooperation. 2 illicit sexual relationship. [french lier bind: see *liable]
Liana n. Climbing plant of tropical forests. [french]
Liar n. Person who tells a lie or lies.
Lib. Abbr. Liberal.
Lib n. Colloq. (in names of political movements) liberation. [abbreviation]
Libation n. 1 pouring out of a drink-offering to a god. 2 such a drink-offering. [latin]
Libel —n. 1 law a published false statement that is damaging to a person’s reputation. B act of publishing this. 2 false and defamatory misrepresentation or statement. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 defame by libellous statements. 2 law publish a libel against. libellous adj. [latin libellus diminutive of liber book]
Liberal —adj. 1 abundant, ample. 2 giving freely, generous. 3 open-minded. 4 not strict or rigorous. 5 for the general broadening of the mind (liberal studies). 6 a favouring moderate political and social reform. B (liberal) of or characteristic of liberals. —n. 1 person of liberal views. 2 (liberal) supporter or member of a liberal party. liberalism n. Liberality n. Liberally adv. [latin liber free]
Usage in the uk the name liberal was discontinued in official political use in 1988 when the party regrouped to form the social and liberal democrats. In 1989 this name was officially replaced by liberal democratic party.
Liberal democrat n. Member of the party formed from the liberal party and the social democratic party.
Usage see note at liberal.
Liberalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make or become more liberal or less strict. liberalization n.
Liberate v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By from) set free. 2 free (a country etc.) From an oppressor or enemy. 3 (often as liberated adj.) Free (a person) from rigid social conventions. liberation n. Liberator n. [latin liberare liberat-from liber free]
Libertine —n. Licentious person, rake. —adj. Licentious. [latin, = freedman, from liber free]
Liberty n. (pl. -ies) 1 freedom from captivity etc. 2 right or power to do as one
pleases. 3 (usu. In pl.) Right or privilege granted by authority. at liberty 1 free. 2 (foll. By to + infin.) Permitted. Take liberties (often foll. By with) behave in an unduly familiar manner. [latin: related to *liberal]
Libidinous adj. Lustful. [latin: related to *libido]
Libido n. (pl. -s) psychic drive or energy, esp. That associated with sexual desire. libidinal adj. [latin, = lust]
Libra n. 1 constellation and seventh sign of the zodiac (the scales). 2 person born when the sun is in this sign. [latin, = pound weight]
Librarian n. Person in charge of or assisting in a library. librarianship n.
Library n. (pl. -ies) 1 collection of books. 2 room or building where these are kept. 3 a similar collection of films, records, computer routines, etc. B place where these are kept. 4 set of books issued in similar bindings. [latin liber book]
Libretto n. (pl. -ti or -s) text of an opera etc. librettist n. [italian, = little book]
Lice pl. Of *louse.
Licence n. (us license) 1 official permit to own or use something, do something, or carry on a trade. 2 permission. 3 liberty of action, esp. When excessive. 4 writer’s or artist’s deliberate deviation from fact, correct grammar, etc. (poetic licence). [latin licet it is allowed]
License1 n. (brit. Licence) 1 official permit to own or use something, do something, or carry on a trade. 2 permission. 3 liberty of action, esp. When excessive. 4 writer’s or artist’s deliberate deviation from fact, correct grammar, etc. (poetic licence). [latin licet it is allowed]
License2 v. (-sing) 1 grant a licence to. 2 authorize the use of (premises) for a certain purpose.
Licensee n. Holder of a licence, esp. To sell alcoholic liquor.
Licentiate n. Holder of a certificate of professional competence. [medieval latin:
related to *licence]
Licentious adj. Sexually promiscuous. [latin: related to *licence]
Lichee var. Of *lychee.
Lichen n. Plant composed of a fungus and an alga in association, growing on and colouring rocks, tree-trunks, etc. [greek leikhen]
Lich-gate n. (also lych-gate) roofed gateway to a churchyard where a coffin awaits the clergyman’s arrival. [from lich = corpse]
Licit adj. Formal permitted, lawful. [latin: related to *licence]
Licit adj. Formal permitted, lawful. [latin: related to *licence]
Lick —v. 1 pass the tongue over. 2 bring into a specified condition by licking (licked it all up; licked it clean). 3 (of a flame etc.) Play lightly over. 4 colloq. Defeat. 5 colloq. Thrash. —n. 1 act of licking with the tongue. 2 colloq. Fast pace (at a lick). 3 smart blow. lick a person’s boots be servile. Lick into shape make presentable or efficient. Lick one’s lips (or chops) look forward with relish. Lick one’s wounds be in retirement regaining strength etc. After defeat. [old english]
Lick and a promise n. Colloq. Hasty performance of a task, esp. Washing oneself.
Licorice var. Of *liquorice.
Lid n. 1 hinged or removable cover, esp. For a container. 2 = *eyelid. put the lid on colloq. 1 be the culmination of. 2 put a stop to. lidded adj. (also in comb.). [old english]
Lido n. (pl. -s) public open-air swimming-pool or bathing-beach. [lido, name of a beach near venice]
Lie1 —v. (lies; lying; past lay; past part. Lain) 1 be in or assume a horizontal position on a surface; be at rest on something. 2 (of a thing) rest flat on a surface. 3 remain undisturbed or undiscussed etc. (let matters lie). 4 a be kept, remain, or be in a specified state or place (lie hidden; lie in wait; books lay unread). B (of abstract things) exist; be in a certain position or relation (answer lies in education). 5 a be situated (village lay to the east). B be spread out to view. —n. Way, direction, or position in which a thing lies. lie down assume a lying
position; have a short rest. Lie down under accept (an insult etc.) Without protest. Lie in stay in bed late in the morning. Lie low 1 keep quiet or unseen. 2 be discreet about one’s intentions. Lie with be the responsibility of (a person) (decision lies with you). Take lying down (usu. With neg.) Accept (an insult etc.) Without protest. [old english]
Usage the transitive use of lie, meaning lay, as in lie her on the bed, is incorrect in standard english.
Lie2 —n. 1 intentionally false statement (tell a lie). 2 something that deceives. —v. (lies, lied, lying) 1 tell a lie or lies. 2 (of a thing) be deceptive. give the lie to show the falsity of (a supposition etc.). [old english]
Lied n. (pl. Lieder) german song, esp. Of the romantic period. [german]
Lie-detector n. Instrument supposedly determining whether a person is lying, by testing for certain physiological changes.
Lie-down n. Short rest.
Liege usu. Hist. —adj. Entitled to receive, or bound to give, feudal service or allegiance. —n. 1 (in full liege lord) feudal superior or sovereign. 2 (usu. In pl.) Vassal, subject. [medieval latin laeticus, probably from germanic]
Lie-in n. Prolonged stay in bed in the morning.
Lien n. Law right to hold another’s property until a debt on it is paid. [latin ligo
bind]
Lie of the land n. State of affairs.
Lieu n. in lieu 1 instead. 2 (foll. By of) in the place of. [latin locus place]
Lieut. Abbr. Lieutenant.
Lieutenant n. 1 a army officer next in rank below captain. B naval officer next in rank below lieutenant commander. 2 deputy. lieutenancy n. (pl. -ies). [french: related to *lieu place, *tenant holder]
Lieutenant colonel n. (also lieutenant commander or general) officers ranking next below colonel, commander, or general.
Life n. (pl. Lives) 1 capacity for growth, functional activity, and continual change until death. 2 living things and their activity (insect life; is there life on mars?). 3 a period during which life lasts, or the period from birth to the present time or from the present time to death (have done it all my life; will regret it all my life). B duration of a thing’s existence or ability to function. 4 a person’s state of existence as a living individual (sacrificed their lives). B living person (many lives were lost). 5 a individual’s actions or fortunes; manner of existence (start a new life). B particular aspect of this (private life). 6 business and pleasures of the world (in paris you really see life). 7 energy, liveliness (full of life). 8 biography. 9 colloq. = *life sentence. for dear (or one’s) life as if or in order to escape death. For life for the rest of one’s life. Not on your life colloq. Most certainly not. [old english]
Life assurance n. = *life insurance.
Lifebelt n. Buoyant belt for keeping a person afloat.
Lifeblood n. 1 blood, as being necessary to life. 2 vital factor or influence.
Lifeboat n. 1 special boat for rescuing those in distress at sea. 2 ship’s small boat for use in emergency.
Lifebuoy n. Buoyant support for keeping a person afloat.
Life cycle n. Series of changes in the life of an organism, including reproduction.
Lifeguard n. Expert swimmer employed to rescue bathers from drowning.
Life guards n.pl. Regiment of the royal household cavalry.
Life insurance n. Insurance for a sum to be paid after a set period or on the death of the insured person if earlier.
Life-jacket n. Buoyant jacket for keeping a person afloat.
Lifeless adj. 1 dead. 2 unconscious. 3 lacking movement or vitality. lifelessly adv. [old english]
Lifelike adj. Closely resembling life or the person or thing represented.
Lifeline n. 1 rope etc. Used for life-saving. 2 sole means of communication or transport.
Lifelong adj. Lasting a lifetime.
Life peer n. Peer whose title lapses on death.
Life-preserver n. 1 short stick with a heavily loaded end. 2 life-jacket etc.
Lifer n. Slang person serving a life sentence.
Life sciences n.pl. Biology and related subjects.
Life sentence n. Sentence of imprisonment for an indefinite period.
Life-size adj. (also -sized) of the same size as the person or thing represented.
Lifestyle n. Way of life of a person or group.
Life-support machine n. Respirator.
Lifetime n. Duration of a person’s life.
Lift —v. 1 (often foll. By up, off, out, etc.) Raise or remove to a higher position. 2 go up; be raised; yield to an upward force. 3 give an upward direction to (the eyes or face). 4 elevate to a higher plane of thought or feeling. 5 (of fog etc.) Rise, disperse. 6 remove (a barrier or restriction). 7 transport (supplies, troops, etc.) By air. 8 colloq. A steal. B plagiarize (a passage of writing etc.). 9 dig up (esp. Potatoes etc.). —n. 1 lifting or being lifted. 2 ride in another person’s vehicle (gave them a lift).
Lift-off n. Vertical take-off of a spacecraft or rocket.
Ligament n. Band of tough fibrous tissue linking bones. [latin ligo bind]
Ligature —n. 1 tie or bandage. 2 mus. Slur, tie. 3 two or more letters joined, e.g.
4 bond; thing that unites. —v. (-ring) bind or connect with a ligature. [latin ligo bind]
Usage sense 3 of this word is sometimes confused with digraph, which means ‘two separate letters together representing one sound’.
Light1 —n. 1 the natural agent (electromagnetic radiation) that stimulates sight and makes things visible. 2 the medium or condition of the space in which this is present (just enough light to see). 3 appearance of brightness (saw a distant light). 4 source of light, e.g. The sun, a lamp, fire, etc. 5 (often in pl.) Traffic-light. 6 a flame or spark serving to ignite. B device producing this. 7 aspect in which a thing is regarded (appeared in a new light). 8 a mental illumination. B spiritual illumination by divine truth. 9 vivacity etc. In a person’s face, esp. In the eyes. 10 eminent person (leading light). 11 bright parts of a picture etc. 12 window or opening in a wall to let light in. —v. (past lit; past part. Lit or lighted) (attrib.) 1 set burning; begin to burn. 2 (often foll. By up) provide with light or lighting; make prominent by means of light. 3 show (a person) the way or surroundings with a light. 4 (usu. Foll. By up) (of the face or eyes) brighten with animation, pleasure, etc. —adj. 1 well provided with light; not dark. 2 (of a colour) pale (light blue; light-blue ribbon). bring (or come) to light reveal or be revealed. In a good (or bad) light giving a favourable (or unfavourable) impression. In the light of taking account of. Light up 1 colloq. Begin to smoke a cigarette etc. 2 = sense 2 of v. 3 = sense 4 of v. lightish adj. [old english]
Light2 —adj. 1 not heavy. 2 a relatively low in weight, amount, density, intensity, etc. (light arms, traffic, metal, rain). B deficient in weight (light coin). 3 a carrying or suitable for small loads (light railway). B (of a ship) unladen. C carrying only light arms, armaments, etc. 4 (of food) easy to digest. 5 (of entertainment, music, etc.) Intended for amusement only; not profound. 6 (of sleep or a sleeper) easily disturbed. 7 easily borne or done (light duties). 8 nimble; quick-moving (light step; light rhythm). 9 (of a building etc.) Graceful, elegant. 10 a free from sorrow; cheerful (light heart). B giddy (light in the head). —adv. 1 in a light manner (tread light; sleep light). 2 with a minimum load (travel light). —v. (past and past part. Lit or lighted) (foll. By on, upon) come upon or find by chance. make light of treat as unimportant. lightish adj. Lightly adv. Lightness n. [old english]
Light-bulb n. Glass bulb containing an inert gas and a metal filament, providing light when an electric current is passed through it.
Lighten1 v. 1 a make or become lighter in weight. B reduce the weight or load of. 2 bring relief to (the mind etc.). 3 mitigate (a penalty).
Lighten2 v. 1 shed light on. 2 make or grow bright.
Lighter1 n. Device for lighting cigarettes etc.
Lighter2 n. Boat, usu. Flat-bottomed, for transferring goods from a ship to a wharf or another ship. [dutch: related to *light2 in the sense ‘unload’]
Lighter-than-air attrib. Adj. (of an aircraft) weighing less than the air it displaces.
Light-fingered adj. Given to stealing.
Light flyweight n. 1 amateur boxing weight up to 48 kg. 2 amateur boxer of this weight.
Light-footed adj. Nimble.
Light-headed adj. Giddy, delirious. light-headedness n.
Light heavyweight n. 1 weight in certain sports between middleweight and heavyweight, in amateur boxing 75–81 kg: also called *cruiserweight. 2 sportsman of this weight.
Lighthouse n. Tower etc. Containing a beacon light to warn or guide ships at sea.
Light industry n. Manufacture of small or light articles.
Lighting n. 1 equipment in a room or street etc. For producing light. 2 arrangement or effect of lights.
Lighting-up time n. Time after which vehicles must show the prescribed lights.
Light meter n. Instrument for measuring the intensity of the light, esp. To show the correct photographic exposure.
Light middleweight n. 1 weight in amateur boxing of 67–71 kg. 2 amateur boxer of this weight.
Lightning —n. Flash of bright light produced by an electric discharge between clouds or between clouds and the ground. —attrib. Adj. Very quick. [from *lighten2]
Lightning-conductor n. (also lightning-rod) metal rod or wire fixed to an exposed part of a building or to a mast to divert lightning into the earth or sea.
Lights n.pl. Lungs of sheep, pigs, etc., used as a food esp. For pets. [from light2:
cf. lung]
Lightship n. Moored or anchored ship with a beacon light.
Lightweight —adj. 1 of below average weight. 2 of little importance or influence. —n. 1 lightweight person, animal, or thing. 2 a weight in certain sports between featherweight and welterweight, in amateur boxing 57–60 kg. B sportsman of this weight.
Light welterweight n. 1 weight in amateur boxing of 60–63.5 kg. 2 amateur boxer of this weight.
Light-year n. Distance light travels in one year, nearly 6 million million miles.
Ligneous adj. 1 (of a plant) woody. 2 of the nature of wood. [latin lignum wood]
Lignite n. Brown coal of woody texture.
Lignum vitae n. A hardwooded tree. [latin, = wood of life]
Likable var. Of *likeable.
Like1 —adj. (more like, most like) 1 a having some or all of the qualities of another, each other, or an original. B resembling in some way, such as (good writers like dickens). 2 characteristic of (not like them to be late). 3 in a suitable state or mood for (felt like working; felt like a cup of tea). —prep. In the manner of; to the same degree as (drink like a fish; acted like an idiot). —adv. 1 slang so to speak (did a quick getaway, like). 2 colloq. Likely, probably (as like as not). —conj. Colloq. 1 as (cannot do it like you do). 2 as if (ate like they were starving). —n. 1 counterpart; equal; similar person or thing. 2 (prec. By the) thing or things of the same kind (will never do the like again). and the like and similar things. Like anything colloq. Very much, vigorously. The likes of colloq. A person such as. More like it colloq. Nearer what is required. What is he (or it etc.) Like? What sort of person is he (or thing is it etc.)? [old english]
Usage the use of like as a conjunction is considered incorrect by some people.
Like2 —v. (-king) 1 find agreeable or enjoyable. 2 a choose to have; prefer (like my tea weak). B wish for or be inclined to (would like a nap; should like to come). —n. (in pl.) Things one likes or prefers. [old english]
Usage the use of like as a conjunction is considered incorrect by some people.
Like2 —v. (-king) 1 find agreeable or enjoyable. 2 a choose to have; prefer (like my tea weak). B wish for or be inclined to (would like a nap; should like to come). —n. (in pl.) Things one likes or prefers. [old english]
-like comb. Form forming adjectives from nouns, meaning ‘similar to, characteristic of’ (doglike; shell-like; tortoise-like).
Usage in formations not generally current the hyphen should be used. It may be
omitted when the first element is of one syllable, unless it ends in -l.
Likeable adj. (also likable) pleasant; easy to like. likeably adv.
Likelihood n. Probability. in all likelihood very probably.
Likely —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 probable; such as may well happen or be true. 2 to be reasonably expected (not likely to come now). 3 promising; apparently suitable (a likely spot). —adv. Probably. not likely! Colloq. Certainly not, i refuse. [old norse: related to *like1]
Like-minded adj. Having the same tastes, opinions, etc.
Liken v. (foll. By to) point out the resemblance of (a person or thing to another). [from *like1]
Likeness n. 1 (usu. Foll. By between, to) resemblance. 2 (foll. By of) semblance or guise (in the likeness of a ghost). 3 portrait, representation.
Likewise adv. 1 also, moreover. 2 similarly (do likewise).
Liking n. 1 what one likes; one’s taste (is it to your liking?). 2 (foll. By for) regard or fondness; taste or fancy.
Lilac —n. 1 shrub with fragrant pinkish-violet or white blossoms. 2 pale pinkish-violet colour. —adj. Of this colour. [persian]
Liliaceous adj. Of the lily family. [related to *lily]
Lilliputian —n. Diminutive person or thing. —adj. Diminutive. [lilliput in swift’s gulliver’s travels]
Lilo n. (also li-lo propr.) (pl. -s) type of inflatable mattress. [from lie low]
Lilt —n. 1 light springing rhythm. 2 tune with this. —v. (esp. As lilting adj.) Speak etc. With a lilt; have a lilt. [origin unknown]
Lily n. (pl. -ies) 1 bulbous plant with large trumpet-shaped flowers on a tall stem. 2 heraldic fleur-de-lis. [latin lilium]
Lily-livered adj. Cowardly.
Lily of the valley n. Plant with white bell-shaped fragrant flowers.
Lily white adj. & n. (as adj. Often hyphenated) pure white.
Limb1 n. 1 arm, leg, or wing. 2 large branch of a tree. 3 branch of a cross. out on a limb isolated. [old english]
a limb isolated. [old english]
Limb2 n. Specified edge of the sun, moon, etc. [latin limbus hem, border]
Limber1 —adj. 1 lithe. 2 flexible. —v. (usu. Foll. By up) 1 make (oneself or a part of the body etc.) Supple. 2 warm up in preparation for athletic etc. Activity. [origin uncertain]
Limber2 —n. Detachable front part of a gun-carriage. —v. Attach a limber to. [perhaps from latin limo -onis shaft]
Limber2 —n. Detachable front part of a gun-carriage. —v. Attach a limber to. [perhaps from latin limo -onis shaft]
Limbo1 n. (pl. -s) 1 (in some christian beliefs) supposed abode of the souls of unbaptized infants, and of the just who died before christ. 2 intermediate state or condition of awaiting a decision etc. [latin in limbo: related to *limb2]
Limbo2 n. (pl. -s) w. Indian dance in which the dancer bends backwards to pass under a horizontal bar which is progressively lowered. [w. Indian word, perhaps = *limber1]
Lime1 —n. 1 (in full quicklime) white substance (calcium oxide) obtained by heating limestone. 2 (in full slaked lime) calcium hydroxide obtained by reacting quicklime with water, used as a fertilizer and in making mortar. —v. (-ming) treat with lime. limy adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Lime2 n. 1 a fruit like a lemon but green, rounder, smaller, and more acid. B tree
Lime2 n. 1 a fruit like a lemon but green, rounder, smaller, and more acid. B tree which produces this fruit. 2 (in full lime-green) yellowish-green colour. [french from arabic]
Lime3 n. (in full lime-tree) tree with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant creamy blossom. [alteration of line = old english lind = *linden]
Limekiln n. Kiln for heating limestone.
Limelight n. 1 intense white light used formerly in theatres. 2 (prec. By the) the glare of publicity.
Limerick n. Humorous five-line verse with a rhyme-scheme aabba. [origin uncertain]
Limestone n. Rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate.
Limey n. (pl. -s) us slang offens. British person (orig. A sailor) or ship. [from *lime2, because of the former enforced consumption of lime juice in the british navy]
Limit —n. 1 point, line, or level beyond which something does not or may not extend or pass. 2 greatest or smallest amount permissible. —v. (-t-) 1 set or serve as a limit to. 2 (foll. By to) restrict. be the limit colloq. Be intolerable. Within limits with some degree of freedom. limitless adj. [latin limes limit-boundary, frontier]
Limitation n. 1 limiting or being limited. 2 limit (of ability etc.) (often in pl.:
know one’s limitations). 3 limiting circumstance.
Limited adj. 1 confined within limits. 2 not great in scope or talents. 3 restricted to a few examples (limited edition). 4 (after a company name) being a limited company.
Limited company n. (also limited liability company) company whose owners are legally responsible only to a specified amount for its debts.
Limn v. Archaic paint. [french luminer from latin lumino *illuminate]
Limo n. (pl. -s) us colloq. Limousine. [abbreviation]
Limousine n. Large luxurious car. [french]
Limp1 —v. Walk or proceed lamely or awkwardly. —n. Lame walk. [perhaps from obsolete limphalt: related to *halt2]
Limp2 adj. 1 not stiff or firm. 2 without energy or will. limply adv. Limpness n. [perhaps from *limp1]
Limpet n. Marine gastropod with a conical shell, sticking tightly to rocks. [old english]
english]
Limpet mine n. Delayed action mine attached to a ship’s hull.
Limpid adj. Clear, transparent. limpidity n. [latin]
Linage n. 1 number of lines in printed or written matter. 2 payment by the line.
Linchpin n. 1 pin passed through an axle-end to keep a wheel in position. 2 person or thing vital to an organization etc. [old english lynis = axle-tree]
Linctus n. Syrupy medicine, esp. A soothing cough mixture. [latin lingo lick]
Linden n. Lime-tree. [old english lind(e)]
Line1 —n. 1 continuous mark made on a surface. 2 similar mark, esp. A furrow or wrinkle. 3 use of lines in art. 4 a straight or curved continuous extent of length without breadth. B track of a moving point. 5 contour or outline (has a slimming line). 6 a curve connecting all points having a specified common property. B (the line) the equator. 7 a limit or boundary.
Line2 v. (-ning) 1 cover the inside surface of (a garment, box, etc.) With a layer of usu. Different material. 2 serve as a lining for. 3 colloq. Fill, esp. Plentifully. [obsolete line linen used for linings]
Lineage n. Lineal descent; ancestry. [latin: related to *line1]
Lineal adj. 1 in the direct line of descent or ancestry. 2 linear. lineally adv.
Lineament n. (usu. In pl.) Distinctive feature or characteristic, esp. Of the face. [latin: related to *line1]
Linear adj. 1 of or in lines. 2 long and narrow and of uniform breadth. linearity n. Linearly adv.
Linear b n. Form of bronze age writing found in greece: an earlier undeciphered form (linear a) also exists.
Lineation n. Marking with or drawing of lines.
Line-drawing n. Drawing in which images are produced with lines.
Linen —n. 1 cloth woven from flax. 2 (collect.) Articles made or orig. Made of linen, as sheets, shirts, underwear, etc. —adj. Made of linen. [old english: related to latin linum flax]
Linen basket n. Basket for dirty washing.
Line of fire n. Expected path of gunfire etc.
Line of vision n. Straight line along which an observer looks.
Line-out n. (in rugby) parallel lines of opposing forwards at right angles to the touchline for the throwing in of the ball.
Line printer n. Machine that prints output from a computer a line at a time.
Liner1 n. Ship or aircraft etc. Carrying passengers on a regular line.
Liner2 n. Removable lining.
Linesman n. Umpire’s or referee’s assistant who decides whether a ball has fallen within the playing area or not.
Line-up n. 1 line of people for inspection. 2 arrangement of persons in a team, band, etc.
Ling1 n. (pl. Same) long slender marine fish. [probably dutch]
Ling2 n. Any of various heathers. [old norse]
-ling suffix 1 denoting a person or thing: a connected with (hireling). B having the property of being (weakling) or undergoing (starveling). 2 denoting a diminutive (duckling), often derogatory (lordling). [old english]
diminutive (duckling), often derogatory (lordling). [old english]
Linger v. 1 stay about. 2 (foll. By over, on, etc.) Dally (linger over dinner; lingered on the final note). 3 (esp. Of an illness) be protracted. 4 (often foll. By on) be slow in dying. [old english lengan: related to *long1]
Lingerie n. Women’s underwear and nightclothes. [french linge linen]
Lingo n. (pl. -s or -es) colloq. 1 foreign language. 2 vocabulary of a special subject or group. [probably from portuguese lingoa from latin lingua tongue]
Lingua franca n. (pl. Lingua francas) 1 language used in common by speakers with different native languages. 2 system for mutual understanding. [italian, = frankish tongue]
Lingual adj. 1 of or formed by the tongue. 2 of speech or languages. lingually adv. [latin lingua tongue, language]
Linguist n. Person skilled in languages or linguistics.
Linguistic adj. Of language or the study of languages. linguistically adv.
Linguistics n. The study of language and its structure.
Liniment n. Embrocation. [latin linio smear]
Lining n. Material which lines a surface etc.
Link —n. 1 one loop or ring of a chain etc. 2 a connecting part; one in a series. B state or means of connection. 3 cuff-link. —v. 1 (foll. By together, to, with) connect or join (two things or one to another). 2 clasp or intertwine (hands or arms). 3 (foll. By on, to, in to) be joined; attach oneself to (a system, company, etc.). link up (foll. By with) connect or combine. [old norse]
Linkage n. 1 linking or being linked, esp. The linking of quite different political issues in negotiations. 2 link or system of links.
Linkman n. Person providing continuity in a broadcast programme.
Links n.pl. (treated as sing. Or pl.) Golf-course. [old english, = rising ground]
Link-up n. Act or result of linking up.
Linnaean adj. Of linnaeus or his system of classifying plants and animals.
Usage this word is spelt linnean in linnean society.
Linnet n. Brown-grey finch. [french linette from lin flax, because it eats flax-
Linnet n. Brown-grey finch. [french linette from lin flax, because it eats flax-seed]
Lino n. (pl. -s) linoleum. [abbreviation]
Linocut n. 1 design carved in relief on a block of linoleum. 2 print made from this.
Linoleum n. Canvas-backed material thickly coated with a preparation of linseed oil and powdered cork etc., esp. As a floor covering. [latin linum flax, oleum oil]
Linseed n. Seed of flax. [old english: related to *line1]
Linseed oil n. Oil extracted from linseed and used in paint and varnish.
Linsey-woolsey n. Fabric of coarse wool woven on a cotton warp. [probably from lindsey in suffolk + *wool]
Lint n. 1 linen or cotton with a raised nap on one side, used for dressing wounds. 2 fluff. [perhaps from french linette from lin flax]
Lintel n. Horizontal timber, stone, etc., across the top of a door or window. [french: related to *limit]
Lion n. 1 (fem. Lioness) large tawny flesh-eating wild cat of africa and s. Asia. 2 (the lion) zodiacal sign or constellation leo. 3 brave or celebrated person. [latin leo]
Lion-heart n. Courageous person. lion-hearted adj.
Lionize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) treat as a celebrity.
Lion’s share n. Largest or best part.
Lip —n. 1 either of the two fleshy parts forming the edges of the mouth-opening. 2 edge of a cup, vessel, etc., esp. The part shaped for pouring from. 3 colloq. Impudent talk. —v. (-pp-) 1 touch with the lips; apply the lips to. 2 touch lightly. lipped adj. (also in comb.). [old english]
Lipid n. Any of a group of fatlike substances that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, including fatty acids, oils, waxes, and steroids. [greek lipos fat]
Liposuction n. Technique in cosmetic surgery for removing excess fat from under the skin by suction.
Lip-read v. Understand (speech) from observing a speaker’s lip-movements.
Lip-service n. Insincere expression of support etc.
Lipstick n. Stick of cosmetic for colouring the lips.
Liquefy v. (-ies, -ied) make or become liquid. liquefaction n. [latin: related to *liquid]
Liqueur n. Any of several strong sweet alcoholic spirits. [french]
Liquid —adj. 1 having a consistency like that of water or oil, flowing freely but of constant volume. 2 having the qualities of water in appearance. 3 (of sounds) clear and pure. 4 (of assets) easily converted into cash. —n. 1 liquid substance. 2 phonet. Sound of l or r. [latin liqueo be liquid]
Liquidate v. (-ting) 1 wind up the affairs of (a firm) by ascertaining liabilities and apportioning assets. 2 pay off (a debt). 3 wipe out, kill. liquidator n. [medieval latin: related to *liquid]
Liquidation n. Liquidating, esp. Of a firm. go into liquidation (of a firm etc.) Be wound up and have its assets apportioned.
Liquid crystal n. Turbid liquid with some order in its molecular arrangement.
Liquid crystal display n. Visual display in electronic devices, in which the reflectivity of a matrix of liquid crystals changes as a signal is applied.
Liquidity n. (pl. -ies) 1 state of being liquid. 2 availability of liquid assets.
Liquidize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) reduce to a liquid state.
Liquidizer n. (also -iser) machine for liquidizing foods.
Liquor n. 1 alcoholic (esp. Distilled) drink. 2 other liquid, esp. That produced in cooking. [latin: related to *liquid]
Liquorice n. (also licorice) 1 black root extract used as a sweet and in medicine. 2 plant from which it is obtained. [greek glukus sweet, rhiza root]
Lira n. (pl. Lire pronunc. Same or) 1 chief monetary unit of italy. 2 chief monetary unit of turkey. [latin libra pound]
Lisle n. Fine cotton thread for stockings etc. [lille in france]
Lisp —n. Speech defect in which s is pronounced like th in thick and z is pronounced like th in this. —v. Speak or utter with a lisp. [old english]
Lissom adj. Lithe, agile. [ultimately from *lithe]
List1 —n. 1 number of items, names, etc., written or printed together as a record or aid to memory. 2 (in pl.) A palisades enclosing an area for a tournament. B scene of a contest. —v. 1 make a list of. 2 enter in a list. 3 (as listed adj.) A (of securities) approved for dealings on the stock exchange. B (of a building) of
securities) approved for dealings on the stock exchange. B (of a building) of historical importance and officially protected. enter the lists issue or accept a challenge. [old english]
List2 —v. (of a ship etc.) Lean over to one side. —n. Process or instance of listing. [origin unknown]
Listen v. 1 a make an effort to hear something. B attentively hear a person speaking. 2 (foll. By to) a give attention with the ear. B take notice of; heed. 3 (also listen out) (often foll. By for) seek to hear by waiting alertly. listen in 1 tap a telephonic communication. 2 use a radio receiving set. [old english]
Listener n. 1 person who listens. 2 person who listens to the radio.
Listeria n. Any of several bacteria infecting humans and animals eating contaminated food. [lister, name of a surgeon]
Listless adj. Lacking energy or enthusiasm. listlessly adv. Listlessness n. [from obsolete list inclination]
List price n. Price of something as shown in a published list.
Lit past and past part. Of *light1, *light2.
Litany n. (pl. -ies) 1 a series of supplications to god recited by a priest etc. With set responses by the congregation. B (the litany) that in the book of common prayer. 2 tedious recital (litany of woes). [greek litaneia prayer]
Litchi var. Of *lychee.
Liter n. (brit. Litre) metric unit of capacity equal to 1 cubic decimetre (1.76 pints). [greek litra]
Literacy n. Ability to read and write. [latin littera letter]
Literal —adj. 1 taking words in their basic sense without metaphor or allegory. 2 corresponding exactly to the original words (literal translation). 3 prosaic; matter-of-fact. 4 so called without exaggeration (literal bankruptcy). 5 of a letter or the letters of the alphabet. —n. Misprint. literally adv. [latin littera letter]
Literalism n. Insistence on a literal interpretation; adherence to the letter.
literalist n.
Literary adj. 1 of or concerned with books or literature etc. 2 (of a word or idiom) used chiefly by writers; formal. literariness n. [latin: related to *letter]
Literate —adj. Able to read and write; educated. —n. Literate person.
Literati n.pl. The class of learned people.
Literature n. 1 written works, esp. Those valued for form and style. 2 writings of
a country or period or on a particular subject. 3 literary production. 4 colloq.
Printed matter, leaflets, etc.
Lithe adj. Flexible, supple. [old english]
Lithium n. Soft silver-white metallic element. [greek lithion from lithos stone]
Lithography n. Process of printing from a plate so treated that ink adheres only to the design to be printed. lithographer n. Lithographic adj. Lithographically adv.
Lithuanian —n. 1 a native or national of lithuania in eastern europe. B person of lithuanian descent. 2 language of lithuania. —adj. Of lithuania, its people, or language.
Litigant —n. Party to a lawsuit. —adj. Engaged in a lawsuit. [related to *litigate]
Litigate v. (-ting) 1 go to law. 2 contest (a point) at law. litigation n. Litigator n. [latin lis lit-lawsuit]
Litigious adj. 1 fond of litigation. 2 contentious. [latin: related to *litigate]
Litmus n. Dye from lichens, turned red by acid and blue by alkali. [old norse, = dye-moss]
Litmus paper n. Paper stained with litmus, used to test for acids or alkalis.
Litmus test n. Colloq. Real or ultimate test.
Litotes n. (pl. Same) ironic understatement, esp. Using the negative (e.g. I shan’t be sorry for i shall be glad). [greek litos plain, meagre]
Litre n. (us liter) metric unit of capacity equal to 1 cubic decimetre (1.76 pints). [greek litra]
Litt.d. Abbr. Doctor of letters. [latin litterarum doctor]
Litter —n. 1 a refuse, esp. Paper, discarded in a public place. B odds and ends lying about. 2 young animals brought forth at one birth. 3 vehicle containing a couch and carried on men’s shoulders or by animals. 4 a kind of stretcher for the sick and wounded. 5 straw etc., as bedding for animals. 6 granulated material for use as an animal’s, esp. A cat’s, toilet indoors. —v. 1 make (a place) untidy with refuse. 2 give birth to (whelps etc.). 3 a provide (a horse etc.) With litter as bedding. B spread straw etc. On (a stable-floor etc.). [latin lectus bed]
Litterbug n. Colloq. Person who drops litter in the street etc.
Litter-lout n. Colloq. = *litterbug.
Little —adj. (littler, littlest; less or lesser, least) 1 small in size, amount, degree, etc.; often used affectionately or condescendingly (friendly little chap; silly little fool). 2 a short in stature. B of short distance or duration. 3 (prec. By a) a certain though small amount of (give me a little butter). 4 trivial (questions every little thing).
Little bear see *bear2.
Little by little adv. By degrees; gradually.
Little end n. The smaller end of a connecting-rod, attached to the piston.
Little grebe n. Small water-bird of the grebe family.
Little people n.pl. (prec. By the) fairies.
Little woman n. (prec. By the) colloq. Often derog. One’s wife.
Littoral —adj. Of or on the shore. —n. Region lying along a shore. [latin litus litor-shore]
litor-shore]
Liturgy n. (pl. -ies) 1 prescribed form of public worship. 2 (the liturgy) the book of common prayer. liturgical adj. Liturgically adv. [greek leitourgia public worship]
Livable var. Of *liveable.
Live1 v. (-ving) 1 have life; be or remain alive. 2 have one’s home (lives up the road). 3 (foll. By on) subsist or feed (lives on fruit). 4 (foll. By on, off) depend for subsistence (lives off the state; lives on a pension). 5 (foll. By on, by) sustain one’s position (live on their reputation; lives by his wits). 6 a spend or pass (lived a full life). B express in one’s life (lives his faith). 7 conduct oneself, arrange one’s habits, etc., in a specified way (live quietly). 8 (often foll. By on) (of a person or thing) survive; remain (memory lived on). 9 enjoy life to the full (not really living). live and let live condone others’ failings so as to be similarly tolerated. Live down cause (past guilt, a scandal, etc.) To be forgotten by blameless conduct thereafter. Live for regard as one’s life’s purpose (lives for her music). Live in (or out) reside on (or off) the premises of one’s work. Live it up colloq. Live gaily and extravagantly. Live a lie keep up a pretence. Live together (esp. Of a couple not married to each other) share a home and have a sexual relationship. Live up to fulfil. Live with 1 share a home with. 2 tolerate. [old english]
Live2 —adj. 1 (attrib.) That is alive; living. 2 (of a broadcast, performance, etc.) Heard or seen at the time of its performance or with an audience present. 3 of current interest or importance (a live issue). 4 glowing, burning (live coals). 5 (of a match, bomb, etc.) Not yet kindled or exploded. 6 (of a wire etc.) Charged with or carrying electricity. —adv. 1 in order to make a live broadcast (going live now to the house of commons). 2 as a live performance etc. (show went out live). [from *alive]
Liveable adj. (also livable) 1 colloq. (usu. Liveable-in) (of a house etc.) Fit to live in. 2 (of a life) worth living. 3 colloq. (usu. Liveable-with) (of a person) easy to live with.
Lived-in adj. 1 (of a room etc.) Showing signs of habitation. 2 colloq. (of a face) marked by experience.
Live-in attrib. Adj. (of a sexual partner, employee, etc.) Cohabiting; resident.
Livelihood n. Means of living; job, income. [old english: related to *life]
Livelong adj. In its entire length (the livelong day). [from obsolete lief, assimilated to *live1]
Lively adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 full of life; vigorous, energetic. 2 vivid (lively imagination). 3 cheerful. 4 joc. Exciting, dangerous (made things lively for him). liveliness n. [old english]
Liven v. (often foll. By up) colloq. Make or become lively, cheer up.
Liver1 n. 1 large glandular organ in the abdomen of vertebrates. 2 liver of some animals as food. [old english]
Liver2 n. Person who lives in a specified way (a fast liver).
Liveried adj. Wearing livery.
Liverish adj. 1 suffering from a liver disorder. 2 peevish, glum.
Liverpudlian —n. Native of liverpool. —adj. Of liverpool. [liverpool in nw england]
Liver sausage n. Sausage of cooked liver etc.
Liverwort n. Small mosslike or leafless plant sometimes lobed like a liver.
Livery n. (pl. -ies) 1 distinctive uniform of a member of a city company or of a servant. 2 distinctive guise or marking (birds in their winter livery). 3 distinctive colour scheme in which a company’s vehicles etc. Are painted. at livery (of a horse) kept for the owner for a fixed charge. [anglo-french liveré, past part. Of livrer *deliver]
Livery stable n. Stable where horses are kept at livery or let out for hire.
Lives pl. Of *life.
Livestock n. (usu. Treated as pl.) Animals on a farm, kept for use or profit.
Live wire n. Spirited person.
Livid adj. 1 colloq. Furious. 2 of a bluish leaden colour (livid bruise). [latin]
Living —n. 1 being alive (that’s what living is all about). 2 livelihood. 3 position held by a clergyman, providing an income. —adj. 1 contemporary; now alive. 2 (of a likeness) exact, lifelike. 3 (of a language) still in vernacular use. within living memory within the memory of people still alive.
Living-room n. Room for general day use.
Living wage n. Wage on which one can live without privation.
Lizard n. Reptile with usu. A long body and tail, four legs, and a rough or scaly hide. [latin lacertus]
Lj abbr. (pl. L jj) lord justice.
‘Ll v. (usu. After pronouns) shall, will (i’ll; that’ll). [abbreviation]
Llama n. S. American ruminant kept as a beast of burden and for its soft woolly fleece. [spanish from quechua]
Ll b abbr. Bachelor of laws. [latin legum baccalaureus]
Ll d abbr. Doctor of laws. [latin legum doctor]
Ll m abbr. Master of laws. [latin legum magister]
Lloyd’s n. Incorporated society of underwriters in london. [lloyd, proprietor of the coffee-house where the society originally met]
Lloyd’s list n. Daily publication devoted to shipping news.
Lloyd’s register n. Annual classified list of all ships.
Ln abbr. Natural logarithm.
Lo int. Archaic look. lo and behold joc. Formula introducing mention of a surprising fact. [old english]
Loach n. (pl. Same or -es) small freshwater fish. [french]
Load —n. 1 a what is carried or to be carried. B amount usu. Or actually carried
(often in comb.: lorry-load of bricks). 2 burden or commitment of work, responsibility, care, etc. 3 colloq. A (in pl.; often foll. By of) plenty, a lot (loads of money, people). B (a load of) a quantity (a load of nonsense). 4 amount of power carried by an electric circuit or supplied by a generating station. —v. 1 a put a load on or aboard. B place (a load) aboard a ship, on a vehicle, etc. 2 (often foll. By up) (of a vehicle or person) take a load aboard. 3 (often foll. By with) burden, strain (loaded with food). 4 (also load up) (foll. By with) overburden, overwhelm (loaded us with work, with abuse). 5 a put ammunition in (a gun), film in (a camera), a cassette in (a tape recorder), a program in (a computer), etc. B put (a film, cassette, etc.) Into a device. 6 give a bias to. get a load of slang take note of. [old english, = way]
Loaded adj. 1 slang a rich. B drunk. C us drugged. 2 (of dice etc.) Weighted. 3 (of a question or statement) carrying some hidden implication.
Loader n. 1 loading-machine. 2 (in comb.) Gun, machine, lorry, etc., loaded in a specified way (breech-loader; front-loader). -loading adj. (in comb.) (in sense 2).
Load line n. = *plimsoll line.
Loadstone var. Of *lodestone.
Loaf1 n. (pl. Loaves) 1 unit of baked bread, usu. Of a standard size or shape. 2 other food made in the shape of a loaf and cooked. 3 slang head as the seat of common sense. [old english]
Loaf2 v. (often foll. By about, around) spend time idly; hang about. [back-formation from *loafer]
Loathe v. (-thing) detest, hate. loathing n. [old english]
Loathsome adj. Arousing hatred or disgust; repulsive.
Loaves pl. Of *loaf1.
Lob —v. (-bb-) hit or throw (a ball etc.) Slowly or in a high arc. —n. Such a ball. [probably low german or dutch]
Lobar adj. Of a lobe, esp. Of the lung (lobar pneumonia).
Lobate adj. Having a lobe or lobes.
Lobby —n. (pl. -ies) 1 porch, ante-room, entrance-hall, or corridor. 2 a (in the house of commons) large hall used esp. For interviews between mps and the public. B (also division lobby) each of two corridors to which mps retire to vote. 3 a body of lobbyists (anti-abortion lobby). B organized rally of lobbying members of the public. 4 (prec. By the) group of journalists who receive unattributable briefings from the government (lobby correspondent). —v. (-ies, – ied) 1 solicit the support of (an influential person). 2 (of members of the public) inform in order to influence (legislators, an mp, etc.). 3 frequent a parliamentary lobby. [latin lobia lodge]
Lobbyist n. Person who lobbies an mp etc., esp. Professionally.
Lobe n. 1 lower soft pendulous part of the outer ear. 2 similar part of other organs, esp. The brain, liver, and lung. lobed adj. [greek lobos lobe, pod]
Lobelia n. Plant with bright, esp. Blue, flowers. [lobel, name of a botanist]
Lobotomy n. (pl. -ies) incision into the frontal lobe of the brain, formerly used in some cases of mental disorder. [from *lobe]
Lobscouse n. Sailor’s dish of meat stewed with vegetables and ship’s biscuit. [origin unknown]
Lobster n. 1 marine crustacean with two pincer-like claws. 2 its flesh as food. [latin locusta lobster, *locust]
Lobster-pot n. Basket for trapping lobsters.
Lobworm n. Large earthworm used as fishing-bait. [from *lob in obsolete sense ‘pendulous object’]
Local —adj. 1 belonging to, existing in, or peculiar to a particular place (local history). 2 of the neighbourhood (local paper). 3 of or affecting a part and not the whole (local anaesthetic). 4 (of a telephone call) to a nearby place and charged at a lower rate. —n. 1 inhabitant of a particular place. 2 (often prec. By the) colloq. Local public house. 3 local anaesthetic. locally adv. [latin locus place]
Local authority n. Administrative body in local government.
Local colour n. Touches of detail in a story etc. Designed to provide a realistic background.
Locale n. Scene or locality of an event or occurrence. [french local]
Local government n. System of administration of a county, district, parish, etc., by the elected representatives of those who live there.
Locality n. (pl. -ies) 1 district. 2 site or scene of a thing. 3 thing’s position. [latin:
related to *local]
related to *local]
Localize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 restrict or assign to a particular place. 2 invest with the characteristics of a particular place. 3 decentralize.
Local time n. Time in a particular place.
Local train n. Train stopping at all the stations on its route.
Locate v. (-ting) 1 discover the exact place of. 2 establish in a place; situate. 3 state the locality of. [latin: related to *local]
Usage in standard english, it is not acceptable to use locate to mean merely ‘find’ as in can’t locate my key.
Location n. 1 particular place. 2 locating. 3 natural, not studio, setting for a film etc. (filmed on location).
Loc. Cit. Abbr. In the passage cited. [latin loco citato]
Loch n. Scot. Lake or narrow inlet of the sea. [gaelic]
Loci pl. Of *locus.
Lock1 —n. 1 mechanism for fastening a door etc., with a bolt that requires a key of a particular shape to work it. 2 confined section of a canal or river within sluice-gates, for moving boats from one level to another. 3 a turning of a vehicle’s front wheels. B (in full full lock) maximum extent of this. 4 interlocked or jammed state. 5 wrestling-hold that keeps an opponent’s limb fixed. 6 (in full lock forward) player in the second row of a rugby scrum. 7 mechanism for exploding the charge of a gun. —v. 1 a fasten with a lock. B (foll. By up) shut (a house etc.) Thus. C (of a door etc.) Be lockable. 2 a (foll. By up, in, into) enclose (a person or thing) by locking. B (foll. By up) colloq. Imprison (a person). 3 (often foll. By up, away) store inaccessibly (capital locked up in land). 4 (foll. By in) hold fast (in sleep, an embrace, a struggle, etc.). 5 (usu. In passive) (of land, hills, etc.) Enclose. 6 make or become rigidly fixed. 7 (cause to) jam or catch. lock on to (of a missile etc.) Automatically find and then track (a target). Lock out 1 keep out by locking the door. 2 (of an employer) subject (employees) to a lockout. Under lock and key locked up. lockable adj. [old english]
Lock2 n. 1 portion of hair that hangs together. 2 (in pl.) The hair of the head (golden locks). [old english]
Locker n. (usu. Lockable) cupboard or compartment, esp. For public use.
Locket n. Small ornamental case for a portrait or lock of hair, worn on a chain round the neck. [french diminutive of loc latch, *lock1]
Lockjaw n. Form of tetanus in which the jaws become rigidly closed.
Lock-keeper n. Person in charge of a river or canal lock.
Lockout n. Employer’s exclusion of employees from the workplace until certain
terms are agreed to.
Locksmith n. Maker and mender of locks.
Lock, stock, and barrel adv. Completely.
Lock-up —n. 1 house or room for the temporary detention of prisoners. 2 premises that can be locked up, esp. A small shop. —attrib. Adj. That can be locked up (lock-up garage).
Loco1 n. (pl. -s) colloq. Locomotive engine. [abbreviation]
Loco2 predic. Adj. Slang crazy. [spanish]
Locomotion n. Motion or the power of motion from place to place. [latin *locus, *motion]
Locomotive —n. Engine for pulling trains. —adj. Of, having, or effecting locomotion.
Locum tenens n. (pl. Locum tenentes) (also colloq. Locum) deputy acting esp. For a doctor or clergyman. [latin, = (one) holding a place]
Locus n. (pl. Loci) 1 position or locality. 2 line or curve etc. Formed by all the points satisfying certain conditions, or by the defined motion of a point, line, or surface. [latin, = place]
Locus classicus n. (pl. Loci classici) best known or most authoritative passage on a subject. [latin: related to *locus]
Locust n. African or asian grasshopper migrating in swarms and consuming all vegetation. [latin locusta locust, *lobster]
Locution n. 1 word, phrase, or idiom. 2 style of speech. [latin loquor locut-speak]
Lode n. Vein of metal ore. [var. Of *load]
Lodestar n. 1 star used as a guide in navigation, esp. The pole star. 2 a guiding principle. B object of pursuit. [from *lode in obsolete sense ‘way, journey’]
Lodestone n. (also loadstone) 1 magnetic oxide of iron. 2 a piece of this used as a magnet. B thing that attracts.
Lodge —n. 1 small house at the entrance to a park or grounds of a large house, occupied by a gatekeeper etc. 2 small house used in the sporting seasons (hunting lodge). 3 porter’s room at the gate of a college, factory, etc. 4 members or meeting-place of a branch of a society such as the freemasons. 5 beaver’s or otter’s lair. —v. (-ging) 1 a reside or live, esp. As a lodger. B provide with temporary accommodation. 2 submit or present (a complaint etc.) For attention. 3 become fixed or caught; stick. 4 deposit (money etc.) For security. 5 (foll. By
in, with) place (power etc.) In a person. [french loge: related to *leaf]
Lodger n. Person paying for accommodation in another’s house.
Lodging n. 1 temporary accommodation (a lodging for the night). 2 (in pl.) Room or rooms rented for lodging in.
Loess n. Deposit of fine wind-blown soil, esp. In the basins of large rivers. [swiss german, = loose]
Loft —n. 1 attic. 2 room over a stable. 3 gallery in a church or hall. 4 pigeon-house. 5 backward slope on the face of a golf-club. 6 lofting stroke. —v. Send (a ball etc.) High up. [old english, = air, upper room]
Log1 —n. 1 unhewn piece of a felled tree; any large rough piece of wood, esp. Cut for firewood. 2 hist. Floating device for gauging a ship’s speed. 3 record of events occurring during the voyage of a ship or aircraft. 4 any systematic record of deeds, experiences, etc. 5 = *logbook. —v. (-gg-) 1 a enter (a ship’s speed, or other transport details) in a logbook. B enter (data etc.) In a regular record. 2 attain (a distance, speed, etc., thus recorded) (had logged over 600 miles). 3 cut into logs. log in = log on. Log on (or off) open (or close) one’s online access to a computer system. Sleep like a log sleep soundly. [origin unknown]
Log2 n. Logarithm. [abbreviation]
Logan n. (in full logan-stone) poised heavy stone rocking at a touch. [= (dial.) Logging, = rocking]
Loganberry n. (pl. -ies) dark red fruit, hybrid of a blackberry and a raspberry. [logan, name of a horticulturalist]
Logarithm n. One of a series of arithmetic exponents tabulated to simplify computation by making it possible to use addition and subtraction instead of multiplication and division. logarithmic adj. Logarithmically adv. [greek logos reckoning, arithmos number]
Logbook n. 1 book containing a detailed record or log. 2 vehicle registration document.
Log cabin n. Hut built of logs.
Logger n. Us lumberjack.
Loggerhead n. at loggerheads (often foll. By with) disagreeing or disputing. [probably dial. From logger wooden block]
Loggia n. Open-sided gallery or arcade. [italian, = *lodge]
Logging n. Work of cutting and preparing forest timber.
Logic n. 1 a science of reasoning. B particular system or method of reasoning. 2 a chain of reasoning (regarded as sound or unsound). B use of or ability in argument. 3 inexorable force, compulsion, or consequence (the logic of events). 4 a principles used in designing a computer etc. B circuits using this. logician n. [related to *-logic]
-logic comb. Form (also -logical) forming adjectives corresponding esp. To nouns in -logy (pathological; zoological). [greek -logikos]
Logical adj. 1 of or according to logic (the logical conclusion). 2 correctly reasoned. 3 defensible or explicable on the ground of consistency. 4 capable of correct reasoning. logicality n. Logically adv. [greek logos word, reason]
-logist comb. Form forming nouns meaning ‘person skilled in -logy’ (geologist).
Logistics n.pl. 1 organization of (orig. Military) services and supplies. 2 organization of any complex operation. logistic adj. Logistical adj. Logistically adv. [french loger lodge]
Log-jam n. Deadlock.
Logo n. (pl. -s) emblem of an organization used in its display material etc. [abbreviation of logotype from greek logos word]
-logy comb. Form forming nouns denoting: 1 a subject of study (biology). 2
speech or discourse or a characteristic of this (trilogy; tautology; phraseology). [greek -logia from logos word]
Loin n. 1 (in pl.) Side and back of the body between the ribs and the hip-bones. 2 joint of meat from this part of an animal. [french loigne from latin lumbus]
Loincloth n. Cloth worn round the hips, esp. As a sole garment.
Loiter v. 1 stand about idly; linger. 2 go slowly with frequent stops. loiter with intent linger in order to commit a felony. loiterer n. [dutch]
Loll v. 1 stand, sit, or recline in a lazy attitude. 2 hang loosely. [imitative]
Lollipop n. Hard sweet on a stick. [origin uncertain]
Lollipop man n. (also lollipop lady) colloq. Warden using a circular sign on a pole to stop traffic for children to cross the road.
Lollop v. (-p-) colloq. 1 flop about. 2 move in ungainly bounds. [probably from *loll, *trollop]
Lolly n. (pl. -ies) 1 colloq. Lollipop. 2 = *ice lolly. 3 slang money. [abbreviation]
Londoner n. Native or inhabitant of london.
London pride n. Pink-flowered saxifrage.
Lone attrib. Adj. 1 solitary; without companions. 2 isolated. 3 unmarried, single (lone parent). [from *alone]
Lone hand n. 1 hand played or player playing against the rest at cards. 2 person or action without allies.
Lonely adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 without companions (lonely existence). 2 sad because of this. 3 unfrequented, isolated, uninhabited. loneliness n.
Lonely hearts n.pl. People seeking friendship or marriage through a newspaper column, club, etc.
Loner n. Person or animal that prefers to be alone.
Lonesome adj. Esp. Us 1 lonely. 2 making one feel forlorn (a lonesome song).
Lone wolf n. Loner.
Long1 —adj. (longer; longest) 1 measuring much from end to end in space or time. 2 (following a measurement) in length or duration (2 metres long; two
time. 2 (following a measurement) in length or duration (2 metres long; two months long). 3 a consisting of many items (a long list). B seemingly more than the stated amount; tedious (ten long miles). 4 of elongated shape. 5 lasting or reaching far back or forward in time (long friendship). 6 far-reaching; acting at a distance; involving a great interval or difference. 7 (of a vowel or syllable) having the greater of the two recognized durations. 8 (of odds or a chance) reflecting a low level of probability. 9 (of stocks) bought in large quantities in advance, with the expectation of a rise in price. 10 (foll. By on) colloq. Well supplied with. —n. Long interval or period (will not take long; won’t be long). —adv. (longer; longest) 1 by or for a long time (long before; long ago). 2 (following nouns of duration) throughout a specified time (all day long). 3 (in compar.) After an implied point of time (shall not wait any longer). as (or so) long as provided that. Before long soon. In the long run (or term) eventually, ultimately. The long and the short of it 1 all that need be said. 2 the eventual outcome. Not by a long shot (or chalk) by no means. longish adj. [old english]
Long2 v. (foll. By for or to + infin.) Have a strong wish or desire for. [old english, = seem *long1 to]
Long. Abbr. Longitude.
Longboat n. Sailing-ship’s largest boat.
Longbow n. Bow drawn by hand and shooting a long feathered arrow.
Long-distance —attrib. Adj.travelling or operating between distant places. — adv. Between distant places (phone long-distance).
Long division n. Division of numbers with details of the calculations written down.
Long-drawn adj. (also long-drawn-out) prolonged.
Longeron n. Longitudinal member of a plane’s fuselage. [french]
Longevity n. Formal long life. [latin longus long, aevum age]
Long face n. Dismal expression.
Longhand n. Ordinary handwriting.
Long haul n. 1 transport over a long distance. 2 prolonged effort or task.
Longing —n. Intense desire. —adj. Having or showing this. longingly adv.
Long in the tooth predic. Adj. Colloq. Old.
Longitude n. 1 angular distance east or west from a standard meridian such as greenwich to the meridian of any place. 2 angular distance of a celestial body, esp. Along the ecliptic. [latin longitudo length, from longus long]
Longitudinal adj. 1 of or in length. 2 running lengthwise. 3 of longitude.
longitudinally adv.
longitudinally adv.
Long johns n.pl. Colloq. Long underpants.
Long jump n. Athletic contest of jumping as far as possible along the ground in one leap.
Long-life adj. (of milk etc.) Treated to prolong its period of usability.
Long-lived adj. Having a long life; durable.
Long-lost attrib. Adj. That has been lost for a long time.
Long-playing adj. (of a gramophone record) playing for about 20–30 minutes on each side.
Long-range adj. 1 having a long range. 2 relating to a period of time far into the future (long-range weather forecast).
Long-running adj. Continuing for a long time (a long-running musical).
Longshore attrib. Adj. 1 existing on or frequenting the shore. 2 directed along the shore. [from along shore]
Longshoreman n. Us docker.
Long shot n. 1 wild guess or venture. 2 bet at long odds.
Long sight n. Ability to see clearly only what is comparatively distant.
Long-sighted adj. 1 having long sight. 2 far-sighted. long-sightedness n.
Long-term adj. Of or for a long period of time (long-term plans).
Long wave n. Radio wave of frequency less than 300 khz.
Longways adv. (also longwise) = *lengthways.
Long-winded adj. (of a speech or writing) tediously lengthy.
Loo n. Colloq. Lavatory. [origin uncertain]
Loofah n. Rough bath-sponge made from the dried pod of a type of gourd. [arabic]
Look —v. 1 a (often foll. By at, down, up, etc.) Use one’s sight; turn one’s eyes in some direction. B turn one’s eyes on; examine (looked me in the eyes; looked us up and down). 2 a make a visual or mental search (i’ll look in the morning). B (foll. By at) consider, examine (must look at the facts). 3 (foll. By for) search for, seek, be on the watch for. 4 inquire (when one looks deeper). 5 have a specified appearance; seem (look a fool; future looks bleak). 6 (foll. By to) a consider; be concerned about (look to the future). B rely on (look to me for support). 7 (foll. By into) investigate. 8 (foll. By what, where, whether, etc.) Ascertain or observe by sight. 9 (of a thing) face some direction. 10 indicate (emotion etc.) By one’s looks. 11 (foll. By that) take care; make sure. 12 (foll. By to + infin.) Aim (am looking to finish it soon). —n. 1 act of looking; gaze, glance. 2 (in sing. Or pl.) Appearance of a face; expression. 3 appearance of a thing (by the look of it). 4 style, fashion (this year’s look; the wet look). —int. (also look here!) Calling attention, expressing a protest, etc. look after attend to; take care of. Look one’s age appear as old as one really is. Look back 1 (foll. By on, to) turn one’s thoughts to (something past). 2 (usu. With neg.) Cease to progress (he’s never looked back). Look down on (or look down one’s nose at) regard with contempt or superiority.
Look-alike n. Person or thing closely resembling another.
Looker n. 1 person of a specified appearance (good-looker). 2 colloq. Attractive woman.
Looker-on n. (pl. Lookers-on) spectator.
Look-in n. Colloq. Chance of participation or success (never gets a look-in).
Looking-glass n. Mirror.
Lookout n. 1 watch or looking out (on the lookout). 2 a observation-post. B person etc. Stationed to keep watch. 3 prospect (it’s a bad lookout). 4 colloq. Person’s own concern (that’s your lookout).
Loom1 n. Apparatus for weaving. [old english]
Loom2 v. 1 appear dimly, esp. As a vague and often threatening shape. 2 (of an event) be ominously close. [probably low german or dutch]
Loon n. 1 a kind of diving bird. 2 colloq. Crazy person (cf. *loony). [old norse]
Loony slang —n. (pl. -ies) lunatic. —adj. (-ier, -iest) crazy. looniness n. [abbreviation]
Loony-bin n. Slang offens. Mental home or hospital.
Loop —n. 1 a figure produced by a curve, or a doubled thread etc., that crosses itself. B thing, path, etc., forming this figure. 2 similarly shaped attachment used as a fastening. 3 ring etc. As a handle etc. 4 contraceptive coil. 5 (in full loop-line) railway or telegraph line that diverges from a main line and joins it again. 6 skating or aerobatic manoeuvre describing a loop. 7 complete circuit for an
electric current. 8 endless band of tape or film allowing continuous repetition. 9 sequence of computer operations repeated until some condition is satisfied. —v. 1 form or bend into a loop. 2 fasten with a loop or loops. 3 form a loop. 4 (also loop the loop) fly in a circle vertically. [origin unknown]
Loophole n. 1 means of evading a rule etc. Without infringing it. 2 narrow vertical slit in the wall of a fort etc.
Loopy adj. (-ier, -iest) slang crazy, daft.
Loose —adj. 1 not tightly held, fixed, etc. (loose handle; loose stones). 2 free from bonds or restraint. 3 not held together (loose papers). 4 not compact or dense (loose soil). 5 inexact (loose translation). 6 morally lax. 7 (of the tongue) indiscreet. 8 tending to diarrhoea. 9 (in comb.) Loosely (loose-fitting). —v. (-sing) 1 free; untie or detach; release. 2 relax (loosed my hold). 3 discharge (a missile). at a loose end unoccupied. On the loose 1 escaped from captivity. 2 enjoying oneself freely. loosely adv. Looseness n. Loosish adj. [old norse]
Loose cover n. Removable cover for an armchair etc.
Loose-leaf adj. (of a notebook etc.) With pages that can be removed and replaced.
Loosen v. Make or become loose or looser. loosen a person’s tongue make a person talk freely. Loosen up 1 relax. 2 limber up.
Loot —n. 1 spoil, booty. 2 slang money. —v. 1 rob or steal, esp. After rioting etc. 2 plunder. looter n. [hindi]
Lop v. (-pp-) 1 a (often foll. By off, away) cut or remove (a part or parts) from a whole, esp. Branches from a tree. B remove branches from (a tree). 2 (often foll. By off) remove (items) as superfluous. [old english]
Lope —v. (-ping) run with a long bounding stride. —n. Long bounding stride. [old norse: related to *leap]
Lop-eared adj. Having drooping ears. [related to *lob]
Lopsided adj. Unevenly balanced. lopsidedness n. [related to *lob]
Loquacious adj. Talkative. loquacity n. [latin loquor speak]
Loquat n. 1 small yellow egg-shaped fruit. 2 tree bearing it. [chinese]
Lord —n. 1 master or ruler. 2 hist. Feudal superior, esp. Of a manor. 3 peer of the realm or person with the title lord. 4 (lord) (often prec. By the) god or christ. 5 (lord) a prefixed as the designation of a marquis, earl, viscount, or baron, or (to the christian name) of the younger son of a duke or marquis. B (the lords) = *house of lords. —int. (lord, good lord, etc.) Expressing surprise, dismay, etc. lord it over domineer. [old english, = bread-keeper: related to loaf1, ward]
Lord chamberlain n. Official in charge of the royal household.
Lord chancellor n. (also lord high chancellor) highest officer of the crown, presiding in the house of lords etc.
Lord chief justice n. President of the queen’s bench division.
Lord lieutenant n. 1 chief executive authority and head of magistrates in each county. 2 hist. Viceroy of ireland.
Lordly adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 haughty, imperious. 2 suitable for a lord. lordliness n.
Lord mayor n. Title of the mayor in some large cities.
Lord privy seal n. Senior cabinet minister without official duties.
Lords and ladies n. Wild arum.
Lord’s day n. Sunday.
Lordship n. 1 (usu. Lordship) title used in addressing or referring to a man with the rank of lord (your lordship; his lordship). 2 (foll. By over) dominion, rule.
Lord’s prayer n. The our father.
Lords spiritual n.pl. Bishops in the house of lords.
Lord’s supper n. Eucharist.
Lords temporal n.pl. Members of the house of lords other than bishops.
Lore n. Body of traditions and knowledge on a subject or held by a particular group (bird lore; gypsy lore). [old english: related to *learn]
Lorgnette n. Pair of eyeglasses or opera-glasses on a long handle. [french lorgner to squint]
Lorn adj. Archaic desolate, forlorn. [old english, past part. Of *lose]
Lorry n. (pl. -ies) large vehicle for transporting goods etc. [origin uncertain]
Lose v. (-sing; past and past part. Lost) 1 be deprived of or cease to have, esp. By negligence. 2 be deprived of (a person) by death. 3 become unable to find, follow, or understand (lose one’s way). 4 let or have pass from one’s control or reach (lost my chance; lost his composure). 5 be defeated in (a game, lawsuit, battle, etc.). 6 get rid of (lost our pursuers; lose weight). 7 forfeit (a right to a thing). 8 spend (time, efforts, etc.) To no purpose.
Loser n. 1 person or thing that loses, esp. A contest (is a bad loser). 2 colloq.
Person who regularly fails.
Loss n. 1 losing or being lost. 2 thing or amount lost. 3 detriment resulting from losing. at a loss (sold etc.) For less than was paid for it. Be at a loss be puzzled or uncertain. [probably back-formation from *lost]
Loss-leader n. Item sold at a loss to attract customers.
Lost past and past part. Of *lose.
Lost cause n. Hopeless undertaking.
Lot n. 1 colloq. (prec. By a or in pl.) A a large number or amount (a lot of people; lots of milk). B colloq. Much (a lot warmer; smiles a lot). 2 a each of a set of objects used to make a chance selection. B this method of deciding (chosen by lot). 3 share or responsibility resulting from it. 4 person’s destiny, fortune, or condition. 5 (esp. Us) plot; allotment of land (parking lot). 6 article or set of articles for sale at an auction etc. 7 group of associated persons or things. cast (or draw) lots decide by lots. Throw in one’s lot with decide to share the fortunes of. The (or the whole) lot the total number or quantity. A whole lot colloq. Very much (is a whole lot better). [old english]
Usage in sense 1a, a lot of is somewhat informal, but acceptable in serious writing, whereas lots of is not acceptable.
Loth var. Of *loath.
Lothario n. (pl. -s) libertine. [name of a character in a play]
Lotion n. Medicinal or cosmetic liquid preparation applied externally. [latin lavo lot-wash]
Lottery n. (pl. -ies) 1 means of raising money by selling numbered tickets and giving prizes to the holders of numbers drawn at random. 2 thing whose success is governed by chance. [dutch: related to *lot]
Lotto n. Game of chance like bingo, but with numbers drawn by players instead of called. [italian]
Lotus n. 1 legendary plant inducing luxurious languor when eaten. 2 a kind of water lily etc., esp. Used symbolically in hinduism and buddhism. [greek lotos]
Lotus-eater n. Person given to indolent enjoyment.
Lotus position n. Cross-legged position of meditation with the feet resting on the thighs.
Loud hailer n. Electronic device for amplifying the voice.
Loudspeaker n. Apparatus that converts electrical signals into sound.
Lough n. Ir. Lake, arm of the sea. [irish: related to *loch]
Lounge —v. (-ging) 1 recline comfortably; loll. 2 stand or move about idly. —n. 1 place for lounging, esp.: a a sitting-room in a house. B a public room (e.g. In a hotel). C a place in an airport etc. With seats for waiting passengers. 2 spell of lounging. [origin uncertain]
Lounge bar n. More comfortable bar in a pub etc.
Lounge suit n. Man’s suit for ordinary day (esp. Business) wear.
Lour v. (also lower) 1 frown; look sullen. 2 (of the sky etc.) Look dark and threatening. [origin unknown]
Louse —n. 1 (pl. Lice) parasitic insect. 2 (pl. Louses) slang contemptible person. —v. (-sing) delouse. louse up slang make a mess of. [old english]
Lousy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 colloq. Very bad; disgusting; ill (feel lousy). 2 (often foll. By with) colloq. Well supplied, teeming. 3 infested with lice. lousily adv. Lousiness n.
Lout n. Rough-mannered person. loutish adj. [origin uncertain]
Louvre n. (also louver) 1 each of a set of overlapping slats designed to admit air and some light and exclude rain. 2 domed structure on a roof with side openings for ventilation etc. louvred adj. [french lover skylight]
Lovable adj. (also loveable) inspiring love or affection.
Lovage n. Herb used for flavouring etc. [french levesche from latin ligusticum ligurian]
Lovat n. & adj. Muted green. [lovat in scotland]
Love —n. 1 deep affection or fondness. 2 sexual passion. 3 sexual relations. 4 a beloved one; sweetheart (often as a form of address). B colloq. Form of address regardless of affection. 5 colloq. Person of whom one is fond. 6 affectionate greetings (give him my love). 7 (in games) no score; nil. —v. (-ving) 1 feel love or a deep fondness for. 2 delight in; admire; greatly cherish. 3 colloq. Like very much (loves books). 4 (foll. By verbal noun, or to + infin.) Be inclined, esp. As a habit; greatly enjoy (children love dressing up; loves to run). fall in love (often foll. By with) suddenly begin to love. For love for pleasure not profit. For the love of for the sake of. In love (often foll. By with) enamoured (of). Make love (often foll. By to) 1 have sexual intercourse (with). 2 archaic pay amorous attention (to). Not for love or money colloq. Not in any circumstances. [old english]
Loveable var. Of *lovable.
Love affair n. Romantic or sexual relationship between two people.
Love-bird n. Parrot, esp. One seeming to show great affection for its mate.
Love bite n. Bruise made by a partner’s biting etc. During lovemaking.
Love-child n. Child of unmarried parents.
Love-hate relationship n. Intense relationship involving ambivalent emotions.
Love-in-a-mist n. Blue-flowered cultivated plant.
Loveless adj. Unloving or unloved or both.
Lovelies-bleeding n. Cultivated plant with drooping spikes of purple-red blooms.
Lovelorn adj. Pining from unrequited love.
Lovely —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 colloq. Pleasing, delightful. 2 beautiful. —n. (pl. – ies) colloq. Pretty woman. lovely and colloq. Delightfully (lovely and warm). loveliness n. [old english]
Lovemaking n. 1 sexual play, esp. Intercourse. 2 archaic courtship.
Lovemaking n. 1 sexual play, esp. Intercourse. 2 archaic courtship.
Love-nest n. Colloq. Secluded retreat for (esp. Illicit) lovers.
Lover n. 1 person in love with another. 2 person with whom another is having sexual relations. 3 (in pl.) Unmarried couple in love or having sexual relations. 4 person who likes or enjoys a specified thing (music lover).
Love-seat n. Small sofa in the shape of an s, with two seats facing in opposite directions.
Loving —adj. Feeling or showing love; affectionate. —n. Affection; love.
lovingly adv.
Loving-cup n. Two-handled drinking-cup.
Low1 —adj. 1 not high or tall (low wall). 2 a not elevated in position (low altitude). B (of the sun) near the horizon. 3 of or in humble rank or position (of low birth).
Low2 —n. Sound made by cattle; moo. —v. Make this sound. [old english]
Low-born adj. Of humble birth.
Lowbrow —adj. Not intellectual or cultured. —n. Lowbrow person.
Low church n. Section of the church of england attaching little importance to ritual, priestly authority, and the sacraments.
Low-class adj. Of low quality or social class.
Low comedy n. Comedy bordering on farce.
Low countries n.pl. The netherlands, belgium, and luxembourg.
Low-down —adj. Mean, dishonourable. —n. Colloq. (prec. By the; usu. Foll. By on) relevant information.
Lower1 —adj. (compar. Of *low1). 1 less high in position or status. 2 situated below another part (lower lip). 3 a situated on less high land (lower egypt). B situated to the south (lower california). 4 (of a mammal, plant, etc.) Evolved to only a slight degree. —adv. In or to a lower position, status, etc. lowermost adj.
Lower2 v. 1 let or haul down. 2 make or become lower. 3 degrade.
Lower3 var. Of *lour.
Lower case n. Small letters.
Lower class n. Working class.
Lower house n. Larger and usu. Elected body in a legislature, esp. The house of commons.
Lowest adj. (superl. Of *low1) least high in position or status.
Lowest common denominator n. 1 math. Lowest common multiple of the denominators of several fractions. 2 the worst or most vulgar common feature of members of a group.
Lowest common multiple n. Math. Least quantity that is a multiple of two or more given quantities.
Low frequency n. Frequency, esp. In radio, 30 to 300 kilohertz.
Low gear n. Gear such that the driven end of a transmission revolves slower than the driving end.
Low-grade adj. Of low quality.
Low-key adj. Lacking intensity, restrained.
Lowland —n. (usu. In pl.) Lowlying country. —adj. Of or in lowland. lowlander n.
Low-level adj. (of a computer language) close in form to machine code.
Lowly adj. (-ier, -iest) humble; unpretentious. lowliness n.
Lowlying adj. Near to the ground or sea level.
Low-pitched adj. 1 (of a sound) low. 2 (of a roof) having only a slight slope.
Low pressure n. 1 low degree of activity or exertion. 2 atmospheric condition with the pressure below average.
Low-rise —adj. (of a building) having few storeys. —n. Such a building.
Low season n. Period of fewest visitors at a resort etc.
Low sunday n. Sunday after easter.
Low tide n. (also low water) time or level of the tide at its ebb.
Loyal adj. 1 (often foll. By to) faithful. 2 steadfast in allegiance etc. loyally adv. Loyalty n. (pl. -ies). [latin: related to *legal]
Loyalist n. 1 person who remains loyal to the legitimate sovereign etc. 2 (loyalist) (esp. Extremist) supporter of union between great britain and northern ireland. loyalism n.
Loyal toast n. Toast to the sovereign.
Lozenge n. 1 rhombus. 2 small sweet or medicinal tablet to be dissolved in the mouth. 3 lozenge-shaped object. [french]
Lp abbr. Long-playing (record).
L-plate n. Sign bearing the letter l, attached to a vehicle to show that it is being driven by a learner. [from *plate]
Lpo abbr. London philharmonic orchestra.
Lsd abbr. Lysergic acid diethylamide, a powerful hallucinogenic drug.
Lsd abbr. Lysergic acid diethylamide, a powerful hallucinogenic drug.
L.s.d. N. (also £.s.d.) 1 hist. Pounds, shillings, and pence (in former british currency). 2 money, riches. [latin librae, solidi, denarii]
Lse abbr. London school of economics.
Lso abbr. London symphony orchestra.
Lt. Abbr. 1 lieutenant. 2 light.
Ltd. Abbr. Limited.
Lu symb. Lutetium.
Lubber n. Clumsy fellow, lout. [origin uncertain]
Lubricant n. Substance used to reduce friction.
Lubricate v. (-ting) 1 apply oil or grease etc. To. 2 make slippery. lubrication n. Lubricator n. [latin lubricus slippery]
Lubricious adj. 1 slippery, evasive. 2 lewd. lubricity n. [latin: related to *lubricate]
Lucerne n. = *alfalfa. [provençal, = glow-worm, referring to its shiny seeds]
Lucid adj. 1 expressing or expressed clearly. 2 sane. lucidity n. Lucidly adv. Lucidness n. [latin lux luc-light]
Lucifer n. Satan. [latin: related to *lucid, fero bring]
Luck n. 1 good or bad fortune. 2 circumstances of life (beneficial or not) brought by this. 3 good fortune; success due to chance (in luck; out of luck). no such luck colloq. Unfortunately not. [low german or dutch]
Luckless adj. Unlucky; ending in failure.
Lucky adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 having or resulting from good luck. 2 bringing good luck (lucky charm). luckily adv.
Lucky dip n. Tub containing articles varying in value and chosen at random.
Lucrative adj. Profitable. lucratively adv. Lucrativeness n. [latin: related to *lucre]
Lucre n. Derog. Financial gain. [latin lucrum gain]
Luddite —n. 1 person opposed to industrial progress or new technology. 2 hist. Member of a band of english artisans who destroyed machinery (1811–16). — adj. Of the luddites. ludditism n. [ned lud, destroyer of machinery]
Ludo n. Simple board-game played with dice and counters. [latin, = i play]
Luff v. (also absol.) 1 steer (a ship) nearer the wind. 2 raise or lower (a crane’s jib). [french, probably from low german]
Lug —v. (-gg-) 1 drag or carry with effort. 2 pull hard. —n. 1 hard or rough pull. 2 colloq. Ear. 3 projection on an object by which it may be carried, fixed in place, etc. [probably scandinavian]
Luggage n. Suitcases, bags, etc., for a traveller’s belongings. [from *lug]
Lugger n. Small ship with four-cornered sails. [from *lugsail]
Lughole n. Slang ear.
Lugsail n. Four-cornered sail on a yard. [probably from *lug]
Lugubrious adj. Doleful. lugubriously adv. Lugubriousness n. [latin lugeo mourn]
Lugworm n. Large marine worm used as bait. [origin unknown]
Lukewarm adj. 1 moderately warm; tepid. 2 unenthusiastic, indifferent. [old english (now dial.) Luke warm, *warm]
Lull —v. 1 soothe or send to sleep. 2 (usu. Foll. By into) deceive (a person) into undue confidence (lulled into a false sense of security). 3 allay (suspicions etc.), usu. By deception. 4 (of noise, a storm, etc.) Abate or fall quiet. —n. Temporary quiet period. [imitative]
Lullaby n. (pl. -ies) soothing song to send a child to sleep. [related to *lull]
Lumbago n. Rheumatic pain in the muscles of the lower back. [latin lumbus loin]
Lumbar adj. Of the lower back area. [as *lumbago]
Lumbar puncture n. Withdrawal of spinal fluid from the lower back for diagnosis.
Lumber —n. 1 disused and cumbersome articles. 2 partly prepared timber. —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By with) leave (a person etc.) With something unwanted or unpleasant. 2 (usu. Foll. By up) obstruct, fill inconveniently. 3 cut and prepare forest timber. 4 move in a slow clumsy way. [origin uncertain]
Lumberjack n. Person who fells and transports lumber.
Lumber-jacket n. Jacket of the kind worn by lumberjacks.
Lumber-room n. Room where disused things are kept.
Luminary n. (pl. -ies) 1 literary natural light-giving body. 2 wise or inspiring person. 3 celebrated member of a group (show-business luminaries). [latin lumen lumin-light]
Luminescence n. Emission of light without heat. luminescent adj.
Luminous adj. 1 shedding light. 2 phosphorescent, visible in darkness (luminous paint). luminosity n.
Lump1 —n. 1 compact shapeless mass. 2 tumour; swelling, bruise. 3 heavy, dull, or ungainly person. 4 (prec. By the) slang casual workers in the building trade. —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By together etc.) Treat as all alike; put together in a lump. 2 (of sauce etc.) Become lumpy. lump in the throat feeling of pressure there, caused by emotion. [scandinavian]
Lump2 v. Colloq. Put up with ungraciously (like it or lump it). [imitative]
Lumpectomy n. (pl. -ies) surgical removal of a lump from the breast.
Lumpish adj. 1 heavy and clumsy. 2 stupid, lethargic.
Lump sugar n. Sugar in cubes.
Lump sum n. 1 sum covering a number of items. 2 money paid down at once.
Lumpy adj. (-ier, -iest) full of or covered with lumps. lumpily adv. Lumpiness n.
Lunacy n. (pl. -ies) 1 insanity. 2 mental unsoundness. 3 great folly. [latin: related to *lunar]
Lunar adj. Of, like, concerned with, or determined by the moon. [latin luna moon]
Lunar module n. Small craft for travelling between the moon and a spacecraft in orbit around it.
Lunar month n. 1 period of the moon’s revolution, esp. The interval between new moons (about 291/2 days). 2 (in general use) four weeks.
Lunate adj. Crescent-shaped.
Lunatic —n. 1 insane person. 2 wildly foolish person. —adj. Insane; extremely reckless or foolish. [related to *lunacy]
Lunatic asylum n. Hist. Mental home or hospital.
Lunatic fringe n. Extreme or eccentric minority group.
Lunation n. Interval between new moons, about 291/2 days. [medieval latin:
related to *lunar]
Lunch —n. Midday meal. —v. 1 take lunch. 2 entertain to lunch. [shortening of *luncheon]
Luncheon n. Formal lunch. [origin unknown]
Luncheon meat n. Tinned meat loaf of pork etc.
Luncheon voucher n. Voucher issued to employees and exchangeable for food at many restaurants and shops.
Lung n. Either of the pair of respiratory organs in humans and many other vertebrates. [old english: related to *light2]
Lunge —n. 1 sudden movement forward. 2 the basic attacking move in fencing. 3 long rope on which a horse is held and made to circle round its trainer. —v. (-ging) (usu. Foll. By at, out) deliver or make a lunge. [french allonger from long *long1]
Lupin n. Cultivated plant with long tapering spikes of flowers. [related to *lupine]
Lupine adj. Of or like wolves. [latin lupinus from lupus wolf]
Lupus n. Autoimmune inflammatory skin disease. [latin, = wolf]
Lurch1 —n. Stagger; sudden unsteady movement or leaning. —v. Stagger; move or progress unsteadily. [originally naut., of uncertain origin]
Lurch2 n. leave in the lurch desert (a friend etc.) In difficulties. [obsolete french lourche a kind of backgammon]
Lurcher n. Crossbred dog, usu. A working dog crossed with a greyhound. [related to *lurk]
Lure —v. (-ring) 1 (usu. Foll. By away, into) entice. 2 recall with a lure. —n. 1
thing used to entice. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) enticing quality (of a pursuit etc.). 3 falconer’s apparatus for recalling a hawk. [french from germanic]
Lurex n. Propr. 1 type of yarn incorporating a glittering metallic thread. 2 fabric made from this.
Lurid adj. 1 bright and glaring in colour. 2 sensational, shocking (lurid details). 3 ghastly, wan (lurid complexion). luridly adv. [latin]
Lurk v. 1 linger furtively. 2 a lie in ambush. B (usu. Foll. By in, under, about, etc.) Hide, esp. For sinister purposes. 3 (as lurking adj.) Dormant (a lurking suspicion). [perhaps from *lour]
Luscious adj. 1 richly sweet in taste or smell. 2 (of style) over-rich. 3 voluptuously attractive. [perhaps related to *delicious]
Lush2 n. Slang alcoholic, drunkard. [origin uncertain]
Lust —n. 1 strong sexual desire. 2 (usu. Foll. By for, of) passionate desire for or enjoyment of (lust for power; lust of battle). 3 sensuous appetite regarded as sinful (lusts of the flesh). —v. (usu. Foll. By after, for) have a strong or excessive (esp. Sexual) desire. lustful adj. Lustfully adv. [old english]
iridescent glaze on pottery and porcelain. lustrous adj. [latin lustro illumine]
iridescent glaze on pottery and porcelain. lustrous adj. [latin lustro illumine]
Lustre n. (us luster) 1 gloss, shining surface. 2 brilliance, splendour. 3 iridescent glaze on pottery and porcelain. lustrous adj. [latin lustro illumine]
Lusty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 healthy and strong. 2 vigorous, lively. lustily adv. Lustiness n. [from *lust]
Lutanist var. Of *lutenist.
Lute1 n. Guitar-like instrument with a long neck and a pear-shaped body. [arabic]
Lute2 —n. Clay or cement for making joints airtight etc. —v. (-ting) apply lute to. [latin lutum mud]
Lutenist n. (also lutanist) lute-player. [related to *lute1]
Lutetium n. Silvery metallic element, the heaviest of the lanthanide series. [lutetia, ancient name of paris]
Lutheran —n. 1 follower of luther. 2 member of the lutheran church. —adj. Of luther, or the protestant reformation and the doctrines associated with him. lutheranism n. [martin luther, religious reformer]
Lux n. (pl. Same) the si unit of illumination. [latin]
Luxuriant adj. 1 growing profusely. 2 exuberant. 3 florid. luxuriance n. Luxuriantly adv. [latin: related to *luxury]
Usage luxuriant is sometimes confused with luxurious.
Luxuriate v. (-ting) 1 (foll. By in) take self-indulgent delight in, enjoy as a luxury. 2 relax in comfort.
Luxurious adj. 1 supplied with luxuries. 2 extremely comfortable. 3 fond of luxury. luxuriously adv. [latin: related to *luxury]
Usage luxurious is sometimes confused with luxuriant.
Luxury n. (pl. -ies) 1 choice or costly surroundings, possessions, etc. 2 thing giving comfort or enjoyment but not essential. 3 (attrib.) Comfortable and expensive (luxury flat). [latin luxus abundance]
Lv abbr. Luncheon voucher.
Lw symb. Lawrencium.
-ly1 suffix forming adjectives, esp. From nouns, meaning: 1 having the qualities
-ly1 suffix forming adjectives, esp. From nouns, meaning: 1 having the qualities of (princely). 2 recurring at intervals of (daily). [old english]
-ly2 suffix forming adverbs from adjectives (boldly; happily). [old english]
Lychee n. (also litchi, lichee) 1 sweet white juicy fruit in a brown skin. 2 tree, orig. From china, bearing this. [chinese]
Lych-gate var. Of *lich-gate.
Lycra n. Propr. Elastic polyurethane fabric used esp. For sportswear.
Lye n. 1 water made alkaline with wood ashes. 2 any alkaline solution for washing. [old english]
Lying pres. Part. Of *lie1, *lie2.
Lymph n. 1 colourless fluid from the tissues of the body, containing white blood cells. 2 this fluid used as a vaccine. [latin lympha]
Lymphatic adj. 1 of, secreting, or conveying lymph. 2 (of a person) pale, flabby, or sluggish.
Lymphatic system n. Network of vessels conveying lymph.
Lymph gland n. (also lymph node) small mass of tissue in the lymphatic system.
Lymphoma n. (pl. -s or -mata) tumour of the lymph nodes.
Lynch v. (of a mob) put (a person) to death without a legal trial. lynching n. [originally us, after lynch, 18th-c. Justice of the peace in virginia]
Lynch law n. Procedure followed when a person is lynched.
Lynx n. (pl. Same or -s) wild cat with a short tail and spotted fur. [greek lugx]
Lynx-eyed adj. Keen-sighted.
Lyre n. Ancient u-shaped stringed instrument. [greek lura]
Lyre-bird n. Australian bird, the male of which has a lyre-shaped tail display.
Lyric —adj. 1 (of poetry) expressing the writer’s emotions, usu. Briefly and in stanzas. 2 (of a poet) writing in this manner. 3 meant or fit to be sung, songlike. —n. 1 lyric poem. 2 (in pl.) Words of a song. [latin: related to *lyre]
Lyrical adj. 1 = *lyric. 2 resembling, or using language appropriate to, lyric poetry. 3 colloq. Highly enthusiastic (wax lyrical about). lyrically adv.
Lyricism n. Quality of being lyric.
Lyricist n. Writer of (esp. Popular) lyrics.
Lysergic acid diethylamide n. = *lsd. [from hydrolysis, ergot, *-ic]
-lysis comb. Form forming nouns denoting disintegration or decomposition (electrolysis). [greek lusis loosening]
-lyte suffix forming nouns denoting substances that can be decomposed (electrolyte). [greek lutos loosened]
M
M1 n. (pl. Ms or m’s) 1 thirteenth letter of the alphabet. 2 (as a roman numeral)
M abbr. (also m.) 1 male. 2 masculine. 3 married. 4 mile(s). 5 metre(s). 6 million(s). 7 minute(s). 8 milli-.
Ma abbr. Master of arts.
Ma n. Colloq. Mother. [abbreviation of *mama]
Ma’am n. Madam (used esp. In addressing royalty). [contraction]
Mac n. (also mack) colloq. Mackintosh. [abbreviation]
Macabre adj. Grim, gruesome. [french]
Macadam n. 1 broken stone as material for road-making. 2 = *tarmacadam. macadamize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). [mcadam, name of a surveyor]
Macadamia n. Edible seed of an australian tree. [macadam, name of a chemist]
Macaque n. A kind of monkey, e.g. The rhesus monkey and barbary ape, with prominent cheek-pouches. [portuguese, = monkey]
Macaroni n. Small pasta tubes. [italian from greek]
Macaroon n. Small almond cake or biscuit. [italian: related to *macaroni]
Macaw n. Long-tailed brightly coloured american parrot. [portuguese macao]
Mccarthyism n. Hist. Hunting out and sacking of communists in the us. [mccarthy, name of a senator]
Mccoy n. the real mccoy colloq. The real thing; the genuine article. [origin uncertain]
Mace1 n. 1 staff of office, esp. Symbol of the speaker’s authority in the house of commons. 2 person bearing this. [french from romanic]
Mace2 n. Dried outer covering of the nutmeg as a spice. [latin macir]
Macédoine n. Mixed vegetables or fruit, esp. Diced or jellied. [french]
Macerate v. (-ting) 1 soften by soaking. 2 waste away by fasting. maceration n. [latin]
Mach n. (in full mach number) ratio of the speed of a body to the speed of sound in the surrounding medium. [mach, name of a physicist]
Machete n. Broad heavy knife, esp. Of central america. [spanish from latin]
Machiavellian adj. Elaborately cunning; scheming, unscrupulous. machiavellianism n. [machiavelli, name of a political writer]
Machination n. (usu. In pl.) Plot, intrigue. machinate v. (-ting). [latin: related to *machine]
Machine —n. 1 apparatus for applying mechanical power, having several interrelated parts. 2 particular machine, esp. A vehicle or an electrical or electronic apparatus. 3 controlling system of an organization etc. (party machine). 4 person who acts mechanically. 5 (esp. In comb.) Mechanical dispenser with slots for coins (cigarette machine). —v. (-ning) make or operate on with a machine. [greek mekhane]
Machine code n. (also machine language) computer language for a particular computer.
Mach one n. (also mach two etc.) The speed (or twice etc. The speed) of sound.
Macintosh var. Of *mackintosh.
Mack var. Of *mac.
Mackerel n. (pl. Same or -s) marine fish used as food. [anglo-french]
Mackerel sky n. Sky dappled with rows of small white fleecy clouds.
Mackintosh n. (also macintosh) 1 waterproof coat or cloak. 2 cloth waterproofed with rubber. [macintosh, name of its inventor]
Macramé n. 1 art of knotting cord or string in patterns to make decorative articles. 2 work so made. [arabic, = bedspread]
Macro-comb. Form 1 long. 2 large, large-scale. [greek makros long]
Macrobiotic —adj. Of a diet intended to prolong life, esp. Consisting of wholefoods. —n. (in pl.; treated as sing.) Theory of such a diet. [greek bios life]
Macrocarpa n. Evergreen tree, often cultivated for hedges or wind-breaks. [greek *macro-, karpos fruit]
Macrocosm n. 1 universe. 2 the whole of a complex structure. [from *macro-, *cosmos]
Macroeconomics n. The study of the economy as a whole. macroeconomic adj.
Macron n. Mark ( ) over a long or stressed vowel. [greek, neuter of makros long]
Macron n. Mark ( ) over a long or stressed vowel. [greek, neuter of makros long]
Macroscopic adj. 1 visible to the naked eye. 2 regarded in terms of large units.
Macula n. (pl. -lae) dark, esp. Permanent, spot in the skin. maculation n. [latin, = spot, mesh]
Mad adj. (madder, maddest) 1 insane; frenzied. 2 wildly foolish. 3 (often foll. By about, on) colloq. Wildly excited or infatuated. 4 colloq. Angry. 5 (of an animal) rabid. 6 wildly light-hearted. like mad colloq. With great energy or enthusiasm. madness n. [old english]
Madam n. 1 polite or respectful form of address or mode of reference to a woman. 2 colloq. Conceited or precocious girl or young woman. 3 woman brothel-keeper. [related to *madame]
Madame n. 1 (pl. Mesdames) mrs or madam (used of or to a french-speaking woman). 2 (madame) = *madam 1. [french ma dame my lady]
Madden v. 1 make or become mad. 2 irritate. maddening adj. Maddeningly adv.
Madder n. 1 herbaceous plant with yellowish flowers. 2 a red dye from its root.
B its synthetic substitute. [old english]
Made past and past part. Of *make. —adj. 1 built or formed (well-made). 2 successful (self-made man; be made). have (or have got) it made colloq. Be sure of success. Made for ideally suited to. Made of consisting of. Made of money colloq. Very rich.
Madeira n. 1 fortified white wine from madeira. 2 (in full madeira cake) a kind of sponge cake.
Mademoiselle n. (pl. Mesdemoiselles) 1 miss or madam (used of or to an unmarried french-speaking woman). 2 (mademoiselle) a young frenchwoman. B french governess. [french ma my, demoiselle *damsel]
Made to measure adj. Tailor-made.
Madhouse n. 1 colloq. Scene of confused uproar. 2 archaic mental home or hospital.
Madly adv. 1 in a mad manner. 2 colloq. A passionately. B extremely.
Madman n. Man who is mad.
Madonna n. 1 (prec. By the) the virgin mary. 2 (madonna) picture or statue of her. [italian, = my lady]
Madrigal n. Part-song, usu. Unaccompanied, for several voices. [italian]
Madwoman n. Woman who is mad.
Maelstrom n. 1 great whirlpool. 2 state of confusion. [dutch]
Maestro n. (pl. Maestri or -s) 1 distinguished musician, esp. A conductor, composer, or teacher. 2 great performer in any sphere. [italian]
Mae west n. Slang inflatable life-jacket. [name of a film actress]
Mafia n. 1 organized body of criminals, orig. In sicily, now also in italy and the us. 2 (mafia) group regarded as exerting an intimidating and corrupt power. [italian dial., = bragging]
Mafioso n. (pl. Mafiosi) member of the mafia. [italian: related to *mafia]
Mag n. Colloq. = *magazine 1. [abbreviation]
Magazine n. 1 illustrated periodical publication containing articles, stories, etc. 2 chamber holding cartridges to be fed automatically to the breech of a gun. 3 similar device in a slide projector etc. 4 military store for arms etc. 5 store for explosives. [arabic makazin]
Magenta —n. 1 shade of crimson. 2 aniline crimson dye. —adj. Of or coloured with magenta. [magenta in n. Italy]
Maggot n. Larva, esp. Of the housefly or bluebottle. maggoty adj. [perhaps an alteration of maddock, from old norse]
Magi pl. Of *magus.
Magic —n. 1 a supposed art of influencing or controlling events supernaturally. B witchcraft. 2 conjuring tricks. 3 inexplicable influence. 4 enchanting quality or phenomenon. —adj. 1 of magic. 2 producing surprising results. 3 colloq.
Wonderful, exciting. —v. (-ck-) change or create by or as if by magic. like magic very rapidly. Magic away cause to disappear as if by magic. [greek magikos: related to *magus]
Magical adj. 1 of magic. 2 resembling, or produced as if by, magic. 3 wonderful, enchanting. magically adv.
Magic eye n. Photoelectric device used for detection, automatic control, etc.
Magician n. 1 person skilled in magic. 2 conjuror.
Magic lantern n. Primitive form of slide projector.
Magisterial adj. 1 imperious. 2 authoritative. 3 of a magistrate. magisterially adv. [medieval latin: related to *master]
Magistracy n. (pl. -ies) 1 magisterial office. 2 magistrates collectively.
Magistrate n. 1 civil officer administering the law. 2 official conducting a court for minor cases and preliminary hearings. [latin: related to *master]
Magma n. (pl. -s) molten rock under the earth’s crust, from which igneous rock is formed by cooling. [greek masso knead]
Magna carta n. (also magna charta) charter of liberty obtained from king john in 1215. [medieval latin, = great charter]
Magnanimous adj. Nobly generous; not petty in feelings or conduct. magnanimity n. Magnanimously adv. [latin magnus great, animus mind]
Magnate n. Wealthy and influential person, usu. In business. [latin magnus great]
Magnesia n. 1 magnesium oxide. 2 hydrated magnesium carbonate, used as an antacid and laxative. [magnesia in asia minor]
Magnesium n. Silvery metallic element.
Magnet n. 1 piece of iron, steel, alloy, ore, etc., having the properties of attracting iron and of pointing approximately north and south when suspended. 2 lodestone. 3 person or thing that attracts. [greek magnes -etos of magnesia: related to *magnesia]
Magnetic adj. 1 a having the properties of a magnet. B produced or acting by magnetism. 2 capable of being attracted by or acquiring the properties of a magnet. 3 strongly attractive (magnetic personality). magnetically adv.
Magnetic field n. Area of force around a magnet.
Magnetic mine n. Underwater mine detonated by the approach of a large mass of metal, e.g. A ship.
Magnetic needle n. Piece of magnetized steel used as an indicator on the dial of a compass etc.
Magnetic north n. Point indicated by the north end of a magnetic needle.
Magnetic pole n. Point near the north or south pole where a magnetic needle dips vertically.
Magnetic storm n. Disturbance of the earth’s magnetic field by charged particles from the sun etc.
Magnetic tape n. Plastic strip coated with magnetic material for recording sound or pictures.
Magnetism n. 1 a magnetic phenomena and their science. B property of producing these. 2 attraction; personal charm.
Magnetize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 give magnetic properties to. 2 make into a magnet. 3 attract as a magnet does. magnetizable adj. Magnetization n.
Magneto n. (pl. -s) electric generator using permanent magnets (esp. For the ignition of an internal-combustion engine). [abbreviation of magneto-electric]
Magnificat n. Hymn of the virgin mary used as a canticle. [from its opening word]
Magnification n. 1 magnifying or being magnified. 2 degree of this.
Magnificent adj. 1 splendid, stately. 2 colloq. Fine, excellent. magnificence n. Magnificently adv. [latin magnificus from magnus great]
Magnify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make (a thing) appear larger than it is, as with a lens. 2 exaggerate. 3 intensify. 4 archaic extol. magnifiable adj. Magnifier n. [latin:
related to *magnificent]
Magnifying glass n. Lens used to magnify.
Magnitude n. 1 largeness. 2 size. 3 importance. 4 a degree of brightness of a star. B class of stars arranged according to this (of the third magnitude). of the first magnitude very important. [latin magnus great]
Magnolia n. 1 tree with dark-green foliage and waxy flowers. 2 creamy-pink colour. [magnol, name of a botanist]
Magnox n. Magnesium-based alloy used to enclose uranium fuel elements in some nuclear reactors. [magnesium no oxidation]
Magnum n. (pl. -s) wine bottle twice the normal size. [latin, neuter of magnus great]
Magnum opus n. Great work of art, literature, etc., esp. An artist’s most important work. [latin]
Magpie n. 1 a kind of crow with a long tail and black and white plumage. 2 chatterer. 3 indiscriminate collector. [from mag, abbreviation of margaret, *pie2]
Magus n. (pl. Magi) 1 priest of ancient persia. 2 sorcerer. 3 (the magi) the ‘wise men’ from the east (matt. 2:1–12). [persian magus]
Magyar —n. 1 member of the chief ethnic group in hungary. 2 their language. — adj. Of this people. [native name]
Maharaja n. (also maharajah) hist. Title of some indian princes. [hindi, = great rajah]
Maharanee n. (also maharani) (pl. -s) hist. Maharaja’s wife or widow. [hindi, = great ranee]
Maharishi n. (pl. -s) great hindu sage. [hindi]
Mahatma n. 1 (in india etc.) Revered person. 2 one of a class of persons supposed by some buddhists to have preternatural powers. [sanskrit, = great soul]
Mah-jong n. (also -jongg) game played with 136 or 144 pieces called tiles. [chinese dial. Ma-tsiang sparrows]
Mahlstick var. Of *maulstick.
Mahogany n. (pl. -ies) 1 reddish-brown tropical wood used for furniture. 2 its colour. [origin unknown]
Mahonia n. Evergreen shrub with yellow bell-shaped flowers. [french or spanish]
Mahout n. (in india etc.) Elephant-driver. [hindi from sanskrit]
Maid n. 1 female servant. 2 archaic or poet. Girl, young woman. [abbreviation of *maiden]
Maiden n. 1 a archaic or poet. Girl; young unmarried woman. B (attrib.) Unmarried (maiden aunt). 2 = *maiden over. 3 (attrib.) (of a female animal) unmated. 4 (often attrib.) A horse that has never won a race. B race open only to such horses. 5 (attrib.) First (maiden speech; maiden voyage). maidenhood n. Maidenly adj. [old english]
Maidenhair n. Fern with hairlike stalks and delicate fronds.
Maidenhead n. 1 virginity. 2 hymen.
Maiden name n. Woman’s surname before marriage.
Maiden over n. Over in cricket in which no runs are scored.
Maid of honour n. 1 unmarried lady attending a queen or princess. 2 esp. Us principal bridesmaid.
Maidservant n. Female servant.
Mail1 —n. 1 a letters and parcels etc. Carried by post. B postal system. C one complete delivery or collection of mail. 2 email. 3 vehicle carrying mail. —v. Send by post or email. [french male wallet]
Mail2 n. Armour of metal rings or plates. [french maille from latin macula]
Mailbag n. Large sack for carrying mail.
Mailbox n. Us letter-box.
Mailing list n. List of people to whom advertising matter etc. Is posted.
Mail order n. Purchase of goods by post.
Mailshot n. Advertising material sent to potential customers.
Maim v. Cripple, disable, mutilate. [french mahaignier]
Main —adj. 1 chief, principal. 2 exerted to the full (by main force). —n. 1 principal duct etc. For water, sewage, etc. 2 (usu. In pl.; prec. By the) a central distribution network for electricity, gas, water, etc. B domestic electricity supply as distinct from batteries. 3 poet. High seas (spanish main). in the main mostly. [old english]
Main brace n. Brace attached to the main yard.
Main chance n. (prec. By the) one’s own interests.
Mainframe n. 1 central processing unit of a large computer. 2 (often attrib.) Large computer system.
Mainland n. Large continuous extent of land, excluding neighbouring islands.
Mainline v. (-ning) slang 1 take drugs intravenously. 2 inject (drugs) intravenously. mainliner n.
Main line n. Railway line linking large cities.
Mainly adv. Mostly; chiefly.
Mainmast n. Principal mast of a ship.
Mainsail n. 1 (in a square-rigged vessel) lowest sail on the mainmast. 2 (in a fore-and-aft rigged vessel) sail set on the after part of the mainmast.
Mainspring n. 1 principal spring of a watch, clock, etc. 2 chief motivating force; incentive.
Mainstay n. 1 chief support. 2 stay from the maintop to the foot of the foremast.
Mainstream n. 1 (often attrib.) Ultimately prevailing trend in opinion, fashion, etc. 2 type of swing jazz, esp. With solo improvisation. 3 principal current of ariver etc.
Maintain v. 1 cause to continue; keep up (an activity etc.). 2 support by work, expenditure, etc. 3 assert as true. 4 preserve (a house, machine, etc.) In good repair. 5 provide means for. [latin manus hand, teneo hold]
Maintained school n. School supported from public funds, state school.
Maintenance n. 1 maintaining or being maintained. 2 a provision of the means to support life. B alimony. [french: related to *maintain]
Maintop n. Platform above the head of the lower mainmast.
Maintopmast n. Mast above the head of the lower mainmast.
Main yard n. Yard on which the mainsail is extended.
Maiolica n. (also majolica) white tin-glazed earthenware decorated with metallic colours or enamelled. [italian, from the former name of majorca]
colours or enamelled. [italian, from the former name of majorca]
Maisonette n. 1 flat on more than one floor. 2 small house. [french maisonnette diminutive of maison house]
Maize n. 1 cereal plant of n. America. 2 cobs or grain of this. [french or spanish]
Maj. Abbr. Major.
Majestic adj. Stately and dignified; imposing. majestically adv.
Majesty n. (pl. -ies) 1 stateliness, dignity, or authority, esp. Of bearing, language, etc. 2 a royal power. B (majesty) (prec. By his, her, your) forms of description oraddress for a sovereign or a sovereign’s wife or widow (your majesty; her majesty the queen mother). [latin majestas: related to *major]
Majolica var. Of *maiolica.
Major —adj. 1 relatively great in size, intensity, scope, or importance. 2 (of surgery) serious. 3 mus. A (of a scale) having intervals of a semitone above its third and seventh notes. B (of an interval) greater by a semitone than a minor interval (major third). C (of a key) based on a major scale. 4 of full legal age. — n. 1 a army officer next below lieutenant-colonel. B officer in charge of a band section (drum major). 2 person of full legal age. 3 us a student’s main subject or course. B student of this. —v. (foll. By in) us study or qualify in (a subject) as one’s main subject. [latin, comparative of magnus great]
Major-domo n. (pl. -s) chief steward of a great household. [medieval latin major domus highest official of the household]
Majorette n. = *drum majorette. [abbreviation]
Major-general n. Officer next below a lieutenant-general.
Majority n. (pl. -ies) 1 (usu. Foll. By of) greater number or part. 2 a number of votes by which a candidate wins. B party etc. Receiving the greater number of votes. 3 full legal age. 4 rank of major. [medieval latin: related to *major]
Usage in sense 1, majority is strictly used only with countable nouns, as in the majority of people, and not (e.g.) The majority of the work.
Majority rule n. Principle that the greater number should exercise the greater power.
Make —v. (-king; past and past part. Made) 1 construct; create; form from parts or other substances. 2 cause or compel (made me do it). 3 a cause to exist; bring about (made a noise). B cause to become or seem (made him angry; made a fool of me; made him a knight). 4 compose; prepare; write (made her will; made a film). 5 constitute; amount to; be reckoned as (2 and 2 make 4). 6 a undertake (made a promise; make an effort). B perform (an action etc.) (made a face; made a bow). 7 gain, acquire, procure (money, a living, a profit, etc.). 8 prepare (tea, coffee, a meal, etc.). 9 a arrange (a bed) for use. B arrange and light materials for (a fire). 10 a proceed (made towards the river). B (foll. By to + infin.) Act as if with the intention to (he made to go). 11 colloq. A arrive at (a place) or in time
for (a train etc.). B manage to attend; manage to attend on (a certain day) or at (a certain time) (couldn’t make the meeting last week; can make any day except friday). C achieve a place in (made the first eleven). 12 establish or enact (a distinction, rule, law, etc.). 13 consider to be; estimate as (what do you make the total?). 14 secure the success or advancement of (his second novel made him; it made my day).
Makeshift —adj. Temporary. —n. Temporary substitute or device.
Make-up n. 1 cosmetics, as used generally or by actors. 2 character, temperament, etc. 3 composition (of a thing).
Makeweight n. 1 small quantity added to make up the weight. 2 person or thing supplying a deficiency.
Making n. (in pl.) 1 earnings; profit. 2 essential qualities or ingredients (has the makings of a pilot). be the making of ensure the success of. In the making in the course of being made or formed. [old english: related to *make]
Mal-comb. Form 1 a bad, badly (malpractice; maltreat). B faulty (malfunction). 2 not (maladroit). [french mal badly, from latin male]
Malachite n. Green mineral used for ornament. [greek molokhitis]
Maladjusted adj. (of a person) unable to adapt to or cope with the demands of a social environment. maladjustment n.
Maladminister v. Manage badly or improperly. maladministration n.
Maladroit adj. Clumsy; bungling. [french: related to *mal-]
Malady n. (pl. -ies) ailment, disease. [french malade sick]
Malaise n. 1 general bodily discomfort or lassitude. 2 feeling of unease or demoralization. [french: related to *ease]
Malapropism n. Comical misuse of a word in mistake for one sounding similar, e.g. Alligator for allegory. [mrs malaprop, name of a character in sheridan’s therivals]
Malaria n. Recurrent fever caused by a parasite transmitted by a mosquito bite. malarial adj. [italian, = bad air]
Malarkey n. Colloq. Humbug; nonsense. [origin unknown]
Malay —n. 1 member of a people predominating in malaysia and indonesia. 2 their language. —adj. Of this people or language. malayan n. & adj. [malay malayu]
malayu]
Malcontent —n. Discontented person. —adj. Discontented. [french: related to *mal-]
Male —adj. 1 of the sex that can beget offspring by fertilization. 2 of men or male animals, plants, etc.; masculine. 3 (of plants or flowers) containing stamens but no pistil. 4 (of parts of machinery etc.) Designed to enter or fill the corresponding hollow part (male screw). —n. Male person or animal. maleness n. [latin masculus from mas a male]
Male chauvinist n. = *chauvinist 2.
Malediction n. 1 curse. 2 utterance of a curse. maledictory adj. [latin maledictio:
related to *mal-]
Malefactor n. Criminal; evildoer. malefaction n. [latin male badly, facio fact-do]
Male menopause n. Colloq. Crisis of potency, confidence, etc., supposed to afflict some men in middle life.
Malevolent adj. Wishing evil to others. malevolence n. Malevolently adv. [latin volo wish]
Malfeasance n. Formal misconduct, esp. In an official capacity. [french: related to *mal-]
to *mal-]
Malformation n. Faulty formation. malformed adj.
Malfunction —n. Failure to function normally. —v. Fail to function normally.
Malice n. 1 desire to harm or cause difficulty to others; ill-will. 2 law harmful intent. [latin malus bad]
Malice aforethought n. Law intention to commit a crime, esp. Murder.
Malicious adj. Given to or arising from malice. maliciously adv.
Malign —adj. 1 (of a thing) injurious. 2 (of a disease) malignant. 3 malevolent. —v. Speak ill of; slander. malignity n. [latin malus bad]
Malignant adj. 1 a (of a disease) very virulent or infectious. B (of a tumour) spreading or recurring; cancerous. 2 harmful; feeling or showing intense ill-will. malignancy n. Malignantly adv. [latin: related to *malign]
Malinger v. Pretend to be ill, esp. To escape work. malingerer n. [french malingre sickly]
Mall n. 1 sheltered walk or promenade. 2 shopping precinct. [the mall, street in
london]
Mallard n. (pl. Same) a kind of wild duck. [french]
Malleable adj. 1 (of metal etc.) That can be shaped by hammering. 2 easily influenced; pliable. malleability n. Malleably adv. [medieval latin: related to *mallet]
Mallet n. 1 hammer, usu. Of wood. 2 implement for striking a croquet or polo ball. [latin malleus hammer]
Mallow n. Plant with hairy stems and leaves and pink or purple flowers. [latin malva]
Malmsey n. A strong sweet wine. [low german or dutch from monemvasia in greece]
Malnourished adj. Suffering from malnutrition. malnourishment n.
Malnutrition n. Condition resulting from the lack of foods necessary for health.
Malodorous adj. Evil-smelling.
Malpractice n. Improper, negligent, or criminal professional conduct.
Malt —n. 1 barley, or other grain, steeped, germinated, and dried, for brewing etc. 2 colloq. Malt whisky; malt liquor. —v. Convert (grain) into malt. malty adj.(-ier, -iest). [old english]
Malted milk n. Drink made from dried milk and extract of malt.
Maltese —n. (pl. Same) native or language of malta. —adj. Of malta.
Maltese cross n. Cross with the arms broadening outwards, often indented at the ends.
Malthusian adj. Of malthus’s doctrine that the population should be restricted so as to prevent an increase beyond its means of subsistence. malthusianism n. [malthus, name of a clergyman]
Maltose n. Sugar made from starch by enzymes in malt, saliva, etc. [french:
related to *malt]
Maltreat v. Ill-treat. maltreatment n. [french: related to *mal-]
Malt whisky n. Whisky made solely from malted barley.
Mama n. (also mamma) archaic mother. [imitative of child’s ma, ma]
Mamba n. Venomous african snake. [zulu imamba]
Mambo n. (pl. -s) latin american dance like the rumba. [american spanish]
Mamma var. Of *mama.
Mammal n. Warm-blooded vertebrate of the class secreting milk to feed its young. mammalian adj. & n. [latin mamma breast]
Mammary adj. Of the breasts.
Mammogram n. Image obtained by mammography. [latin mamma breast]
Mammography n. X-ray technique for screening the breasts for tumours etc.
Mammon n. Wealth regarded as a god or evil influence. [aramaic mamon]
Mammoth —n. Large extinct elephant with a hairy coat and curved tusks. —adj. Huge. [russian]
Man —n. (pl. Men) 1 adult human male. 2 a human being; person. B the human
race. 3 a workman (the manager spoke to the men). B manservant, valet. 4 (usu. In pl.) Soldiers, sailors, etc., esp. Non-officers. 5 suitable or appropriate person; expert (he is your man; the man for the job). 6 a husband (man and wife). B colloq. Boyfriend, lover. 7 human being of a specified type or historical period (renaissance man; peking man). 8 piece in chess, draughts, etc. 9 colloq. As a form of address. 10 person pursued; opponent (police caught their man). —v. (-nn-) 1 supply with a person or people for work or defence. 2 work, service, or defend (man the pumps). 3 fill (a post). as one man in unison. Be one’s own man be independent. To a man without exception. manlike adj. [old english]
Man about town n. Fashionable socializer.
Manacle —n. (usu. In pl.) 1 fetter for the hand; handcuff. 2 restraint. —v. (-ling) fetter with manacles. [latin manus hand]
Manage v. (-ging) 1 organize; regulate; be in charge of. 2 succeed in achieving; contrive (managed to come; managed a smile; managed to ruin the day). 3 (often foll. By with) succeed with limited resources etc.; be able to cope. 4 succeed in controlling. 5 (often prec. By can etc.) A cope with (couldn’t manage another bite). B be free to attend on or at (can manage monday). 6 use or wield (a tool etc.). manageable adj. [latin manus hand]
Management n. 1 managing or being managed. 2 a administration of business or public undertakings. B people engaged in this, esp. Those controlling a workforce.
Manager n. 1 person controlling or administering a business or part of a business. 2 person controlling the affairs, training, etc. Of a person or team in sports, entertainment, etc. 3 person of a specified level of skill in household or financial affairs etc. (a good manager). managerial adj.
Manageress n. Woman manager, esp. Of a shop, hotel, etc.
Managing director n. Director with executive control or authority.
Manatee n. Large aquatic plant-eating mammal. [spanish from carib]
Mancunian —n. Native of manchester. —adj. Of manchester. [latin mancunium]
Mandala n. Circular figure as a religious symbol of the universe. [sanskrit]
Mandamus n. Judicial writ issued as a command to an inferior court, or ordering a person to perform a public or statutory duty. [latin, = we command]
Mandarin n. 1 (mandarin) official language of china. 2 hist. Chinese official. 3 powerful person, esp. A top civil servant. 4 (in full mandarin orange) = *tangerine 1. [hindi mantri]
Mandate —n. 1 official command or instruction. 2 authority given by electors to
a government, trade union, etc. 3 authority to act for another. —v. (-ting) instruct (a delegate) how to act or vote. [latin mandatum, past part. Of mando command]
Mandatory adj. 1 compulsory. 2 of or conveying a command. mandatorily adv. [latin: related to *mandate]
Mandible n. 1 jaw, esp. The lower jaw in mammals and fishes. 2 upper or lower part of a bird’s beak. 3 either half of the crushing organ in the mouthparts of an insect etc. [latin mando chew]
Mandolin n. A kind of lute with paired metal strings plucked with a plectrum. mandolinist n. [french from italian]
Mandrake n. Poisonous narcotic plant with large yellow fruit. [greek mandragoras]
Mandrel n. 1 lathe-shaft to which work is fixed while being turned. 2 cylindrical rod round which metal or other material is forged or shaped. [origin unknown]
Mandrill n. Large w. African baboon. [probably from *man, *drill4]
Mane n. 1 long hair on the neck of a horse, lion, etc. 2 colloq. Person’s long hair. [old english]
Manège n. (also manege) 1 riding-school. 2 movements of a trained horse. 3
horsemanship. [italian: related to *manage]
Maneuver (brit. Manoeuvre) —n. 1 planned and controlled movement of a vehicle or body of troops etc. 2 (in pl.) Large-scale exercise of troops, ships, etc. 3 agile or skilful movement. 4 artful plan. —v. (-ring) 1 move (a thing, esp. A vehicle) carefully. 2 perform or cause (troops etc.) To perform manoeuvres. 3 a (usu. Foll. By into, out of, etc.) Manipulate (a person, thing, etc.) By scheming or adroitness. B use artifice. manoeuvrable adj. Manoeuvrability n. [medieval latin manu operor work with the hand]
Man friday n. Male helper or follower.
Manful adj. Brave; resolute. manfully adv.
Manganese n. 1 grey brittle metallic element. 2 black mineral oxide of this used in glass-making etc. [italian: related to *magnesia]
Mange n. Skin disease in hairy and woolly animals. [french mangeue itch, from latin manduco chew]
Mangel-wurzel n. (also mangold-) large beet used as cattle food. [german mangold beet, wurzel root]
Manger n. Box or trough for horses or cattle to feed from. [latin: related to *mange]
Mange-tout n. A kind of pea eaten in the pod. [french, = eat-all]
Mangle1 —n. Machine of two or more cylinders for squeezing water from and pressing wet clothes. —v. (-ling) press (clothes etc.) In a mangle. [dutch mangel]
Mangle2 v. (-ling) 1 hack or mutilate by blows. 2 spoil (a text etc.) By gross blunders. 3 cut roughly so as to disfigure. [anglo-french ma(ha)ngler: probably related to *maim]
Mango n. (pl. -es or -s) 1 tropical fruit with yellowish flesh. 2 tree bearing this. [tamil mankay]
Mangold-wurzel var. Of *mangel-wurzel.
Mangrove n. Tropical tree or shrub growing in shore-mud with many tangled roots above ground. [origin unknown]
Mangy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 having mange. 2 squalid; shabby.
Manhandle v. (-ling) 1 colloq. Handle (a person) roughly. 2 move by human effort.
Manhole n. Covered opening in a pavement, sewer, etc. For workmen to gain access.
Manhood n. 1 state of being a man. 2 a manliness; courage. B a man’s sexual potency. 3 men of a country etc.
Man-hour n. Work done by one person in one hour.
Manhunt n. Organized search for a person, esp. A criminal.
Mania n. 1 mental illness marked by excitement and violence. 2 (often foll. By for) excessive enthusiasm; obsession. [greek mainomai be mad]
-mania comb. Form 1 denoting a special type of mental disorder (megalomania).
2 denoting enthusiasm or admiration (beatlemania).
Maniac —n. 1 colloq. Person behaving wildly (too many maniacs on the road). 2 colloq. Obsessive enthusiast. 3 person suffering from mania. —adj. Of or behaving like a maniac. maniacal adj. Maniacally adv.
-maniac comb. Form forming adjectives and nouns meaning ‘affected with – mania’ or ‘a person affected with -mania’ (nymphomaniac).
Manic adj. 1 of or affected by mania. 2 colloq. Wildly excited; frenzied; excitable. manically adv.
Manic-depressive —adj. Relating to a mental disorder with alternating periods of elation and depression. —n. Person with such a disorder.
Manicure —n. Cosmetic treatment of the hands and fingernails. —v. (-ring) give a manicure to (the hands or a person). manicurist n. [latin manus hand, cura care]
Manifest —adj. Clear or obvious to the eye or mind. —v. 1 show (a quality or feeling) by one’s acts etc. 2 show plainly to the eye or mind. 3 be evidence of; prove. 4 refl. (of a thing) reveal itself. 5 (of a ghost) appear. —n. Cargo or passenger list. manifestation n. Manifestly adv. [latin manifestus]
Manifesto n. (pl. -s) declaration of policies, esp. By a political party. [italian:
related to *manifest]
Manifold —adj. 1 many and various. 2 having various forms, parts, applications, etc. —n. 1 manifold thing. 2 pipe or chamber branching into several openings.[old english: related to *many, *-fold]
Manikin n. Little man; dwarf. [dutch]
Manila n. 1 (in full manila hemp) strong fibre of a kind of tree native to the philippines. 2 (also manila) strong brown paper made from this. [manila in the philippines]
Man in the street n. Ordinary person.
Manipulate v. (-ting) 1 handle, esp. With skill. 2 manage (a person, situation, etc.) To one’s own advantage, esp. Unfairly. 3 move (part of a patient’s body) by
hand in order to increase flexion etc. 4 computing edit or move (text, data, etc.). manipulable adj. Manipulation n. Manipulator n. [latin manus hand]
Manipulative adj. Tending to exploit a situation, person, etc., for one’s own ends. manipulatively adv.
Manna n. 1 substance miraculously supplied as food to the israelites in the wilderness (exod. 16). 2 unexpected benefit (esp. Manna from heaven). [old english ultimately from hebrew]
Manned adj. (of a spacecraft etc.) Having a human crew.
Manner n. 1 way a thing is done or happens. 2 (in pl.) A social behaviour (good manners). B polite behaviour (has no manners). C modes of life; social conditions. 3 outward bearing, way of speaking, etc. 4 style (in the manner of rembrandt). 5 kind, sort (not by any manner of means). in a manner of speaking in a way; so to speak. To the manner born colloq. Naturally at ease in a particular situation etc. [latin manus hand]
Mannered adj. 1 (in comb.) Having specified manners (ill-mannered). 2 esp. Art full of mannerisms.
Mannerism n. 1 habitual gesture or way of speaking etc. 2 a stylistic trick in art etc. B excessive use of these. mannerist n.
Mannerly adj. Well-mannered, polite.
Mannish adj. 1 (of a woman) masculine in appearance or manner. 2 characteristic of a man. mannishly adv.
Manoeuvre (us maneuver) —n. 1 planned and controlled movement of a vehicle or body of troops etc. 2 (in pl.) Large-scale exercise of troops, ships, etc. 3 agile or skilful movement. 4 artful plan. —v. (-ring) 1 move (a thing, esp. A vehicle) carefully. 2 perform or cause (troops etc.) To perform manoeuvres. 3 a (usu.
Foll. By into, out of, etc.) Manipulate (a person, thing, etc.) By scheming or adroitness. B use artifice. manoeuvrable adj. Manoeuvrability n. [medieval latin manu operor work with the hand]
Man of letters n. Scholar or author.
Man of the world see *world.
Man-of-war n. (pl. Men-of-war) warship.
Manor n. 1 (also manor-house) large country house with lands. 2 hist. Feudal lordship over lands. 3 slang district covered by a police station. manorial adj. [latin maneo remain]
Manpower n. Number of people available for work, service, etc.
Manqué adj. (placed after noun) that might have been but is not (an actor manqué). [french]
Mansard n. Roof with four sloping sides, each of which becomes steeper halfway down. [mansart, name of an architect]
Manse n. Ecclesiastical residence, esp. A scottish presbyterian minister’s house. [medieval latin: related to *manor]
Manservant n. (pl. Menservants) male servant.
Mansion n. 1 large grand house. 2 (in pl.) Large building divided into flats. [latin: related to *manor]
Manslaughter n. Unintentional but not accidental unlawful killing of a human
Manslaughter n. Unintentional but not accidental unlawful killing of a human being.
Mantel n. Mantelpiece or mantelshelf. [var. Of *mantle]
Mantelpiece n. 1 structure of wood, marble, etc. Above and around a fireplace. 2 = *mantelshelf.
Mantelshelf n. Shelf above a fireplace.
Mantilla n. Lace scarf worn by spanish women over the hair and shoulders. [spanish: related to *mantle]
Mantis n. (pl. Same or mantises) (in full praying mantis) predatory insect that holds its forelegs like hands folded in prayer. [greek, = prophet]
Mantissa n. Part of a logarithm after the decimal point. [latin, = makeweight]
Mantle —n. 1 loose sleeveless cloak. 2 covering (mantle of snow). 3 fragile lacelike tube fixed round a gas-jet to give an incandescent light. 4 region between the crust and the core of the earth. —v. (-ling) clothe; conceal, envelop. [latin mantellum cloak]
Man to man adv. Candidly.
Mantra n. 1 hindu or buddhist devotional incantation. 2 vedic hymn. [sanskrit, = instrument of thought]
Mantrap n. Trap for catching trespassers etc.
Manual —adj. 1 of or done with the hands (manual labour). 2 a worked by hand, not automatically (manual gear-change). B (of a vehicle) worked by manual gear-change. —n. 1 reference book. 2 organ keyboard played with the hands, not the feet. 3 colloq. Vehicle with manual transmission. manually adv. [latin manus hand]
Manufacture —n. 1 making of articles, esp. In a factory etc. 2 branch of industry (woollen manufacture). —v. (-ring) 1 make (articles), esp. On an industrial scale. 2 invent or fabricate (evidence, a story, etc.). manufacturer n. [latin manufactum made by hand]
Manuscript —n. 1 text written by hand. 2 author’s handwritten or typed text. 3 handwritten form (produced in manuscript). —adj. Written by hand. [medieval latin manuscriptus written by hand]
Manx —adj. Of the isle of man. —n. 1 former celtic language of the isle of man. 2 (prec. By the; treated as pl.) Manx people. [old norse]
Manx cat n. Tailless variety of cat.
Many —adj. (more; most) great in number; numerous (many people). —n. (as pl.) 1 many people or things. 2 (prec. By the) the majority of people. a good (or great) many a large number. Many’s the time often. Many a time many times. [old english]
Maoism n. Communist doctrines of mao zedong. maoist n. & adj. [mao zedong, name of a chinese statesman]
Maori —n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 member of the aboriginal people of new zealand. 2 their language. —adj. Of this people. [native name]
Map —n. 1 a flat representation of the earth’s surface, or part of it. B diagram of a route etc. 2 similar representation of the stars, sky, moon, etc. 3 diagram showing the arrangement or components of a thing. —v. (-pp-) 1 represent on a map. 2 math. Associate each element of (a set) with one element of another set. map out plan in detail. [latin mappa napkin]
Maple n. 1 any of various trees or shrubs grown for shade, ornament, wood, or sugar. 2 its wood. [old english]
Maple-leaf n. Emblem of canada.
Maple sugar n. Sugar produced by evaporating the sap of some kinds of maple.
Maple syrup n. Syrup made by evaporating maple sap or dissolving maple sugar.
Maquette n. Preliminary model or sketch. [italian macchia spot]
Maquis n. (pl. Same) 1 french resistance movement during the german occupation (1940–45). 2 member of this. [french, = brushwood]
Mar. Abbr. March.
Mar v. (-rr-) spoil; disfigure. [old english]
Marabou n. 1 large w. African stork. 2 its down as trimming etc. [french from arabic]
Maraca n. Clublike bean-filled gourd etc., shaken rhythmically in pairs in latin american music. [portuguese]
Maraschino n. (pl. -s) sweet liqueur made from black cherries. [italian]
Maraschino cherry n. Cherry preserved in maraschino and used in cocktails etc.
Marathon n. 1 long-distance running race, usu. Of 26 miles 385 yards (42.195 km). 2 long-lasting or difficult undertaking etc. [marathon in greece, scene of a
decisive battle in 490 bc: a messenger supposedly ran with news of the outcome to athens]
Maraud v. 1 make a plundering raid (on). 2 pilfer systematically. marauder n. [french maraud rogue]
Marble —n. 1 crystalline limestone capable of taking a polish, used in sculpture and architecture. 2 (often attrib.) A anything of marble (marble clock). B anything like marble in hardness, coldness, etc. (her features were marble). 3 a small, esp. Glass, ball as a toy. B (in pl.; treated as sing.) Game using these. 4 (in pl.) Slang one’s mental faculties (he’s lost his marbles). 5 (in pl.) Collection of sculptures (elgin marbles). —v. (-ling) 1 (esp. As marbled adj.) Stain or colour (paper, soap, etc.) To look like variegated marble. 2 (as marbled adj.) (of meat) striped with fat and lean. [latin marmor from greek]
Marble cake n. Mottled cake of light and dark sponge.
Marbling n. 1 colouring or marking like marble. 2 streaks of fat in lean meat.
Marcasite n. 1 yellowish crystalline iron sulphide. 2 crystals of this used in jewellery. [arabic markashita]
March n. Third month of the year. [latin martius of mars]
March1 —v. 1 (cause to) walk in a military manner with a regular tread (army marched past; marched him away). 2 a walk purposefully. B (often foll. By on) (of events etc.) Continue unrelentingly (time marches on). 3 (foll. By on)
advance towards (a military objective). —n. 1 a act of marching. B uniform military step (slow march). 2 long difficult walk. 3 procession as a demonstration. 4 (usu. Foll. By of) progress or continuity (march of events). 5 a music to accompany a march. B similar musical piece. marcher n. [french marcher]
March2 —n. Hist. 1 (usu. In pl.) Boundary, frontier (esp. Between england and scotland or wales). 2 tract of land between two countries, esp. Disputed. —v. (foll. By upon, with) (of a country, an estate, etc.) Border on. [french marche from medieval latin marca]
March1 —v. 1 (cause to) walk in a military manner with a regular tread (army marched past; marched him away). 2 a walk purposefully. B (often foll. By on) (of events etc.) Continue unrelentingly (time marches on). 3 (foll. By on) advance towards (a military objective). —n. 1 a act of marching. B uniform military step (slow march). 2 long difficult walk. 3 procession as a demonstration. 4 (usu. Foll. By of) progress or continuity (march of events). 5 a music to accompany a march. B similar musical piece. marcher n. [french marcher]
March2 —n. Hist. 1 (usu. In pl.) Boundary, frontier (esp. Between england and scotland or wales). 2 tract of land between two countries, esp. Disputed. —v. (foll. By upon, with) (of a country, an estate, etc.) Border on. [french marche from medieval latin marca]
March hare n. Hare exuberant in the breeding season (mad as a march hare).
Marching orders n.pl. 1 order for troops to mobilize etc. 2 dismissal (gave him his marching orders).
Marchioness n. 1 wife or widow of a marquess. 2 woman holding the rank of
Marchioness n. 1 wife or widow of a marquess. 2 woman holding the rank of marquess. [medieval latin: related to *march2]
March past —n. Marching of troops past a saluting-point at a review. —v. (of troops) carry out a march past.
Mardi gras n. 1 a shrove tuesday in some catholic countries. B merrymaking on this day. 2 last day of a carnival etc. [french, = fat tuesday]
Mare1 n. Female equine animal, esp. A horse. [old english]
Mare2 n. (pl. Maria or -s) 1 large dark flat area on the moon, once thought to be sea. 2 similar area on mars. [latin, = sea]
Mare’s nest n. Illusory discovery.
Mare’s tail n. 1 tall slender marsh plant. 2 (in pl.) Long straight streaks of cirrus cloud.
Margarine n. Butter-substitute made from vegetable oils or animal fats with milk etc. [greek margaron pearl]
Marge n. Colloq. Margarine. [abbreviation]
Margin —n. 1 edge or border of a surface. 2 blank border flanking print etc. 3 amount by which a thing exceeds, falls short, etc. (won by a narrow margin). 4 lower limit (his effort fell below the margin). —v. (-n-) provide with a margin or marginal notes. [latin margo -ginis]
Marginal adj. 1 of or written in a margin. 2 a of or at the edge. B insignificant (of merely marginal interest). 3 (of a parliamentary seat etc.) Held by a small majority. 4 close to the limit, esp. Of profitability. 5 (of land) difficult to cultivate; unprofitable. 6 barely adequate. marginally adv. [medieval latin: related to *margin]
Marginal cost n. Cost added by making one extra copy etc.
Marginalia n.pl. Marginal notes.
Marginalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make or treat as insignificant.
marginalization n.
Margin of error n. Allowance for miscalculation etc.
Marguerite n. Ox-eye daisy. [latin margarita pearl]
Maria pl. Of *mare2.
Marigold n. Plant with golden or bright yellow flowers. [mary (probably the
virgin), gold (dial.) Marigold]
Marijuana n. (also marihuana) dried leaves etc. Of hemp, smoked in cigarettes as a drug. [american spanish]
Marimba n. 1 xylophone played by natives of africa and central america. 2 modern orchestral instrument derived from this. [congo]
Marina n. Harbour for pleasure-yachts etc. [latin: related to *marine]
Marinade —n. 1 mixture of wine, vinegar, oil, spices, etc., for soaking meat, fish, etc. Before cooking. 2 meat, fish, etc., so soaked. —v. (-ding) soak in a marinade. [spanish marinar pickle in brine: related to *marine]
Marinate v. (-ting) = marinade. marination n. [french: related to marine]
Marine —adj. 1 of, found in, or produced by the sea. 2 a of shipping or naval matters (marine insurance). B for use at sea. —n. 1 soldier trained to serve on land or sea. 2 country’s shipping, fleet, or navy (merchant marine). [latin mare sea]
Mariner n. Seaman.
Marionette n. Puppet worked by strings. [french: related to mary]
Marital adj. Of marriage or marriage relations. [latin maritus husband]
Marital adj. Of marriage or marriage relations. [latin maritus husband]
Maritime adj. 1 connected with the sea or seafaring (maritime insurance). 2 living or found near the sea. [latin: related to *marine]
Marjoram n. Aromatic herb used in cookery. [french from medieval latin]
Mark1 —n. 1 spot, sign, stain, scar, etc., on a surface etc. 2 (esp. In comb.) A written or printed symbol (question mark). B number or letter denoting proficiency, conduct, etc. (black mark; 46 marks out of 50). 3 (usu. Foll. By of) sign of quality, character, feeling, etc. (mark of respect). 4 a sign, seal, etc., of identification. B cross etc. Made as a signature by an illiterate person. 5 lasting effect (war left its mark). 6 a target etc. (missed the mark). B standard, norm (his work falls below the mark). 7 line etc. Indicating a position. 8 (usu. Mark) (followed by a numeral) particular design, model, etc., of a car, aircraft, etc. (mark 2 ford granada). 9 runner’s starting-point in a race. —v. 1 a make a mark on. B mark with initials, name, etc. To identify etc. 2 correct and assess (a student’s work etc.). 3 attach a price to (marked the doll at £5). 4 notice or observe (marked his agitation). 5 a characterize (day was marked by storms). B acknowledge, celebrate (marked the occasion with a toast). 6 name or indicate on a map etc. (the pub isn’t marked). 7 keep close to (an opponent in sport) to hinder him. 8 (as marked adj.) Have natural marks (is marked with dark spots). beside (or off or wide of) the mark 1 irrelevant. 2 not accurate. Make one’s mark attain distinction; make an impression. One’s mark colloq. Opponent, object, etc., of one’s own size etc. (the little one’s more my mark). Mark down 1 reduce the price of (goods etc.). 2 make a written note of. 3 reduce the examination marks of. Mark off separate by a boundary etc. Mark out 1 plan (a course of action etc.). 2 destine (marked out for success). 3 trace out (boundaries etc.). Mark time 1 march on the spot without moving forward. 2 act routinely while awaiting an opportunity to advance. Mark up 1 add a proportion to the price of (goods etc.) For profit. 2 mark or correct (text etc.). Off the mark 1 having made a start. 2 = beside the mark. On the mark ready to start. On your mark (or marks) get ready to start (esp. A race). Up to the mark normal (esp. Of health). [old english]
Mark2 n. = *deutschmark. [german]
Mark-down n. Reduction in price.
Marked adj. 1 having a visible mark. 2 clearly noticeable (marked difference). 3 (of playing-cards) marked on their backs to assist cheating. markedly adv.
Marked man n. Person singled out, esp. For attack.
Marker n. 1 thing marking a position etc. 2 person or thing that marks. 3 broad-tipped felt-tipped pen. 4 scorer in a game.
Market —n. 1 gathering of buyers and sellers of provisions, livestock, etc. 2 space for this. 3 (often foll. By for) demand for a commodity etc. (no market for sheds). 4 place or group providing such a demand. 5 conditions etc. For buying or selling; rate of purchase and sale (market is sluggish). 6 = *stock market. —v. (-t-) 1 offer for sale, esp. By advertising etc. 2 archaic buy or sell goods in a market. be in the market for wish to buy. Be on the market be offered for sale. Put on the market offer for sale. marketer n. Marketing n. [latin mercor buy]
Marketable adj. Able or fit to be sold. marketability n.
Market-day n. Day on which a market is regularly held.
Marketeer n. 1 supporter of the ec and british membership of it. 2 marketer.
Market garden n. Farm where vegetables and fruit are grown for sale in markets.
Market-place n. 1 open space for a market. 2 commercial world.
Market price n. Price in current dealings.
Market research n. Surveying of consumers’ needs and preferences.
Market town n. Town where a market is held.
Market value n. Value if offered for sale.
Marking n. (usu. In pl.) 1 identification mark. 2 colouring of an animal’s fur etc.
Marksman n. Skilled shot, esp. With a pistol or rifle. marksmanship n.
Mark-up n. 1 amount added to a price by the retailer for profit. 2 corrections in a text.
Marl —n. Soil of clay and lime, used as fertilizer. —v. Apply marl to. marly adj. [medieval latin margila]
Marlin n. (pl. Same or -s) us long-nosed marine fish. [from *marlinspike]
Marlinspike n. Pointed iron tool used to separate strands of rope etc. [marling from dutch marlen from marren bind]
Marmalade n. Preserve of citrus fruit, usu. Oranges. [portuguese marmelo quince]
Marmite n. Propr. Thick brown spread made from yeast and vegetable extract. [french, = cooking-pot]
Marmoreal adj. Of or like marble. [latin: related to *marble]
Marmoset n. Small monkey with a long bushy tail. [french]
Marmot n. Heavy-set burrowing rodent with a short bushy tail. [latin mus mouse, mons mountain]
Marocain n. Fabric of ribbed crêpe. [french, = moroccan]
Maroon1 adj. & n. Brownish-crimson. [french marron chestnut]
Maroon2 v. 1 leave (a person) isolated, esp. On an island. 2 (of weather etc.) Cause (a person) to be forcibly detained. [french marron wild person, from spanish cimarrón]
Marque n. Make of car, as distinct from a specific model (the jaguar marque). [french, = *mark1]
Marquee n. Large tent for social functions etc. [french marquise]
Marquess n. British nobleman ranking between duke and earl. [var. Of *marquis]
Marquetry n. Inlaid work in wood, ivory, etc. [french: related to *marque]
Marquis n. (pl. -quises) foreign nobleman ranking between duke and count. [french: related to *march2]
Marquise n. 1 wife or widow of a marquis. 2 woman holding the rank of marquis.
Marram n. Shore grass that binds sand. [old norse, = sea-haulm]
Marriage n. 1 legal union of a man and a woman for cohabitation and often procreation. 2 act or ceremony marking this. 3 particular such union (a happy marriage). 4 intimate union, combination. [french marier *marry]
Marriageable adj. Free, ready, or fit for marriage. marriageability n.
Marriage bureau n. Company arranging introductions with a view to marriage.
Marriage certificate n. Certificate verifying a legal marriage.
Marriage guidance n. Counselling of people with marital problems.
Marriage licence n. Licence to marry.
Marriage lines n.pl. Marriage certificate.
Marriage of convenience n. Loveless marriage for gain.
Marriage settlement n. Legal property arrangement between spouses.
Married —adj. 1 united in marriage. 2 of marriage (married name; married life).
—n. (usu. In pl.) Married person (young marrieds).
Marron glacé n. (pl. Marrons glacés pronunc. Same) chestnut preserved in syrup. [french]
Marrow n. 1 large fleshy usu. Striped gourd eaten as a vegetable. 2 soft fatty substance in the cavities of bones. 3 essential part. to the marrow right through. [old english]
Marrowbone n. Bone containing edible marrow.
Marrowfat n. A kind of large pea.
Marry v. (-ies, -ied) 1 take, join, or give in marriage. 2 a enter into marriage. B (foll. By into) become a member of (a family) by marriage. 3 a unite intimately, combine. B pair (socks etc.). marry off find a spouse for. Marry up link, join. [latin maritus husband]
Marsala n. A dark sweet fortified dessert wine. [marsala in sicily]
Marseillaise n. French national anthem. [french marseille in france]
Marsh n. (often attrib.) Low watery land. marshy adj. (-ier, -iest). Marshiness n. [old english]
Marshal —n. 1 (marshal) high-ranking officer of state or in the armed forces (earl marshal; field marshal). 2 officer arranging ceremonies, controlling racecourses, crowds, etc. —v. (-ll-) 1 arrange (soldiers, one’s thoughts, etc.) In due order.
Marshalling yard n. Yard for assembling goods trains etc.
Marshal of the royal air force n. Highest rank in the raf.
Marsh gas n. Methane.
Marshland n. Land consisting of marshes.
Marshmallow n. Soft sticky sweet made of sugar, albumen, gelatin, etc. [*marsh mallow]
Marsh mallow n. Shrubby herbaceous plant.
Marsh marigold n. Golden-flowered plant.
Marsupial —n. Mammal giving birth to underdeveloped young subsequently carried in a pouch. —adj. Of or like a marsupial. [greek marsupion pouch]
Mart n. 1 trade centre. 2 auction-room. 3 market. [dutch: related to *market]
Martello n. (pl. -s) (also martello tower) small circular coastal fort. [cape mortella in corsica]
Marten n. Weasel-like carnivore with valuable fur. [dutch from french]
Martial adj. 1 of warfare. 2 warlike. [latin martialis of mars]
Martial arts n.pl. Oriental fighting sports such as judo and karate.
Martial law n. Military government with ordinary law suspended.
Martian —adj. Of the planet mars. —n. Hypothetical inhabitant of mars. [latin]
Martin n. A kind of swallow, esp. The house-martin and sand-martin. [probably st martin, name of a 4th-c. Bishop]
Martinet n. Strict disciplinarian. [martinet, name of a drill-master]
Martingale n. Strap(s) preventing a horse from rearing etc. [french, origin uncertain]
Martini n. (pl. -s) 1 propr. Type of vermouth. 2 cocktail of gin and french vermouth. [martini and rossi, name of a firm selling vermouth]
Martinmas n. St martin’s day, 11 nov. [from *mass2]
Martinmas n. St martin’s day, 11 nov. [from *mass2]
Martyr —n. 1 a person killed for persisting in a belief. B person who suffers for a cause etc. C person who suffers or pretends to suffer to get pity etc. 2 (foll. By to) colloq. Constant sufferer from (an ailment). —v. 1 put to death as a martyr. 2 torment. martyrdom n. [greek martur witness]
Marvel —n. 1 wonderful thing. 2 (foll. By of) wonderful example of (a quality). —v. (-ll-; us -l-) (foll. By at or that) feel surprise or wonder. [latin miror wonder at]
Marvellous adj. (us marvelous) 1 astonishing. 2 excellent. marvellously adv. [french: related to *marvel]
Marvelous adj. (brit. Marvellous) 1 astonishing. 2 excellent. marvellously adv. [french: related to *marvel]
Marxism n. Political and economic theories of marx, predicting the overthrow of capitalism and common ownership of the means of production in a classless society. marxist n. & adj.
Marxism-leninism n. Marxism as developed by lenin. marxist-leninist n. & adj.
Marzipan —n. Paste of ground almonds, sugar, etc., used in confectionery. —v. (-nn-) cover with marzipan. [german from italian]
Mascara n. Cosmetic for darkening the eyelashes. [italian, = mask]
Mascot n. Person, animal, or thing supposed to bring luck. [provençal masco witch]
Masculine —adj. 1 of men. 2 having manly qualities. 3 of or denoting the male gender. —n. Masculine gender or word. masculinity n. [latin: related to *male]
Maser n. Device used to amplify or generate coherent electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range. [microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation]
Mash —n. 1 soft or confused mixture. 2 mixture of boiled grain, bran, etc., fed to horses etc. 3 colloq. Mashed potatoes. 4 mixture of malt and hot water used in brewing. 5 soft pulp made by crushing, mixing with water, etc. —v. 1 crush (potatoes etc.) To a pulp. 2 dial. A infuse (tea). B (of tea) draw. masher n. [old english]
Mask —n. 1 covering for all or part of the face as a disguise or for protection against infection etc. 2 respirator. 3 likeness of a person’s face, esp. One from a mould (death-mask).
Masking tape n. Adhesive tape used in decorating to protect areas where paint is not wanted.
Masochism n. 1 sexual perversion involving one’s own pain or humiliation. 2 colloq. Enjoyment of what appears to be painful or tiresome. masochist n. Masochistic adj. Masochistically adv. [von sacher-masoch, name of a novelist]
Mason n. 1 person who builds with stone. 2 (mason) freemason. [french]
Masonic adj. Of freemasons.
Masonry n. 1 a stonework. B work of a mason. 2 (masonry) freemasonry.
Masque n. Musical drama with mime, esp. In the 16th and 17th c. [var. Of *mask]
Masquerade —n. 1 false show, pretence. 2 masked ball. —v. (-ding) (often foll. By as) appear falsely or in disguise. [spanish máscara mask]
Mass1 —n. 1 shapeless body of matter. 2 dense aggregation of objects (mass of fibres). 3 (in sing. Or pl.; usu. Foll. By of) large number or amount. 4 (usu. Foll. By of) unbroken expanse (of colour etc.). 5 (prec. By the) a the majority. B (in pl.) Ordinary people. 6 physics quantity of matter a body contains. 7 (attrib.) On a large scale (mass hysteria; mass audience). —v. Assemble into a mass or as one body. [latin massa from greek]
Mass2 n. (often mass) 1 eucharist, esp. In the roman catholic church. 2 celebration of this. 3 liturgy used in this. 4 musical setting of parts of this. [latin missa dismissal]
Massacre —n. 1 mass killing. 2 utter defeat or destruction. —v. (-ring) 1 kill (esp. Many people) cruelly or violently. 2 colloq. Defeat heavily. [french]
Massage —n. Rubbing and kneading of the muscles and joints with the hands, to relieve stiffness, cure strains, stimulate, etc. —v. (-ging) 1 apply massage to. 2 manipulate (statistics etc.) To give an acceptable result. 3 flatter (a person’s ego etc.). [french]
Massage parlour n. 1 establishment providing massage. 2 euphem. Brothel.
Masseur n. (fem. Masseuse) person who gives massage for a living. [french:
related to *massage]
Massif n. Compact group of mountain heights. [french: related to *massive]
Massive adj. 1 large and heavy or solid. 2 (of the features, head, etc.) Relatively large or solid. 3 exceptionally large or severe (massive heart attack). 4 substantial, impressive. massively adv. Massiveness n. [latin: related to *mass1]
Mass media n.pl. = *media 2.
Mass noun n. Gram. Noun that is not normally countable and cannot be used with the indefinite article (e.g. Bread).
Mass production n. Mechanical production of large quantities of a standardized article. mass-produce v.
Mast1 n. 1 long upright post of timber etc. On a ship’s keel to support sails. 2 post etc. For supporting a radio or television aerial. 3 flag-pole (half-mast). before the mast as an ordinary seaman. masted adj. (also in comb.). Master n. (also in comb.). [old english]
Mast2 n. Fruit of the beech, oak, etc., esp. As food for pigs. [old english]
Mastectomy n. (pl. -ies) surgical removal of a breast. [greek mastos breast]
Master —n. 1 person having control or ownership (master of the house; dog obeyed his master; master of the hunt). 2 captain of a merchant ship. 3 male teacher. 4 prevailing person. 5 a skilled tradesman able to teach others (often attrib.: master carpenter). B skilled practitioner (master of innuendo). 6 holder of a usu. Postgraduate university degree (master of arts). 7 revered teacher in philosophy etc. 8 great artist. 9 chess etc. Player at international level. 10 original copy of a film, recording, etc., from which others can be made. 11 (master) title for a boy not old enough to be called mr. 12 archaic employer. — attrib. Adj. 1 commanding, superior (master hand).
Master-class n. Class given by a famous musician etc.
Usage masterful is normally used of a person, whereas masterly is used of achievements, abilities, etc.
Master-key n. Key that opens several different locks.
Masterly adj. Very skilful.
Usage see note at masterful.
Mastermind —n. 1 person with an outstanding intellect. 2 person directing a scheme etc. —v. Plan and direct (a scheme etc.).
Master of ceremonies n. 1 person introducing speakers at a banquet or entertainers in a variety show. 2 person in charge of a ceremonial or social occasion.
Master of the rolls n. Judge who presides over the court of appeal.
Masterpiece n. 1 outstanding piece of artistry or workmanship. 2 person’s best work.
Master-stroke n. Skilful tactic etc.
Master-switch n. Switch controlling the supply of electricity etc. To an entire system.
Mastery n. 1 control, dominance. 2 (often foll. By of) comprehensive knowledge or skill.
Masthead n. 1 top of a ship’s mast, esp. As a place of observation or punishment.
2 title of a newspaper etc. At the head of the front page or editorial page.
Mastic n. 1 gum or resin from the mastic tree, used in making varnish. 2 (in full mastic tree) evergreen tree yielding this. 3 waterproof filler and sealant. [greek mastikhé]
Masticate v. (-ting) grind or chew (food) with one’s teeth. mastication n. Masticatory adj. [latin from greek]
Mastiff n. Dog of a large strong breed with drooping ears. [latin mansuetus tame]
Mastitis n. Inflammation of the breast or udder. [greek mastos breast]
Mastodon n. (pl. Same or -s) large extinct mammal resembling the elephant. [greek mastos breast, odous tooth]
Mastoid —adj. Shaped like a breast. —n. 1 = *mastoid process. 2 (usu. In pl.) Colloq. Inflammation of the mastoid process. [greek mastos breast]
Mastoid process n. Conical prominence on the temporal bone behind the ear.
Masturbate v. (-ting) (usu. Absol.) Sexually arouse (oneself or another) by
Masturbate v. (-ting) (usu. Absol.) Sexually arouse (oneself or another) by manual stimulation of the genitals. masturbation n. [latin]
Mat1 —n. 1 small piece of coarse material on a floor, esp. For wiping one’s shoes on. 2 piece of cork, rubber, etc., to protect a surface from a hot dish etc. Placed on it. 3 padded floor covering in gymnastics, wrestling, etc. —v. (-tt-) (esp. As matted adj.) Entangle or become entangled in a thick mass (matted hair). on the mat slang being reprimanded. [old english]
Mat2 var. Of *matt.
Matador n. Bullfighter whose task is to kill the bull. [spanish from matar kill:
related to mate in *checkmate]
Match1 —n. 1 contest or game in which players or teams compete. 2 a person as an equal contender (meet one’s match). B person or thing exactly like or corresponding to another. 3 marriage. 4 person viewed as a marriage prospect. —v. 1 correspond (to); be like or alike; harmonize (with) (his socks do not match; curtains match the wallpaper). 2 equal. 3 (foll. By against, with) place in conflict or competition with. 4 find material etc. That matches (another) (can you match this silk?).
Match2 n. 1 short thin piece of wood etc. With a combustible tip. 2 wick or cord etc. For firing a cannon etc. [french mesche]
Matchboard n. Tongued and grooved board fitting with similar boards.
Matchbox n. Box for holding matches.
Matchless adj. Incomparable.
Matchmaker n. Person who arranges marriages or schemes to bring couples together. matchmaking n.
Match point n. Tennis etc. 1 position when one side needs only one more point to win the match. 2 this point.
Matchstick n. Stem of a match.
Matchwood n. 1 wood suitable for matches. 2 minute splinters.
Mate1 —n. 1 friend or fellow worker. 2 colloq. Form of address, esp. To another man. 3 a each of a breeding pair, esp. Of birds. B colloq. Partner in marriage. C (in comb.) Fellow member or joint occupant of (team-mate; room-mate). 4 officer on a merchant ship. 5 assistant to a skilled worker (plumber’s mate). —v. (-ting) (often foll. By with) 1 come or bring together for breeding. 2 mech. Fit well. [low german]
Mate2 n. & v. (-ting) chess = *checkmate.
Mater n. Slang mother. [latin]
Usage mater is now only found in jocular or affected use.
Usage mater is now only found in jocular or affected use.
Material —n. 1 matter from which a thing is made. 2 cloth, fabric. 3 (in pl.) Things needed for an activity (building materials). 4 person or thing of a specified kind or suitable for a purpose (officer material). 5 (in sing. Or pl.) Information etc. For a book etc. 6 (in sing. Or pl., often foll. By of) elements, constituent parts, or substance. —adj. 1 of matter; corporeal; not spiritual. 2 of bodily comfort etc. (material well-being). 3 (often foll. By to) important, significant, relevant. [latin materia *matter]
Materialism n. 1 greater interest in material possessions and comfort than in spiritual values. 2 philos. Theory that nothing exists but matter. materialist n. Materialistic adj. Materialistically adv.
Materialize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 become actual fact; happen. 2 colloq.
Appear or be present. 3 represent in or assume bodily form. materialization n.
Materially adv. Substantially, significantly.
Matériel n. Means, esp. Materials and equipment in warfare. [french]
Maternal adj. 1 of or like a mother; motherly. 2 related through the mother (maternal uncle). 3 of the mother in pregnancy and childbirth. maternally adv. [latin mater mother]
Maternity n. 1 motherhood. 2 motherliness. 3 (attrib.) For women during pregnancy and childbirth (maternity leave; maternity dress). [french from
medieval latin: related to *maternal]
medieval latin: related to *maternal]
Matey (also maty) —adj. (-tier, -tiest) sociable; familiar, friendly. —n. (pl. -s) colloq. (as a form of address) mate. mateyness n. (also matiness). Matily adv.
Math n. Us colloq. Mathematics. [abbreviation]
Mathematical adj. 1 of mathematics. 2 rigorously precise. mathematically adv.
Mathematical tables n.pl. Tables of logarithms and trigonometric values etc.
Mathematics n.pl. 1 (also treated as sing.) Abstract science of number, quantity, and space. 2 (as pl.) Use of this in calculation etc. mathematician n. [greek manthano learn]
Maths n. Colloq. Mathematics. [abbreviation]
Matinee n. (brit. Matinée) afternoon performance in the theatre, cinema, etc. [french from matin morning: related to *matins]
Matinée n. (us matinee) afternoon performance in the theatre, cinema, etc. [french from matin morning: related to *matins]
Matinée coat n. (also matinée jacket) baby’s short knitted coat.
Matinée idol n. Handsome actor.
Matins n. (also mattins) (as sing. Or pl.) Morning prayer, esp. In the church of england. [latin matutinus of the morning]
Matriarch n. Female head of a family or tribe. matriarchal adj. [latin mater mother]
Matriarchy n. (pl. -ies) female-dominated system of society, with descent through the female line.
Matrices pl. Of *matrix.
Matricide n. 1 killing of one’s mother. 2 person who does this. [latin: related to *mater, *-cide]
Matriculate v. (-ting) enrol at a college or university. matriculation n. [medieval latin: related to *matrix]
Matrimony n. Rite or state of marriage. matrimonial adj. [latin matrimonium:
related to *mater]
Matrix n. (pl. Matrices or -es) 1 mould in which a thing is cast or shaped. 2 place
etc. In which a thing is developed. 3 rock in which gems, fossils, etc., are embedded. 4 math. Rectangular array of elements treated as a single element. [latin, = womb]
Matron n. 1 woman in charge of nursing in a hospital. 2 married, esp. Staid, woman. 3 woman nurse and housekeeper at a school etc. [latin matrona: related to *mater]
Usage in sense 1, senior nursing officer is now the official term.
Matronly adj. Like a matron, esp. Portly or staid.
Matron of honour n. Married woman attending the bride at a wedding.
Matt (also mat) —adj. Not shiny or glossy; dull. —n. (in full matt paint) paint giving a dull flat finish. [french: related to *mate2]
Matter —n. 1 physical substance having mass and occupying space, as distinct from mind and spirit. 2 specified substance (colouring matter; reading matter). 3 (prec. By the; often foll. By with) (thing) amiss (something the matter with him). 4 content as distinct from style, form, etc. 5 (often foll. By of, for) situation etc. Under consideration or as an occasion for (regret etc.) (matter for concern; matter of discipline). 6 pus or a similar substance discharged from the body. —v. (often foll. By to) be of importance; have significance. as a matter of fact in reality; actually. For that matter 1 as far as that is concerned. 2 and indeed also. A matter of approximately; amounting to (a matter of 40 years). No matter 1 (foll. By when, how, etc.) Regardless of. 2 it is of no importance. [latin materia timber, substance]
Maxi n. (pl. -s) colloq. Maxi-coat, -skirt, etc. [abbreviation]
Maxi-comb. Form very large or long. [abbreviation of maximum; cf. mini-]
Maxilla n. (pl. -llae) jaw or jawbone, esp. (in vertebrates) the upper jaw. maxillary adj. [latin]
Maxim n. General truth or rule of conduct briefly expressed. [french or medieval latin: related to *maximum]
Maxima pl. Of *maximum.
Maximal adj. Of or being a maximum.
Maximize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make as large or great as possible. maximization n. [latin: related to *maximum]
Usage maximize should not be used in standard english to mean ‘to make as good as possible’ or ‘to make the most of’.
Maximum —n. (pl. -ma) highest possible amount, size, etc. —adj. Greatest in amount, size, etc. [latin maximus greatest]
May n. 1 fifth month of the year. 2 (may) hawthorn, esp. In blossom. [latin maius of the goddess maia]
May v.aux. (3rd sing. Present may; past might) 1 expressing: a (often foll. By well for emphasis) possibility (it may be true; you may well lose your way). B permission (may i come in?). C a wish (may he live to regret it). D uncertainty or irony (who may you be?; who are you, may i ask?). 2 in purpose clauses and after wish, fear, etc. (hope he may succeed). be that as it may (or that is as may be) it is possible (but) (be that as it may, i still want to go). May as well = might as well (see *might1). [old english]
Usage in sense 1b, both can and may are used to express permission; in more formal contexts may is preferred since can also denotes capability (can i move? = am i physically able to move?; may i move? = am i allowed to move?).
Maya n. 1 (pl. Same or -s) member of an ancient indian people of central america. 2 their language. mayan adj. & n. [native name]
Maybe adv. Perhaps. [from it may be]
May day n. 1 may as a spring festival or international holiday in honour of workers.
Mayday n. International radio distress-signal. [representing pronunciation of french m’aidez help me]
Mayflower n. Any of various flowers that bloom in may.
Mayfly n. A kind of insect living briefly in spring.
Mayhem n. Destruction; havoc. [anglo-french mahem: related to *maim]
Mayn’t contr. May not.
Mayonnaise n. 1 thick creamy dressing of egg-yolks, oil, vinegar, etc. 2 dish dressed with this (egg mayonnaise). [french]
Mayor n. 1 head of the corporation of a city or borough. 2 head of a district council with the status of a borough. mayoral adj. [latin: related to *major]
Mayoralty n. (pl. -ies) 1 office of mayor. 2 period of this.
Mayoress n. 1 woman mayor. 2 wife or official consort of a mayor.
Maypole n. Decorated pole for dancing round on may day.
May queen n. Girl chosen to preside over may day festivities.
Maze n. 1 network of paths and hedges designed as a puzzle for those who enter it. 2 labyrinth. 3 confused network, mass, etc. [related to *amaze]
Mazurka n. 1 lively polish dance in triple time. 2 music for this. [french or german from polish]
Mb abbr. 1 bachelor of medicine. 2 computing megabyte. [sense 1 from latin medicinae baccalaureus]
Mba abbr. Master of business administration.
Mbe abbr. Member of the order of the british empire.
Mbo abbr. Management buyout.
Mc abbr. 1 master of ceremonies. 2 military cross. 3 member of congress.
Mcc abbr. Marylebone cricket club.
Mccarthyism, mccoy see at macc-.
Md abbr. 1 doctor of medicine. 2 managing director. [sense 1 from latin medicinae doctor]
Md symb. Mendelevium.
Me abbr. Myalgic encephalomyelitis, a condition with prolonged flu-like symptoms and depression.
symptoms and depression.
Me1 pron. 1 objective case of *i2 (he saw me). 2 colloq. = i2 (it’s me all right; is taller than me). [old english accusative and dative of i2]
Me2 n. (also mi) mus. Third note of a major scale. [latin mira, word arbitrarily taken]
Mea culpa —n. Acknowledgement of error. —int. Expressing this. [latin, = by my fault]
Mead n. Alcoholic drink of fermented honey and water. [old english]
Meadow n. 1 piece of grassland, esp. One used for hay. 2 low marshy ground, esp. Near a river. meadowy adj. [old english]
Meadowsweet n. Fragrant meadow and marsh plant with creamy-white flowers.
Meager adj. (brit. Meagre) 1 scant in amount or quality. 2 lean, thin. [anglo-french megre from latin macer]
Meagre adj. (us meager) 1 scant in amount or quality. 2 lean, thin. [anglo-french megre from latin macer]
Meal1 n. 1 occasion when food is eaten. 2 the food eaten at a meal. make a meal of colloq. Treat (a task etc.) Too laboriously or fussily. [old english]
Meal2 n. 1 grain or pulse ground to powder. 2 scot. Oatmeal. 3 us maize flour. [old english]
Meals on wheels n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Regular voluntary esp. Lunch deliveries to old people, invalids, etc.
Meal-ticket n. Colloq. Person or thing that is a source of maintenance or income.
Mealtime n. Usual time of eating.
Mealy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of, like, or containing meal. 2 (of a complexion) pale.
mealiness n.
Mealy-mouthed adj. Afraid to speak plainly.
Mean1 v. (past and past part. Meant) 1 have as one’s purpose or intention (meant no harm by it; i didn’t mean to break it). 2 design or destine for a purpose (meant to be used). 3 intend to convey or refer to (i mean richmond in surrey). 4 (often foll. By that) entail, involve, portend, signify (this means war; means that he is dead). 5 (of a word) have as its equivalent in the same or another language. 6 (foll. By to) be of specified importance to (that means a lot to me). mean business colloq. Be in earnest. Mean it not be joking or exaggerating. Mean well have good intentions. [old english]
Mean2 adj. 1 niggardly; not generous. 2 ignoble, small-minded. 3 (of capacity, understanding, etc.) Inferior, poor. 4 shabby; inadequate (mean hovel). 5 a malicious, ill-tempered. B us vicious or aggressive in behaviour. 6 us colloq. Skilful, formidable (a mean fighter). no mean a very good (no mean feat). meanly adv. Meanness n. [old english]
Mean3 —n. 1 median point (mean between modesty and pride). 2 a term midway between the first and last terms of an arithmetical etc. Progression. B quotient of the sum of several quantities and their number; average. —adj. 1 (of a quantity) equally far from two extremes. 2 calculated as a mean. [latin medianus *median]
Mean2 adj. 1 niggardly; not generous. 2 ignoble, small-minded. 3 (of capacity, understanding, etc.) Inferior, poor. 4 shabby; inadequate (mean hovel). 5 a malicious, ill-tempered. B us vicious or aggressive in behaviour. 6 us colloq. Skilful, formidable (a mean fighter). no mean a very good (no mean feat). meanly adv. Meanness n. [old english]
Mean3 —n. 1 median point (mean between modesty and pride). 2 a term midway between the first and last terms of an arithmetical etc. Progression. B quotient of the sum of several quantities and their number; average. —adj. 1 (of a quantity) equally far from two extremes. 2 calculated as a mean. [latin medianus *median]
Meander —v. 1 wander at random. 2 (of a stream) wind about. —n. 1 (in pl.) Sinuous windings of a river, path, etc. 2 circuitous journey. [greek maiandros, a winding river in ancient phrygia]
Meanie n. (also meany) (pl. -ies) colloq. Niggardly or small-minded person.
Meaning —n. 1 what is meant. 2 significance. 3 importance. —adj. Expressive, significant (meaning glance). meaningly adv.
Meaningful adj. 1 full of meaning; significant. 2 logic able to be interpreted.
meaningfully adv. Meaningfulness n.
Meaningless adj. Having no meaning or significance. meaninglessly adv.
Meaninglessness n.
Means n.pl. 1 (often treated as sing.) Action, agent, device, or method producing a result (means of quick travel). 2 a money resources (live beyond one’s means). B wealth (man of means). by all means certainly. By means of by the agency etc. Of. By no means certainly not. [from *mean3]
Mean sea level n. Level halfway between high and low water.
Means test —n. Inquiry into income as a basis for eligibility for state benefit etc.
—v. (means-test) subject to or base on a means test.
Meant past and past part. Of *mean1.
Meantime —adv. = *meanwhile. —n. Intervening period (esp. In the meantime).
Usage as an adverb, meantime is less common than meanwhile.
Usage as an adverb, meantime is less common than meanwhile.
Meanwhile —adv. 1 in the intervening period of time. 2 at the same time. —n.
Intervening period (esp. In the meanwhile).
Meany var. Of *meanie.
Measles n.pl. (also treated as sing.) Infectious viral disease marked by a red rash. [low german masele or dutch masel]
Measure —n. 1 size or quantity found by measuring. 2 system or unit of measuring (liquid measure; 20 measures of wheat). 3 rod, tape, vessel, etc. For measuring. 4 (often foll. By of) degree, extent, or amount (a measure of wit). 5 factor determining evaluation etc. (sales are the measure of popularity). 6 (usu. In pl.) Suitable action to achieve some end. 7 legislative bill, act, etc. 8 prescribed extent or quantity. 9 poetic metre. 10 mineral stratum (coal measures). —v. (-ring) 1 ascertain the extent or quantity of (a thing) by comparison with a known standard. 2 be of a specified size. 3 ascertain the size of (a person) for clothes. 4 estimate (a quality etc.) By some criterion. 5 (often foll. By off) mark (a line etc. Of a given length). 6 (foll. By out) distribute in measured quantities. 7 (foll. By with, against) bring (oneself or one’s strength etc.) Into competition with. beyond measure excessively. For good measure as a finishing touch. In some measure partly. Measure up 1 take the measurements (of). 2 (often foll.
Measurement n. 1 measuring. 2 amount measured. 3 (in pl.) Detailed dimensions.
Meat n. 1 animal flesh as food. 2 (often foll. By of) substance; chief part. meatless adj. [old english]
Meatball n. Small round ball of minced meat.
Meat loaf n. Minced meat etc. Moulded and baked.
Meat safe n. Ventilated cupboard for storing meat.
Meaty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 full of meat; fleshy. 2 of or like meat. 3 substantial, full of interest, satisfying. meatiness n.
Mecca n. Place one aspires to visit. [mecca, muslim holy city in arabia]
Mechanic n. Person skilled in using or repairing machinery. [latin: related to *machine]
Mechanical adj. 1 of machines or mechanisms. 2 working or produced by machinery. 3 (of an action etc.) Automatic; repetitive. 4 (of an agency, principle,
machinery. 3 (of an action etc.) Automatic; repetitive. 4 (of an agency, principle, etc.) Belonging to mechanics. 5 of mechanics as a science. mechanically adv. [latin: related to *mechanic]
Mechanical engineer n. Person qualified in the design, construction, etc. Of machines.
Mechanics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) 1 branch of applied mathematics dealing with motion etc. 2 science of machinery. 3 routine technical aspects of a thing (mechanics of local government).
Mechanism n. 1 structure or parts of a machine. 2 system of parts working together. 3 process; method (defence mechanism; no mechanism for complaints). mechanistic adj. [greek: related to *machine]
Mechanize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 introduce machines in (a factory etc.).
2 make mechanical. 3 equip with tanks, armoured cars, etc. mechanization n.
Med n. Colloq. Mediterranean sea. [abbreviation]
Medal n. Commemorative metal disc etc., esp. Awarded for military or sporting prowess. [latin: related to *metal]
Medalist n. (brit. Medallist) winner of a (specified) medal (gold medallist).
Medallion n. 1 large medal. 2 thing so shaped, e.g. A decorative panel etc. [italian: related to *medal]
Medallist n. (us medalist) winner of a (specified) medal (gold medallist).
Meddle v. (-ling) (often foll. By with, in) interfere in others’ concerns. meddler n. [latin: related to *mix]
Meddlesome adj. Interfering.
Media n.pl. 1 pl. Of *medium. 2 (usu. Prec. By the) mass communications (esp.
Newspapers and broadcasting) regarded collectively.
Usage media is commonly used with a singular verb (e.g. The media is biased), but this is not generally accepted (cf. *data).
Median —adj. Situated in the middle. —n. 1 straight line drawn from any vertex of a triangle to the middle of the opposite side. 2 middle value of a series. [latin: related to *medial]
Mediate v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By between) intervene (between disputants) to
settle a quarrel etc. 2 bring about (a result) thus. mediation n. Mediator n. [latin medius middle]
Medic n. Colloq. Medical practitioner or student. [latin medicus physician]
Medical —adj. Of medicine in general or as distinct from surgery (medical ward). —n. Colloq. Medical examination. medically adv.
Medical certificate n. Certificate of fitness or unfitness for work etc.
Medical examination n. Examination to determine a person’s physical fitness.
Medical officer n. Person in charge of the health services of a local authority etc.
Medical practitioner n. Physician or surgeon.
Medicament n. = *medicine 2.
Medicare n. Us federally funded health insurance scheme for the elderly. [from medical, care]
Medicate v. (-ting) 1 treat medically. 2 impregnate with medicine etc. medicative adj. [latin medicare medicat-]
Medication n. 1 = *medicine 2. 2 treatment using drugs.
Medicinal adj. (of a substance) healing. medicinally adv.
Medicine n. 1 science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, esp. As distinct from surgery. 2 drug etc. For the treatment or prevention of disease, esp. Taken by mouth. take one’s medicine submit to something disagreeable. [latin medicina]
Medicine man n. Tribal, esp. N. American indian, witch-doctor.
Medieval adj. (also mediaeval) 1 of the middle ages. 2 colloq. Old-fashioned. [latin medium aevum middle age]
Medieval history n. History of the 5th–15th c.
Medieval latin n. Latin of about ad 600–1500.
Mediocre adj. 1 indifferent in quality. 2 second-rate. [latin mediocris]
Mediocrity n. (pl. -ies) 1 being mediocre. 2 mediocre person.
Meditate v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By on, upon) engage in (esp. Religious) contemplation. 2 plan mentally. meditation n. Meditator n. [latin meditor]
Meditative adj. 1 inclined to meditate. 2 indicative of meditation, thoughtful.
meditatively adv. Meditativeness n.
Mediterranean adj. Of the sea bordered by s. Europe, sw asia, and n. Africa, or its surrounding region (mediterranean cookery). [latin mediterraneus inland]
Medium —n. (pl. Media or -s) 1 middle quality, degree, etc. Between extremes (find a happy medium). 2 means of communication (medium of television). 3 substance, e.g. Air, through which sense-impressions are conveyed. 4 physical environment etc. Of a living organism. 5 means. 6 material or form used by an artist, composer, etc. 7 liquid (e.g. Oil or gel) used for diluting paints. 8 (pl. -s) person claiming to communicate with the dead. —adj. 1 between two qualities, degrees, etc. 2 average (of medium height). [latin medius middle]
Medium-range adj. (of an aircraft, missile, etc.) Able to travel a medium distance.
Medium wave n. Radio wave of frequency between 300 khz and 3 mhz.
Medlar n. 1 tree bearing small brown apple-like fruits, eaten when decayed. 2 such a fruit. [french medler from greek mespile]
Medley n. (pl. -s) 1 varied mixture. 2 collection of tunes etc. Played as one piece.
[french medlee]
Medulla n. 1 inner part of certain organs etc., e.g. The kidney. 2 soft internal tissue of plants. medullary adj. [latin]
Medulla oblongata n. Lowest part of the brainstem, formed from a continuation of the spinal cord.
Medusa n. (pl. Medusae or -s) jellyfish. [greek medousa, name of a gorgon]
Meek adj. Humble and submissive or gentle. meekly adv. Meekness n. [old norse]
Meerkat n. S. African mongoose. [dutch, = sea-cat]
Meerschaum n. 1 soft white clay-like substance. 2 tobacco-pipe with its bowl made from this. [german, = sea-foam]
Meet1 —v. (past and past part. Met) 1 encounter (a person etc.) Or (of two or more people) come together by accident or design; come face to face (with) (met on the bridge). 2 be present by design at the arrival of (a person, train, etc.). 3 come or seem to come together or into contact (with); join (where the sea and the sky meet; jacket won’t meet). 4 make the acquaintance of (delighted to meet you; all met at oxford). 5 come together for business, worship, etc. (union met management). 6 a deal with or answer (a demand, objection, etc.) (met the proposal with hostility). B satisfy or conform with (agreed to meet the new terms). 7 pay (a bill etc.); honour (a cheque) (meet the cost). 8 (often foll. By with) experience, encounter, or receive (met their death; met with hostility). 9
confront in battle etc. —n. 1 assembly for a hunt. 2 assembly for sport, esp. Athletics. make ends meet see *end. Meet the case be adequate. Meet the eye be visible or evident. Meet a person half way compromise with. Meet up colloq. (often foll. By with) = sense 1 of v. Meet with 1 see sense 8 of v. 2 receive (a reaction) (met with her approval). 3 esp. Us = sense 1 of v. [old english]
Meet2 adj. Archaic fitting, proper. [related to *mete]
Meeting n. 1 coming together. 2 assembly of esp. A society, committee, etc. 3 = *race meeting.
Mega slang —adj. 1 excellent. 2 enormous. —adv. Extremely.
Mega-comb. Form 1 large. 2 one million (106) in the metric system of measurement. 3 slang extremely; very big (mega-stupid; mega-project). [greek megas great]
Megabuck n. Us slang million dollars.
Megabyte n. Computing 1,048,576 (i.e. 220) bytes as a measure of data capacity, or loosely 1,000,000.
Megadeath n. Death of one million people (in war).
Megahertz n. (pl. Same) one million hertz, esp. As a measure of radio frequency.
Megalith n. Large stone, esp. As a prehistoric monument or part of one. megalithic adj. [greek lithos stone]
Megalomania n. 1 mental disorder producing delusions of grandeur. 2 passion for grandiose schemes. megalomaniac adj. & n. [greek megas great, *mania]
Megalosaurus n. (pl. -ruses) large flesh-eating dinosaur with stout hind legs and small forelimbs. [greek megas great, sauros lizard]
Megaphone n. Large funnel-shaped device for amplifying the voice. [greek megas great, phone sound]
Megastar n. Colloq. Very famous entertainer etc.
Megaton n. Unit of explosive power equal to one million tons of tnt.
Megavolt n. One million volts, esp. As a unit of electromotive force.
Megawatt n. One million watts, esp. As a measure of electrical power.
Megohm n. One million ohms.
Meiosis n. (pl. Meioses) 1 cell division that results in gametes with half the normal chromosome number. 2 = *litotes. [greek meion less]
Melamine n. 1 white crystalline compound producing resins. 2 (in full melamine resin) plastic made from this and used esp. For laminated coatings. [from arbitrary melam, *amine]
Melancholia n. Depression and anxiety. [latin: related to *melancholy]
Melancholy —n. 1 pensive sadness. 2 a mental depression. B tendency to this. —adj. Sad; saddening, depressing; expressing sadness. melancholic adj. [greek melas black, khole bile]
Mélange n. Mixture, medley. [french mêler mix]
Melanin n. Dark pigment in the hair, skin, etc., causing tanning in sunlight. [greek melas black]
Melanoma n. Malignant skin tumour.
Melba toast n. Very thin crisp toast. [melba, name of a soprano]
Meld v. Merge, blend. [origin uncertain]
Melee n. (brit. Mêlée) 1 confused fight, skirmish, or scuffle. 2 muddle. [french:
related to *medley]
Mêlée n. (us melee) 1 confused fight, skirmish, or scuffle. 2 muddle. [french:
related to *medley]
Mellifluous adj. (of a voice etc.) Pleasing, musical, flowing. mellifluously adv. Mellifluousness n. [latin mel honey, fluo flow]
Mellow —adj. 1 (of sound, colour, light) soft and rich, free from harshness. 2 (of character) gentle; mature. 3 genial, jovial. 4 euphem. Partly intoxicated. 5 (of fruit) soft, sweet, and juicy. 6 (of wine) well-matured, smooth. 7 (of earth) rich, loamy. —v. Make or become mellow. mellowly adv. Mellowness n. [origin unknown]
Melodeon n. (also melodion) 1 small organ similar to the harmonium. 2 small german accordion. [from melody, harmonium]
Melodic adj. Of melody; melodious. melodically adv. [greek: related to *melody]
Melodious adj. 1 of, producing, or having melody. 2 sweet-sounding. melodiously adv. Melodiousness n. [french: related to *melody]
Melodrama n. 1 sensational play etc. Appealing blatantly to the emotions. 2 this type of drama. 3 theatrical language, behaviour, etc. melodramatic adj. Melodramatically adv. [greek melos music, *drama]
Melody n. (pl. -ies) 1 single notes arranged to make a distinctive recognizable pattern; tune. 2 principal part in harmonized music. 3 musical arrangement of words. 4 sweet music, tunefulness. [greek melos song: related to *ode]
Melon n. 1 sweet fleshy fruit of various climbing plants of the gourd family. 2 such a gourd. [greek melon apple]
Melt v. 1 become liquefied or change to liquid by the action of heat; dissolve. 2 (as molten adj.) (esp. Of metals etc.) Liquefied by heat (molten lava; molten lead). 3 (of food) be delicious, seeming to dissolve in the mouth. 4 soften, or (of a person, the heart, etc.) Be softened, by pity, love, etc. (a melting look). 5 (usu. Foll. By into) merge imperceptibly; change into (night melted into dawn). 6 (often foll. By away) (of a person) leave or disappear unobtrusively (melted into the background). melt away disappear by or as if by liquefaction. Melt down 1 melt (esp. Metal) for reuse. 2 become liquid and lose structure. [old english]
Meltdown n. 1 melting of a structure, esp. The overheated core of a nuclear reactor. 2 disastrous event, esp. A rapid fall in share values.
Melting point n. Temperature at which a solid melts.
Melting-pot n. Place for mixing races, theories, etc.
Member n. 1 person etc. Belonging to a society, team, group, etc. 2 (member) person elected to certain assemblies etc. 3 part of a larger structure, e.g. Of a group of figures or a mathematical set. 4 a part or organ of the body, esp. A
limb. B = *penis. [latin membrum limb]
Membership n. 1 being a member. 2 number or body of members.
Membrane n. 1 pliable sheetlike tissue connecting or lining organs in plants and animals. 2 thin pliable sheet or skin. membranous adj. [latin membrana skin, parchment: related to *member]
Memento n. (pl. -es or -s) souvenir of a person or event. [latin, imperative of memini remember]
Memento mori n. Skull etc. As a reminder of death. [latin, = remember you must die]
Memo n. (pl. -s) colloq. Memorandum. [abbreviation]
Memoir n. 1 historical account etc. Written from personal knowledge or special sources. 2 (in pl.) Autobiography, esp. Partial or dealing with specific events or people. 3 essay on a learned subject. [french mémoire: related to *memory]
Memorabilia n.pl. Souvenirs of memorable events. [latin: related to *memorable]
Memorandum n. (pl. -da or -s) 1 note or record for future use. 2 informal written message, esp. In business, diplomacy, etc. [see *memorable]
Memorial —n. Object etc. Established in memory of a person or event. —attrib. Adj. Commemorating (memorial service). [latin: related to *memory]
Memorize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) commit to memory.
Memory n. (pl. -ies) 1 faculty by which things are recalled to or kept in the mind. 2 a this in an individual (my memory is failing). B store of things remembered (deep in my memory). 3 recollection; remembrance, esp. Of a person etc.; person or thing remembered (memory of better times; his mother’s memory). 4 storage capacity of a computer etc. 5 posthumous reputation (his memory lives on; of blessed memory). 6 length of remembered time of a specific person, group, etc. (within living memory). 7 remembering (deed worthy of memory). from memory as remembered (without checking). In memory of to keep alive the remembrance of. [latin memoria from memor mindful]
Memory lane n. (usu. Prec. By down, along) joc. Sentimental remembering.
Memsahib n. Anglo-ind. Hist. Indian name for a european married woman in india. [from ma’am, sahib]
Men pl. Of *man.
Menace —n. 1 threat. 2 dangerous thing or person. 3 joc. Pest, nuisance. —v. (-cing) threaten. menacingly adv. [latin minax from minor threaten]
Ménage n. Household. [latin: related to *manor]
Ménage à trois n. (pl. Ménages à trois) household of three, usu. A married couple and a lover. [french, = household of three]
Menagerie n. Small zoo. [french: related to *ménage]
Mend —v. 1 restore to good condition; repair. 2 regain health. 3 improve (mend matters). —n. Darn or repair in material etc. mend one’s ways reform oneself. On the mend recovering, esp. In health. [anglo-french: related to *amend]
Mendacious adj. Lying, untruthful. mendacity n. (pl. -ies). [latin mendax]
Mendelevium n. Artificially made transuranic radioactive metallic element. [mendeleev, name of a chemist]
Mendelian adj. Of mendel’s theory of heredity by genes. [mendel, name of a botanist]
Mendicant —adj. 1 begging. 2 (of a friar) living solely on alms. —n. 1 beggar. 2 mendicant friar. [latin mendicus beggar]
Mending n. 1 action of repairing. 2 things, esp. Clothes, to be mended.
Mending n. 1 action of repairing. 2 things, esp. Clothes, to be mended.
Menfolk n.pl. Men, esp. The men of a family.
Menhir n. Usu. Prehistoric monument of a tall upright stone. [breton men stone, hir long]
Meninges n.pl. Three membranes enclosing the brain and spinal cord. [greek menigx membrane]
Meningitis n. (esp. Viral) infection and inflammation of the meninges.
Meniscus n. (pl. Menisci) 1 curved upper surface of liquid in a tube. 2 lens convex on one side and concave on the other. [greek meniskos crescent, from mene moon]
Menopause n. 1 ceasing of menstruation. 2 period in a woman’s life (usu. 45–55) when this occurs. menopausal adj. [greek men month, *pause]
Menorah n. Seven-branched jewish candelabrum. [hebrew, = candlestick]
Menses n.pl. Flow of menstrual blood etc. [latin, pl. Of mensis month]
Mens rea n. Law criminal intent. [latin, = guilty mind]
Menstrual adj. Of menstruation. [latin menstruus monthly]
Menstrual cycle n. Process of ovulation and menstruation.
Menstruate v. (-ting) undergo menstruation.
Menstruation n. Process of discharging blood etc. From the uterus, usu. At monthly intervals from puberty to menopause.
Mensuration n. 1 measuring. 2 measuring of lengths, areas, and volumes. [latin:
related to *measure]
Menswear n. Clothes for men.
-ment suffix 1 forming nouns expressing the means or result of verbal action (abridgement; embankment). 2 forming nouns from adjectives (merriment; oddment). [latin -mentum]
Mental adj. 1 of, in, or done by the mind. 2 caring for mental patients. 3 colloq. Insane. mentally adv. [latin mens ment-mind]
Insane. mentally adv. [latin mens ment-mind]
Mental age n. Degree of mental development in terms of the average age at which such development is attained.
Mental block n. Inability due to subconscious mental factors.
Mental deficiency n. Abnormally low intelligence.
Mentality n. (pl. -ies) mental character or disposition; kind or degree of intelligence.
Mental patient n. Sufferer from mental illness.
Mental reservation n. Silent qualification made while seeming to agree.
Menthol n. Mint-tasting organic alcohol found in oil of peppermint etc., used as a flavouring and to relieve local pain. [latin: related to *mint1]
Mentholated adj. Treated with or containing menthol.
Mention —v. 1 refer to briefly or by name. 2 reveal or disclose (do not mention this to anyone). 3 (usu. As mention in dispatches) award a minor military honour to in war. —n. 1 reference, esp. By name. 2 minor military or other honour. don’t mention it polite reply to an apology or thanks. Not to mention and also. [latin mentio]
Mentor n. Experienced and trusted adviser. [mentor in homer’s odyssey]
Menu n. 1 list of dishes available in a restaurant etc., or to be served at a meal. 2 computing list of options displayed on a vdu. [latin: related to *minute2]
Mep abbr. Member of the european parliament.
Mephistophelean adj. Fiendish. [mephistopheles, evil spirit to whom faust sold his soul in german legend]
Mercantile adj. 1 of trade, trading. 2 commercial. [latin: related to *merchant]
Mercantile marine n. Merchant shipping.
Mercator projection n. (also mercator’s projection) map of the world projected on to a cylinder so that all the parallels of latitude have the same length as the equator. [mercator, name of a geographer]
Mercenary —adj. Primarily concerned with or working for money etc. —n. (pl. – ies) hired soldier in foreign service. mercenariness n. [latin from merces reward]
Mercer n. Dealer in textile fabrics. [latin merx merc-goods]
Mercerize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) treat (cotton) with caustic alkali to strengthen and make lustrous. [mercer, name of its alleged inventor]
Merchandise —n. Goods for sale. —v. (-sing) 1 trade, traffic (in). 2 advertise or promote (goods, an idea, or a person). [french: related to *merchant]
Merchant n. 1 wholesale trader, esp. With foreign countries. 2 esp. Us & scot. Retail trader. 3 colloq. Usu. Derog. Person devoted to a specified activity etc. (speed merchant). [latin mercor trade (v.)]
Merchantable adj. Saleable, marketable.
Merchant bank n. Bank dealing in commercial loans and finance.
Merchantman n. (pl. -men) merchant ship.
Merchant navy n. Nation’s commercial shipping.
Merchant ship n. Ship carrying merchandise.
Merciful adj. Showing mercy. mercifulness n.
Mercifully adv. 1 in a merciful manner. 2 fortunately (mercifully, the sun came out).
Merciless adj. Showing no mercy. mercilessly adv.
Mercurial adj. 1 (of a person) volatile. 2 of or containing mercury. [latin: related to *mercury]
Mercury n. 1 silvery heavy liquid metallic element used in barometers, thermometers, etc. 2 (mercury) planet nearest to the sun. mercuric adj. Mercurous adj. [latin mercurius, roman messenger-god]
Mercy —n. (pl. -ies) 1 compassion or forbearance towards defeated enemies or offenders or as a quality. 2 act of mercy. 3 (attrib.) Done out of compassion (mercy killing). 4 thing to be thankful for (small mercies). —int. Expressing surprise or fear. at the mercy of 1 in the power of. 2 liable to danger or harm from. Have mercy on (or upon) show mercy to. [latin merces reward, pity]
Mere1 attrib. Adj. (merest) being solely or only what is specified (a mere boy; no mere theory). merely adv. [latin merus unmixed]
Mere2 n. Dial. Or poet. Lake. [old english]
Mere2 n. Dial. Or poet. Lake. [old english]
Meretricious adj. Showily but falsely attractive. [latin meretrix prostitute]
Merganser n. (pl. Same or -s) a diving duck. [latin mergus diver, anser goose]
Merge v. (-ging) 1 (often foll. By with) a combine. B join or blend gradually. 2 (foll. By in) (cause to) lose character and identity in (something else). [latin mergo dip]
Merger n. Combining, esp. Of two commercial companies etc. Into one.
Meridian n. 1 a circle of constant longitude, passing through a given place and the terrestrial poles. B corresponding line on a map. 2 (often attrib.) Prime; full splendour. [latin meridies midday]
Meridional adj. 1 of or in the south (esp. Of europe). 2 of a meridian.
Meringue n. 1 sugar, whipped egg-whites, etc., baked crisp. 2 small cake of this, esp. Filled with whipped cream. [french]
Merino n. (pl. -s) 1 (in full merino sheep) variety of sheep with long fine wool. 2 soft cashmere-like material, orig. Of merino wool. 3 fine woollen yarn. [spanish]
Merit —n. 1 quality of deserving well. 2 excellence, worth. 3 (usu. In pl.) A thing that entitles one to reward or gratitude. B intrinsic rights and wrongs (merits of a case). —v. (-t-) deserve. [latin meritum value, from mereor deserve]
Meritocracy n. (pl. -ies) 1 government by those selected for merit. 2 group selected in this way. 3 society governed thus.
Meritorious adj. Praiseworthy.
Merlin n. Small falcon. [anglo-french]
Mermaid n. Legendary creature with a woman’s head and trunk and a fish’s tail. [from *mere2 ‘sea’, *maid]
Merry adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 a joyous. B full of laughter or gaiety. 2 colloq. Slightly drunk. make merry be festive. merrily adv. Merriment n. Merriness n. [old english]
Merry-go-round n. 1 a fairground ride with revolving model horses or cars. B = *roundabout 2a. 2 cycle of bustling activity.
Merrymaking n. Festivity, fun. merrymaker n.
Mésalliance n. Marriage with a social inferior. [french]
Mescal n. Peyote cactus. [spanish from nahuatl]
Mescal buttons n.pl. Disc-shaped dried tops from the mescal, esp. As an
Mescal buttons n.pl. Disc-shaped dried tops from the mescal, esp. As an intoxicant.
Mescaline n. (also mescalin) hallucinogenic alkaloid present in mescal buttons.
Mesdames pl. Of *madame.
Mesdemoiselles pl. Of *mademoiselle.
Mesembryanthemum n. S. African fleshy-leaved plant with bright daisy-like flowers that open fully in sunlight. [greek, = noon flower]
Mesh —n. 1 network fabric or structure. 2 each of the open spaces in a net or sieve etc. 3 (in pl.) A network. B snare. —v. 1 (often foll. By with) (of the teeth of a wheel) be engaged. 2 be harmonious. 3 catch in a net. in mesh (of the teeth of wheels) engaged. [dutch]
Mesmerize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 hypnotize. 2 fascinate, spellbind. mesmerism n. Mesmerizingly adv. [mesmer, name of a physician]
Meso-comb. Form middle, intermediate. [greek mesos middle]
Mesolithic adj. Of the part of the stone age between the palaeolithic and neolithic periods. [greek lithos stone]
Mesomorph n. Person with a compact muscular body. [greek morphe form]
Meson n. Elementary particle believed to help hold nucleons together in the atomic nucleus. [from *meso-]
Mesosphere n. Region of the atmosphere from the top of the stratosphere to an altitude of about 80 km.
Mesozoic —adj. Of the geological era marked by the development of dinosaurs, and the first mammals, birds, and flowering plants. —n. This era. [greek zoion animal]
Mess —n. 1 dirty or untidy state of things. 2 state of confusion, embarrassment, or trouble. 3 something spilt etc. 4 disagreeable concoction. 5 a soldiers etc. Dining together. B army dining-hall. C meal taken there. 6 domestic animal’s excreta. 7 archaic portion of liquid or pulpy food. —v. 1 (often foll. By up) make a mess of; dirty; muddle.
Message n. 1 communication sent by one person to another. 2 exalted or spiritual communication. 3 (in pl.) Scot., ir., & n.engl. Shopping. get the message colloq. Understand (a hint etc.). [latin mitto miss-send]
Messeigneurs pl. Of *monseigneur.
Messenger n. Person who carries a message.
Messiah n. 1 a promised deliverer of the jews. B christ regarded as this. 2 liberator of an oppressed people. [hebrew, = anointed]
Messianic adj. 1 of the messiah. 2 inspired by hope or belief in a messiah. [french: related to *messiah]
Messieurs pl. Of *monsieur.
Mess kit n. Soldier’s cooking and eating utensils.
Messrs pl. Of mr. [abbreviation of messieurs]
Messy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 untidy or dirty. 2 causing or accompanied by a mess. 3 difficult to deal with; awkward. messily adv. Messiness n.
Met1 past and past part. Of *meet1.
Met2 adj. Colloq. 1 meteorological. 2 metropolitan. 3 (the met) a (in full the met office) meteorological office. B metropolitan police in london. [abbreviation]
Meta-comb. Form 1 denoting change of position or condition (metabolism). 2 denoting position: a behind, after, or beyond (metaphysics). B of a higher or second-order kind (metalanguage). [greek meta with, after]
Metabolism n. All the chemical processes in a living organism producing energy and growth. metabolic adj. [greek metabole change: related to *meta-, greek ballo throw]
Metabolite n. Substance formed in or necessary for metabolism.
Metabolize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) process or be processed by metabolism.
Metacarpus n. (pl. -carpi) 1 part of the hand between the wrist and the fingers. 2 set of five bones in this. metacarpal adj. [related to meta-, carpus]
Metal —n. 1 a any of a class of workable elements such as gold, silver, iron, or tin, usu. Good conductors of heat and electricity and forming basic oxides. B alloy of any of these. 2 molten material for making glass. 3 (in pl.) Rails of a railway line. 4 = *road-metal. —adj. Made of metal. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 make or mend (a road) with road-metal. 2 cover or fit with metal. [greek metallon mine]
Metalanguage n. 1 form of language used to discuss language. 2 system of propositions about propositions.
Metal detector n. Electronic device for locating esp. Buried metal.
Metallic adj. 1 of or like metal or metals (metallic taste). 2 sounding like struck metal. 3 shiny (metallic blue). metallically adv.
Metalliferous adj. (of rocks) containing metal.
Metallize v. (also -ise; us metalize) (-zing or -sing) 1 render metallic. 2 coat with a thin layer of metal.
Metallography n. Descriptive science of metals.
Metalloid n. Element intermediate in properties between metals and non-metals, e.g. Boron, silicon, and germanium.
Metallurgy n. 1 science of metals and their application. 2 extraction and purification of metals. metallurgic adj. Metallurgical adj. Metallurgist n. [greek metallon *metal, -ourgia working]
Metalwork n. 1 art of working in metal. 2 metal objects collectively.
metalworker n.
Metamorphic adj. 1 of metamorphosis. 2 (of rock) transformed naturally, e.g. By heat or pressure. metamorphism n. [from *meta-, greek morphe form]
Metamorphose v. (-sing) (often foll. By to, into) change in form or nature.
Metamorphosis n. (pl. -phoses) 1 change of form, esp. From a pupa to an insect etc. 2 change of character, conditions, etc. [greek morphe form]
Metaphor n. 1 application of a name or description to something to which it is
Metaphor n. 1 application of a name or description to something to which it is not literally applicable (e.g. A glaring error). 2 instance of this. metaphoric adj. Metaphorical adj. Metaphorically adv. [latin from greek]
Metaphysic n. System of metaphysics.
Metaphysical adj. 1 of metaphysics. 2 colloq. Excessively abstract or theoretical.
3 (of esp. 17th-c. English poetry) subtle and complex in imagery.
Metaphysics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) 1 branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of existence, truth, and knowledge. 2 colloq. Abstract talk; mere theory. [greek, as having followed physics in aristotle’s works]
Metastasis n. (pl. -stases) transference of a bodily function, disease, etc., from one part or organ to another. [greek, = removal]
Metatarsus n. (pl. -tarsi) 1 part of the foot between the ankle and the toes. 2 set of five bones in this. metatarsal adj. [related to meta-, tarsus]
Mete v. (-ting) (usu. Foll. By out) literary apportion or allot (punishment or reward). [old english]
Meteor n. 1 small solid body from outer space that becomes incandescent when entering the earth’s atmosphere. 2 streak of light from a meteor. [greek meteoros lofty]
Meteoric adj. 1 rapid; dazzling (meteoric rise to fame). 2 of meteors.
meteorically adv.
Meteorite n. Fallen meteor, or fragment of natural rock or metal from outer space.
Meteoroid n. Small body that becomes visible as it passes through the earth’s atmosphere as a meteor.
Meteorology n. The study of atmospheric phenomena, esp. For forecasting the weather. meteorological adj. Meteorologist n. [greek meteorologia: related to *meteor]
Meter1 —n. 1 instrument that measures or records, esp. Gas, electricity, etc. Used, distance travelled, etc. 2 = parking-meter. —v. Measure or record by meter. [from mete]
Meter1 n. (brit. Metre) metric unit and the base si unit of linear measure, equal to about 39.4 inches. metreage n. [greek metron measure]
Meter2 n. (brit. Metre) 1 a poetic rhythm, esp. As determined by the number and length of feet in a line. B metrical group or measure. 2 basic rhythm of music. [related to *metre1]
-meter comb. Form 1 forming nouns denoting measuring instruments (barometer). 2 forming nouns denoting lines of poetry with a specified number of measures (pentameter). [greek metron measure]
Methadone n. Narcotic analgesic drug used esp. As a substitute for morphine or heroin. [6-dimethylamino-4, 4-diphenyl-3-heptanone]
Methanal n. = *formaldehyde. [from methane, aldehyde]
Methane n. Colourless odourless inflammable gaseous hydrocarbon, the main constituent of natural gas. [from *methyl]
Methanoic acid n. = *formic acid. [related to *methane]
Methanol n. Colourless volatile inflammable liquid hydrocarbon, used as a solvent. [from methane, alcohol]
Methinks v. (past methought) archaic it seems to me. [old english: related to *me1, *think]
Method n. 1 way of doing something; systematic procedure. 2 orderliness; regular habits. method in one’s madness sense in apparently foolish or strange behaviour. [greek: related to *meta-, hodos way]
Methodical adj. Characterized by method or order. methodically adv.
Methodist —n. Member of a protestant denomination originating in the 18th-c.
Methodist —n. Member of a protestant denomination originating in the 18th-c.
Wesleyan evangelistic movement. —adj. Of methodists or methodism.
methodism n.
Methodology n. (pl. -ies) 1 body of methods used in a particular activity. 2 science of method. methodological adj. Methodologically adv.
Methought past of *methinks.
Meths n. Colloq. Methylated spirit. [abbreviation]
Methyl n. Univalent hydrocarbon radical ch3, present in many organic compounds. [greek methu wine, hule wood]
Methyl alcohol n. = *methanol.
Methylate v. (-ting) 1 mix or impregnate with methanol. 2 introduce a methyl group into (a molecule or compound).
Methylated spirit n. (also methylated spirits n.pl.) Alcohol treated to make it unfit for drinking and exempt from duty.
Meticulous adj. 1 giving great attention to detail. 2 very careful and precise. meticulously adv. Meticulousness n. [latin metus fear]
Métier n. 1 one’s trade, profession, or field of activity. 2 one’s forte. [latin:
related to *minister]
Metonymy n. Substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant (e.g. Crown for king, the turf for horse-racing). [greek: related to *meta-, onuma name]
Metre1 n. (us meter) metric unit and the base si unit of linear measure, equal to about 39.4 inches. metreage n. [greek metron measure]
Metre2 n. (us meter) 1 a poetic rhythm, esp. As determined by the number and length of feet in a line. B metrical group or measure. 2 basic rhythm of music. [related to *metre1]
Metre-kilogram-second n. Denoting a system of measure using the metre, kilogram, and second.
Metric adj. Of or based on the metre. [french: related to *metre1]
-metric comb. Form (also -metrical) forming adjectives corresponding to nouns in -meter and -metry (thermometric; geometric).
Metrical adj. 1 of or composed in metre (metrical psalms). 2 of or involving measurement (metrical geometry). metrically adv. [greek: related to *metre2]
Metricate v. (-ting) convert to a metric system. metrication n.
Metric system n. Decimal measuring system with the metre, litre, and gram (or kilogram) as units of length, volume, and mass.
Metric ton n. (also metric tonne) 1,000 kilograms (2205 lb).
Metro n. (pl. -s) underground railway system, esp. In paris. [french shortened from métropolitain metropolitan]
Metronome n. Device ticking at a selected rate to mark time for musicians. [greek metron measure, nomos law]
Metropolis n. Chief city, capital. [greek meter mother, polis city]
Metropolitan —adj. 1 of a metropolis. 2 of or forming a mother country as distinct from its colonies etc. (metropolitan france). —n. 1 bishop having authority over the bishops of a province. 2 inhabitant of a metropolis.
-metry comb. Form forming nouns denoting procedures and systems involving measurement (geometry).
Mettle n. 1 quality or strength of character. 2 spirit, courage. on one’s mettle keen to do one’s best. mettlesome adj. [from *metal n.]
Mev abbr. Mega-electronvolt(s).
Mew1 —n. Characteristic cry of a cat, gull, etc. —v. Utter this sound. [imitative]
Mew2 n. Gull, esp. The common gull. [old english]
Mewl v. 1 whimper. 2 mew like a cat. [imitative]
Mews n. (treated as sing.) Stabling round a yard etc., now used esp. For housing. [originally sing. Mew ‘cage for hawks’: french from latin muto change]
Mexican —n. 1 native or national of mexico. 2 person of mexican descent. — adj. Of mexico or its people. [spanish]
Methyl n. Univalent hydrocarbon radical ch3, present in many organic compounds. [greek methu wine, hule wood]
Methyl alcohol n. = *methanol.
Methylate v. (-ting) 1 mix or impregnate with methanol. 2 introduce a methyl group into (a molecule or compound).
Methylated spirit n. (also methylated spirits n.pl.) Alcohol treated to make it unfit for drinking and exempt from duty.
Meticulous adj. 1 giving great attention to detail. 2 very careful and precise. meticulously adv. Meticulousness n. [latin metus fear]
Métier n. 1 one’s trade, profession, or field of activity. 2 one’s forte. [latin:
related to *minister]
Metonymy n. Substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant (e.g. Crown for king, the turf for horse-racing). [greek: related to *meta-, onuma name]
Metre1 n. (us meter) metric unit and the base si unit of linear measure, equal to about 39.4 inches. metreage n. [greek metron measure]
Metre2 n. (us meter) 1 a poetic rhythm, esp. As determined by the number and length of feet in a line. B metrical group or measure. 2 basic rhythm of music. [related to *metre1]
Metre-kilogram-second n. Denoting a system of measure using the metre, kilogram, and second.
Metric adj. Of or based on the metre. [french: related to *metre1]
-metric comb. Form (also -metrical) forming adjectives corresponding to nouns in -meter and -metry (thermometric; geometric).
Metrical adj. 1 of or composed in metre (metrical psalms). 2 of or involving measurement (metrical geometry). metrically adv. [greek: related to *metre2]
Metricate v. (-ting) convert to a metric system. metrication n.
Metric system n. Decimal measuring system with the metre, litre, and gram (or kilogram) as units of length, volume, and mass.
Metric ton n. (also metric tonne) 1,000 kilograms (2205 lb).
Metro n. (pl. -s) underground railway system, esp. In paris. [french shortened from métropolitain metropolitan]
Metronome n. Device ticking at a selected rate to mark time for musicians. [greek metron measure, nomos law]
Metropolis n. Chief city, capital. [greek meter mother, polis city]
Metropolitan —adj. 1 of a metropolis. 2 of or forming a mother country as distinct from its colonies etc. (metropolitan france). —n. 1 bishop having authority over the bishops of a province. 2 inhabitant of a metropolis.
-metry comb. Form forming nouns denoting procedures and systems involving measurement (geometry).
measurement (geometry).
Mettle n. 1 quality or strength of character. 2 spirit, courage. on one’s mettle keen to do one’s best. mettlesome adj. [from *metal n.]
Mev abbr. Mega-electronvolt(s).
Mew1 —n. Characteristic cry of a cat, gull, etc. —v. Utter this sound. [imitative]
Mew2 n. Gull, esp. The common gull. [old english]
Mewl v. 1 whimper. 2 mew like a cat. [imitative]
Mews n. (treated as sing.) Stabling round a yard etc., now used esp. For housing. [originally sing. Mew ‘cage for hawks’: french from latin muto change]
Mexican —n. 1 native or national of mexico. 2 person of mexican descent. — adj. Of mexico or its people. [spanish]
Mezzanine n. Storey between two others (usu. Between the ground and first floors). [italian: related to *median]
Mezzo mus. —adv. Half, moderately. —n. (in full mezzo-soprano) (pl. -s) 1 female singing-voice between soprano and contralto. 2 singer with this voice.
[latin medius middle]
Mezzo forte adj. & adv. Fairly loud(ly).
Mezzo piano adj. & adv. Fairly soft(ly).
Mezzotint n. 1 method of printing or engraving in which a plate is roughened by scraping to produce tones and halftones. 2 print so produced. [italian: related to mezzo, tint]
Mf abbr. Mezzo forte.
Mg symb. Magnesium.
Mg abbr. Milligram(s).
Mgr. Abbr. 1 manager. 2 monseigneur. 3 monsignor.
Mhz abbr. Megahertz.
M.i.5 abbr. Uk department of military intelligence concerned with state security.
Miaow —n. Characteristic cry of a cat. —v. Make this cry. [imitative]
Miasma n. (pl. -mata or -s) archaic infectious or noxious vapour. [greek, = defilement]
Mica n. Silicate mineral found as glittering scales in granite etc. Or in crystals separable into thin transparent plates. [latin, = crumb]
Mice pl. Of *mouse.
Michaelmas n. Feast of st michael, 29 september. [related to *mass2]
Michaelmas daisy n. Autumn-flowering aster.
Mick n. Slang offens. Irishman. [pet form of michael]
Mickey n. (also micky) take the mickey (often foll. By out of) slang tease, mock, ridicule. [origin uncertain]
Mickey finn n. Slang drugged drink intended to make the victim unconscious. [origin uncertain]
Mickle n. (also muckle) archaic or scot. Large amount. many a little makes a mickle (orig. Erroneously many a mickle makes a muckle) small amounts accumulate. [old norse]
Micky var. Of *mickey.
Micro n. (pl. -s) colloq. 1 = *microcomputer. 2 = *microprocessor.
Micro-comb. Form 1 small (microchip). 2 denoting a factor of one millionth (10-6) (microgram). [greek mikros small]
Microbe n. Micro-organism (esp. A bacterium causing disease or fermentation). microbial adj. Microbic adj. [greek mikros small, bios life]
Microbiology n. The study of micro-organisms. microbiologist n.
Microchip n. Small piece of semiconductor (usu. Silicon) used to carry integrated circuits.
Microcircuit n. Integrated circuit on a microchip.
Microclimate n. Small localized climate, e.g. Inside a greenhouse.
Microcomputer n. Small computer with a microprocessor as its central processor.
Microcosm n. (often foll. By of) miniature representation, e.g. Mankind or a community seen as a small-scale model of the universe; epitome. microcosmic adj. [from micro-, cosmos]
Microdot n. Microphotograph of a document etc. Reduced to the size of a dot.
Micro-electronics n. Design, manufacture, and use of microchips and microcircuits.
Microfiche n. (pl. Same or -s) small flat piece of film bearing microphotographs of documents etc. [from *micro-, french fiche slip of paper]
Microfilm —n. Length of film bearing microphotographs of documents etc. —v.
Photograph on microfilm.
Microlight n. A kind of motorized hang-glider.
Micromesh n. (often attrib.) Fine-meshed material, esp. Nylon.
Micrometer n. Gauge for accurate small-scale measurement.
Micron n. One-millionth of a metre. [greek mikros small]
Micro-organism n. Microscopic organism, e.g. Bacteria, protozoa, and viruses.
Microphone n. Instrument for converting sound waves into electrical energy for reconversion into sound after transmission or recording. [from *micro-, greek phone sound]
Microphotograph n. Photograph reduced to a very small size. [from *micro-]
Microprocessor n. Integrated circuit containing all the functions of a computer’s central processing unit.
Microscope n. Instrument with lenses for magnifying objects or details invisible to the naked eye. [from micro-, -scope]
Microscopic adj. 1 visible only with a microscope. 2 extremely small. 3 of or by means of a microscope. microscopically adv.
Microscopy n. Use of microscopes.
Microsecond n. One-millionth of a second.
Microsurgery n. Intricate surgery using microscopes.
Microwave —n. 1 electromagnetic wave with a wavelength in the range 0.001–
Microwave —n. 1 electromagnetic wave with a wavelength in the range 0.001– 0.3m. 2 (in full microwave oven) oven using microwaves to cook or heat food quickly. —v. (-ving) cook in a microwave oven.
Micturition n. Formal urination. [latin]
Mid attrib. Adj. (usu. In comb.) The middle of (mid-air; mid-june). [old english]
Midday n. (often attrib.) Middle of the day; noon. [old english: related to mid, day]
Midden n. 1 dunghill. 2 refuse heap. [scandinavian: related to *muck]
Middle —attrib. Adj. 1 at an equal distance, time, or number from extremities; central. 2 intermediate in rank, quality, etc. 3 average (of middle height). —n. 1 (often foll. By of) middle point, position, or part. 2 waist. in the middle of 1 in the process of. 2 during. [old english]
Middle age n. Period between youth and old age. middle-aged adj.
Middle ages n. (prec. By the) period of european history from c.1000 to 1453.
Middle-age spread n. (also middle-aged spread) increased bodily girth at middle age.
Middlebrow colloq. —adj. Having or appealing to non-intellectual or
conventional tastes. —n. Middlebrow person.
Middle c n. C near the middle of the piano keyboard, (in notation) the note between the treble and bass staves.
Middle class n. Social class between the upper and the lower, including professional and business workers. middle-class adj.
Middle distance n. 1 (in a landscape) part between the foreground and the background. 2 athletics race distance of esp. 400 or 800 metres.
Middle ear n. Cavity behind the eardrum.
Middle east n. (prec. By the) area covered by countries from egypt to iran inclusive. middle eastern adj.
Middle english n. English language from c.1150 to 1500.
Middle game n. Central phase of a chess game.
Middleman n. 1 trader who handles a commodity between producer and consumer. 2 intermediary.
Middle name n. 1 name between first name and surname. 2 colloq. Person’s
Middle name n. 1 name between first name and surname. 2 colloq. Person’s most characteristic quality (tact is my middle name).
Middle-of-the-road adj. 1 moderate; avoiding extremes. 2 of general appeal.
Middle school n. School for children from about 9 to 13 years.
Middle-sized adj. Of medium size.
Middleweight n. 1 weight in certain sports between welterweight and light heavyweight, in amateur boxing 71–5 kg. 2 sportsman of this weight.
Midfield n. Football central part of the pitch, away from the goals. midfielder n.
Midge n. Gnatlike insect. [old english]
Midget n. 1 extremely small person or thing. 2 (attrib.) Very small.
Midi n. (also midi) an interface allowing electronic musical instruments, synthesizers, and computers to be interconnected and used simultaneously. [abbreviation of musical instrument digital interface]
Midi system n. Set of compact stacking components of hi-fi equipment.
Midland —n. 1 (the midlands) inland counties of central england. 2 middle part of a country. —adj. Of or in the midland or midlands.
Mid-life n. Middle age.
Mid-life crisis n. Crisis of self-confidence in early middle age.
Midnight n. Middle of the night; 12 o’clock at night. [old english]
Midnight blue adj. & n. (as adj. Often hyphenated) very dark blue.
Midnight sun n. Sun visible at midnight during the summer in polar regions.
Mid-off n. Cricket position of the fielder near the bowler on the off side.
Mid-on n. Cricket position of the fielder near the bowler on the on side.
Midriff n. Front of the body just above the waist. [old english, = mid-belly]
Midshipman n. Naval officer ranking next above a cadet.
Midships adv. = *amidships.
Midst —prep. Poet. Amidst. —n. Middle. in the midst of among; in the middle of. In our (or your or their) midst among us (or you or them). [related to *mid]
Midstream —n. Middle of a stream etc. —adv. (also in midstream) in the middle of an action etc. (abandoned the project midstream).
Midsummer n. Period of or near the summer solstice, about 21 june. [old english]
Midsummer day n. (also midsummer’s day) 24 june.
Midsummer madness n. Extreme folly.
Midway adv. In or towards the middle of the distance between two points.
Midwest n. Region of the us adjoining the northern mississippi.
Midwicket n. Cricket position of a fielder on the leg side opposite the middle of
Midwicket n. Cricket position of a fielder on the leg side opposite the middle of the pitch.
Midwife n. Person trained to assist at childbirth. midwifery n. [originally = with-woman]
Midwinter n. Period of or near the winter solstice, about 22 dec. [old english]
Mien n. Literary person’s look or bearing. [probably obsolete demean]
Miff v. Colloq. (usu. As miffed adj.) Offend. [origin uncertain]
Might1 past of *may, used esp.: 1 in reported speech, expressing possibility (said he might come) or permission (asked if i might leave) (cf. may 1, 2). 2 (foll. By perfect infin.) Expressing a possibility based on a condition not fulfilled (if you’d looked you might have found it). 3 (foll. By present infin. Or perfect infin.) Expressing complaint that an obligation or expectation is not or has not been fulfilled (they might have asked). 4 expressing a request (you might call in at the butcher’s). 5 colloq. A = may 1 (it might be true). B (in tentative questions) = may 2 (might i have the pleasure of this dance?). C = may 1 d (who might yoube?). might as well expressing lukewarm acquiescence (might as well try).
Might2 n. Strength, power. with might and main with all one’s power. [old english: related to *may]
Might-have-been n. Colloq. 1 past possibility that no longer applies. 2 person of unfulfilled promise.
Mightn’t contr. Might not.
Mighty —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 powerful, strong. 2 massive, bulky. 3 colloq. Great, considerable. —adv. Colloq. Very (mighty difficult). mightily adv. Mightiness n. [old english: related to *might2]
Mignonette n. Plant with fragrant grey-green flowers. [french, diminutive of mignon small]
Migraine n. Recurrent throbbing headache often with nausea and visual disturbance. [greek hemikrania: related to hemi-, cranium]
Migrant —adj. Migrating. —n. Migrant person or animal, esp. A bird.
Migrate v. (-ting) 1 move from one place and settle in another, esp. Abroad. 2 (of a bird or fish) change its habitation seasonally. 3 move under natural forces. migration n. Migrator n. Migratory adj. [latin migro]
Mikado n. (pl. -s) hist. Emperor of japan. [japanese, = august door]
Mike n. Colloq. Microphone. [abbreviation]
Mil n. One-thousandth of an inch, as a unit of measure for the diameter of wire etc. [latin mille thousand]
Milady n. (pl. -ies) (esp. As a form of address) english noblewoman. [french from my lady]
Milage var. Of *mileage.
Milch adj. Giving milk. [old english: related to *milk]
Milch cow n. Source of easy profit.
Mild —adj. 1 (esp. Of a person) gentle and conciliatory. 2 not severe or harsh. 3 (of the weather) moderately warm. 4 (of flavour etc.) Not sharp or strong. 5 tame, feeble; lacking vivacity. —n. Dark mild draught beer (cf. *bitter). mildish adj. Mildness n. [old english]
Mildew —n. 1 destructive growth of minute fungi on plants. 2 similar growth on damp paper, leather, etc. —v. Taint or be tainted with mildew. mildewy adj. [old english]
Mildly adv. In a mild fashion. to put it mildly as an understatement.
Mild-mannered adj. = *mild 1.
Mild steel n. Strong and tough steel not readily tempered.
Mile n. 1 (also statute mile) unit of linear measure equal to 1,760 yards (approx. 1.6 kilometres). 2 (in pl.) Colloq. Great distance or amount (miles better). 3 race extending over a mile. [latin mille thousand]
Mileage n. (also milage) 1 number of miles travelled, esp. By a vehicle per unit of fuel. 2 colloq. Profit, advantage.
Miler n. Colloq. Person or horse specializing in races of one mile.
Milestone n. 1 stone beside a road marking a distance in miles. 2 significant event or point in a life, history, project, etc.
Milfoil n. Common yarrow with small white flowers. [latin: related to mile, foil2]
Milieu n. (pl. Milieux or -s) person’s environment or social surroundings. [french]
Militant —adj. 1 combative; aggressively active in support of a cause. 2 engaged in warfare. —n. Militant person. militancy n. Militantly adv. [latin: related to *militate]
Militarism n. 1 aggressively military policy etc. 2 military spirit. militarist n.
Militaristic adj.
Militarize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 equip with military resources. 2 make military or warlike. 3 imbue with militarism. militarization n.
Military —adj. Of or characteristic of soldiers or armed forces. —n. (as sing. Or pl.; prec. By the) the army. militarily adv. [latin miles milit-soldier]
Military honours n.pl. Burial rites of a soldier, royalty, etc., performed by the military.
Military police n. (as pl.) Army police force disciplining soldiers.
Militate v. (-ting) (usu. Foll. By against) have force or effect; tell. [latin: related to *military]
Usage militate is often confused with mitigate.
Militia n. Military force, esp. One conscripted in an emergency. militiaman n. [latin, = military service]
Milk —n. 1 opaque white fluid secreted by female mammals for the nourishment of their young. 2 milk of cows, goats, or sheep as food. 3 milklike juice of the coconut etc. —v. 1 draw milk from (a cow etc.). 2 exploit (a person or situation) to the utmost. [old english]
Milk and honey n. Abundance; prosperity.
Milk and water n. Feeble or insipid writing, speech, etc.
Milk chocolate n. Chocolate made with milk.
Milk float n. Small usu. Electric vehicle used in delivering milk.
Milkmaid n. Girl or woman who milks cows or works in a dairy.
Milkman n. Person who sells or delivers milk.
Milk of magnesia n. Propr. White suspension of magnesium hydroxide usu. In water, taken as an antacid or laxative.
Milk-powder n. Dehydrated milk.
Milk pudding n. Pudding, esp. Of rice, baked with milk.
Milk round n. 1 fixed route for milk delivery. 2 regular trip with calls at several places.
Milk run n. Routine expedition etc.
Milk shake n. Drink of whisked milk, flavouring, etc.
Milksop n. Weak or timid man or youth.
Milk tooth n. Temporary tooth in young mammals.
Milky adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of, like, or mixed with milk. 2 (of a gem or liquid) cloudy; not clear. milkiness n.
Milky way n. Luminous band of stars; the galaxy.
Mill —n. 1 a building fitted with a mechanical device for grinding corn. B such a device. 2 device for grinding any solid to powder etc. (pepper-mill). 3 a building fitted with machinery for manufacturing processes etc. (cotton-mill). B such machinery. —v. 1 grind (corn), produce (flour), or hull (seeds) in a mill. 2 (esp. As milled adj.) Produce a ribbed edge on (a coin). 3 cut or shape (metal) with a rotating tool. 4 (often foll. By about, around) move aimlessly, esp. In a confused mass. go (or put) through the mill undergo (or cause to undergo) intensive work, pain, training, etc. [latin molo grind]
Millefeuille n. Rich cake of puff pastry split and filled with jam, cream, etc. [french, = thousand-leaf]
Millennium n. (pl. -s or millennia) 1 period of 1,000 years, esp. That of christ’s prophesied reign on earth (rev. 20:1–5). 2 (esp. Future) period of happiness and
prosperity. millennial adj. [latin mille thousand]
Millepede var. Of *millipede.
Miller n. 1 proprietor or tenant of a mill, esp. A corn-mill. 2 person operating a milling machine. [related to *mill]
Miller’s thumb n. Small spiny freshwater fish.
Millesimal —adj. 1 thousandth. 2 of, belonging to, or dealing with, a thousandth or thousandths. —n. Thousandth part. [latin mille thousand]
Millet n. 1 cereal plant bearing small nutritious seeds. 2 seed of this. [latin milium]
Millet-grass n. Tall woodland grass.
Milli-comb. Form thousand, esp. Denoting a factor of one thousandth. [latin mille thousand]
Milliard n. One thousand million. [french mille thousand]
Usage milliard is now largely superseded by billion.
Millibar n. Unit of atmospheric pressure equivalent to 100 pascals.
Milligram n. (also -gramme) one-thousandth of a gram.
Milliliter n. (brit. -litre) one-thousandth of a litre (0.002 pint).
Millilitre n. (us -liter) one-thousandth of a litre (0.002 pint).
Millimeter n. (brit. -metre) one-thousandth of a metre (0.039 in.).
Millimetre n. (us -meter) one-thousandth of a metre (0.039 in.).
Milliner n. Person who makes or sells women’s hats. millinery n. [milan in italy]
Million n. & adj. (pl. Same or (in sense 2) -s) (in sing. Prec. By a or one) 1 thousand thousand. 2 (in pl.) Colloq. Very large number. 3 million pounds or dollars. millionth adj. & n. [french, probably from italian mille thousand]
Millionaire n. (fem. Millionairess) person who has over a million pounds, dollars, etc. [french millionnaire: related to *million]
Millipede n. (also millepede) small crawling invertebrate with a long segmented body with two pairs of legs on each segment. [latin mille thousand, pes ped-foot]
Millisecond n. One-thousandth of a second.
Millpond n. Pool of water retained by a dam for operating a mill-wheel. like a millpond (of water) very calm.
Mill-race n. Current of water that drives a mill-wheel.
Millstone n. 1 each of two circular stones for grinding corn. 2 heavy burden or responsibility.
Mill-wheel n. Wheel used to drive a water-mill.
Millworker n. Factory worker.
Millwright n. Person who designs or builds mills.
Milometer n. Instrument for measuring the number of miles travelled by a vehicle.
Milord n. (esp. As a form of address) english nobleman. [french from my lord]
Milt n. 1 spleen in mammals. 2 sperm-filled reproductive gland or the sperm of a
Milt n. 1 spleen in mammals. 2 sperm-filled reproductive gland or the sperm of a male fish. [old english]
Mime —n. 1 acting without words, using only gestures. 2 performance using mime. 3 (also mime artist) mime actor. —v. (-ming) 1 (also absol.) Convey by mime. 2 (often foll. By to) mouth words etc. In time with a soundtrack (mime to a record). [greek mimos]
Mimeograph —n. 1 machine which duplicates from a stencil. 2 copy so produced. —v. Reproduce by this process. [greek mimeomai imitate]
Mimetic adj. Of or practising imitation or mimicry. [greek mimetikos: see *mimeograph]
Mimic —v. (-ck-) 1 imitate (a person, gesture, etc.) Esp. To entertain or ridicule. 2 copy minutely or servilely. 3 resemble closely. —n. Person skilled in imitation. mimicry n. [greek mimikos: related to *mime]
Mimosa n. 1 shrub with globular usu. Yellow flowers. 2 acacia plant with showy yellow flowers. [latin: related to *mime]
Min. Abbr. 1 minister. 2 ministry.
Min. Abbr. 1 minute(s). 2 minimum. 3 minim (fluid measure).
Mina var. Of *myna.
Minaret n. Slender turret next to a mosque, from which the muezzin calls at hours of prayer. [french or spanish from turkish from arabic]
Minatory adj. Formal threatening, menacing. [latin minor threaten]
Mince —v. (-cing) 1 cut up or grind (esp. Meat) finely. 2 (usu. As mincing adj.) Speak or esp. Walk effeminately or affectedly. —n. Minced meat. mince matters (or one’s words) (usu. With neg.) Speak evasively or unduly mildly. mincer n. [latin minutia something small]
Mincemeat n. Mixture of currants, sugar, spices, suet, etc. make mincemeat of utterly defeat.
Mince pie n. Pie containing mincemeat.
Mind —n. 1 a seat of consciousness, thought, volition, and feeling. B attention, concentration (mind keeps wandering). 2 intellect. 3 memory (can’t call it to mind). 4 opinion (of the same mind). 5 way of thinking or feeling (the victorian mind). 6 focussed will (put one’s mind to it). 7 sanity (lose one’s mind). 8 person in regard to mental faculties (a great mind). —v.
Minded adj. 1 (in comb.) A inclined to think in some specified way, or with a specified interest (mathematically minded; fair-minded; car-minded). B having a specified kind of mind (high-minded). 2 (usu. Foll. By to + infin.) Disposed or inclined.
Minder n. 1 (often in comb.) Person employed to look after a person or thing (child minder). 2 slang bodyguard.
Mindful adj. (often foll. By of) taking heed or care; giving thought (to).
mindfully adv.
Mindless adj. 1 lacking intelligence; brutish (mindless violence). 2 not requiring thought or skill (mindless work). 3 (usu. Foll. By of) heedless of (advice etc.). mindlessly adv. Mindlessness n.
Mind-read v. Discern the thoughts of (another person). mind-reader n.
Mine1 poss. Pron. The one(s) of or belonging to me (it is mine; mine are over there). of mine of or belonging to me (a friend of mine). [old english]
Mine2 —n. 1 excavation to extract metal, coal, salt, etc. 2 abundant source (of information etc.). 3 military explosive device placed in the ground or in the water. —v. (-ning) 1 obtain (metal, coal, etc.) From a mine. 2 (also absol., often foll. By for) dig in (the earth etc.) For ore etc. Or to tunnel. 3 lay explosive mines under or in. mining n. [french]
Minefield n. 1 area planted with explosive mines. 2 colloq. Hazardous subject or situation.
Minelayer n. Ship or aircraft for laying explosive mines.
Miner n. Person who works in a mine. [french: related to *mine2]
Mineral n. (often attrib.) 1 inorganic substance. 2 substance obtained by mining. 3 (often in pl.) Artificial mineral water or similar carbonated drink. [french or medieval latin: related to *mine2]
Mineralize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) impregnate (water etc.) With a mineral substance.
Mineralogy n. The study of minerals. mineralogical adj. Mineralogist n.
Mineral water n. 1 natural water often containing dissolved salts. 2 artificial imitation of this, esp. Soda water.
Minestrone n. Soup containing vegetables and pasta, beans, or rice. [italian]
Minesweeper n. Ship for clearing explosive mines from the sea.
Mineworker n. Miner.
Ming n. (often attrib.) Chinese porcelain made during the ming dynasty (1368– 1644).
Mingle v. (-ling) 1 mix, blend. 2 (often foll. By with) mix socially. [old english]
Mini n. (pl. -s) 1 colloq. Miniskirt. 2 (mini) propr. Make of small car. [abbreviation]
Mini-comb. Form miniature; small of its kind (minibus).
Mini-comb. Form miniature; small of its kind (minibus).
Miniature —adj. 1 much smaller than normal. 2 represented on a small scale. — n. 1 any miniature object. 2 detailed small-scale portrait. 3 this genre. in miniature on a small scale. miniaturist n. (in senses 2 and 3 of n.). [latin minium red lead]
Miniaturize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) produce in a smaller version; make small. miniaturization n.
Minibus n. Small bus for about twelve passengers.
Minicab n. Car used as a taxi, hireable only by telephone.
Minicomputer n. Computer of medium power.
Minim n. 1 mus. Note equal to two crotchets or half a semibreve. 2 one-sixtieth of a fluid drachm, about a drop. [latin minimus least]
Minima pl. Of *minimum.
Minimal adj. 1 very minute or slight. 2 being a minimum. minimally adv.
Minimalism n. 1 art use of simple or primary forms, often geometric and massive. 2 mus. Repetition of short phrases incorporating changes very gradually. minimalist n. & adj.
Minimize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 reduce to, or estimate at, the smallest possible amount or degree. 2 estimate or represent at less than true value or importance. minimization n.
Minimum (pl. Minima) —n. Least possible or attainable amount (reduced to a minimum). —adj. That is a minimum. [latin: related to *minim]
Minimum wage n. Lowest wage permitted by law or agreement.
Minion n. Derog. Servile subordinate. [french mignon]
Minipill n. Contraceptive pill containing a progestogen only (not oestrogen).
Miniseries n. (pl. Same) short series of related television programmes.
Miniskirt n. Very short skirt.
Minister —n. 1 head of a government department. 2 clergyman, esp. In the presbyterian and nonconformist churches. 3 diplomat, usu. Ranking below an ambassador. —v. (usu. Foll. By to) help, serve, look after (a person, cause, etc.). ministerial adj. [latin, = servant]
Minister of state n. Government minister, esp. Holding a rank below that of head of department.
Minister of the crown n. Parl. Member of the cabinet.
Minister without portfolio n. Government minister not in charge of a specific department of state.
Ministration n. 1 (usu. In pl.) Help or service (kind ministrations). 2 ministering, esp. In religious matters. 3 (usu. Foll. By of) supplying of help, justice, etc. ministrant adj. & n. [latin: related to *minister]
Ministry n. (pl. -ies) 1 a government department headed by a minister. B building for this. 2 a (prec. By the) vocation, office, or profession of a religious minister. B period of tenure of this. 3 (prec. By the) body of ministers of a government or religion. 4 period of government under one prime minister. 5 ministering, ministration. [latin: related to *minister]
Mink n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 small semi-aquatic stoatlike animal bred for its thick brown fur. 2 this fur. 3 coat of this. [swedish]
Minnow n. Small freshwater carp. [old english]
Minoan —adj. Of the bronze age civilization centred on crete (c.3000–1100 bc). —n. Person of this civilization. [minos, legendary king of crete]
Minor —adj. 1 lesser or comparatively small in size or importance (minor poet). 2 mus. A (of a scale) having intervals of a semitone above its second, fifth, and seventh notes. B (of an interval) less by a semitone than a major interval. C (of a key) based on a minor scale. —n. 1 person under full legal age. 2 us student’s subsidiary subject or course. —v. (foll. By in) us study (a subject) as a subsidiary. [latin, = less]
Minority n. (pl. -ies) 1 (often foll. By of) smaller number or part, esp. In politics.
2 state of having less than half the votes or support (in the minority). 3 small group of people differing from others in race, religion, language, etc. 4 (attrib.) Of or done by the minority (minority interests). 5 a being under full legal age.
Minster n. 1 large or important church. 2 church of a monastery. [old english:
related to *monastery]
Minstrel n. 1 medieval singer or musician. 2 (usu. In pl.) Entertainer with a blacked face singing ostensibly black songs in a group. [related to *minister]
Mint1 n. 1 aromatic herb used in cooking. 2 peppermint. 3 peppermint sweet. minty adj. (-ier, -iest). [latin menta from greek]
Mint2 —n. 1 (esp. State) establishment where money is coined. 2 colloq. Vast sum (making a mint). —v. 1 make (a coin) by stamping metal. 2 invent, coin (a word, phrase, etc.). in mint condition as new. [latin moneta]
Minuet —n. 1 slow stately dance for two in triple time. 2 music for this, often as a movement in a suite etc. —v. (-t-) dance a minuet. [french diminutive]
Minus —prep. 1 with the subtraction of (7 minus 4 equals 3). 2 below zero (minus 2°). 3 colloq. Lacking (returned minus their dog). —adj. 1 math. Negative. 2 electronics having a negative charge. —n. 1 = *minus sign. 2 math. Negative quantity. 3 colloq. Disadvantage. [latin, neuter of *minor]
Minuscule adj. Colloq. Extremely small or unimportant. [latin diminutive:
related to *minus]
Minus sign n. The symbol –, indicating subtraction or a negative value.
Minute1 —n. 1 sixtieth part of an hour. 2 distance covered in one minute (ten minutes from the shops). 3 a moment (expecting her any minute). B (prec. By the) colloq. Present time (not here at the minute). C (prec. By the, foll. By a clause) as soon as (the minute you get back). 4 sixtieth part of an angular degree. 5 (in pl.) Summary of the proceedings of a meeting. 6 official memorandum authorizing or recommending a course of action. —v. (-ting) 1 record in minutes. 2 send the minutes of a meeting to. up to the minute completely up to date. [latin minuo lessen]
Minute2 adj. (-est) 1 very small. 2 accurate, detailed. minutely adv. [latin minutus: related to *minute1]
Minute steak n. Thin quickly-cooked slice of steak.
Minutiae n.pl. Very small, precise, or minor details. [latin: related to *minute1]
Minx n. Pert, sly, or playful girl. [origin unknown]
Miocene geol. —adj. Of the fourth epoch of the tertiary period. —n. This epoch. [greek meion less, kainos new]
Miracle n. 1 extraordinary, supposedly supernatural, event. 2 remarkable occurrence or development (economic miracle). 3 (usu. Foll. By of) remarkable
specimen (a miracle of ingenuity). [latin mirus wonderful]
Miracle play n. Medieval play on biblical themes.
Miraculous adj. 1 being a miracle. 2 supernatural. 3 remarkable, surprising. miraculously adv. [french or medieval latin: related to *miracle]
Mirage n. 1 optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, esp. The appearance of a pool of water in a desert etc. From the reflection of light. 2 illusory thing. [latin miro look at]
Miras abbr. Mortgage interest relief at source.
Mire —n. 1 area of swampy ground. 2 mud, dirt. —v. (-ring) 1 plunge or sink in a mire. 2 involve in difficulties. 3 bespatter; besmirch. miry adj. [old norse]
Mirror —n. 1 polished surface, usu. Of coated glass, reflecting an image. 2 anything reflecting or illuminating a state of affairs etc. —v. Reflect in or as in a mirror. [latin miro look at]
Mirror image n. Identical image or reflection with left and right reversed.
Mirth n. Merriment, laughter. mirthful adj. [old english: related to *merry]
Mis-1 prefix added to verbs and verbal derivatives: meaning ‘amiss’, ‘badly’, ‘wrongly’, ‘unfavourably’ (mislead; misshapen; mistrust). [old english]
Mis-2 prefix occurring in some verbs, nouns, and adjectives meaning ‘badly’, ‘wrongly’, ‘amiss’, ‘ill-’, or having a negative force (misadventure; mischief). [latin minus]
Misadventure n. 1 law accident without crime or negligence (death by misadventure). 2 bad luck. 3 a misfortune.
Misalliance n. Unsuitable alliance, esp. A marriage.
Misanthrope n. (also misanthropist) 1 person who hates mankind. 2 person who avoids human society. misanthropic adj. Misanthropically adv. [greek misos hatred, anthropos man]
Misanthropy n. Condition or habits of a misanthrope.
Misapply v. (-ies, -ied) apply (esp. Funds) wrongly. misapplication n.
Misapprehend v. Misunderstand (words, a person). misapprehension n.
Misappropriate v. (-ting) take (another’s money etc.) For one’s own use; embezzle. misappropriation n.
Misbehave v. & refl. (-ving) behave badly. misbehaviour n.
Misc. Abbr. Miscellaneous.
Miscalculate v. (-ting) calculate wrongly. miscalculation n.
Miscarriage n. Spontaneous premature expulsion of a foetus from the womb.
Miscarriage of justice n. Failure of the judicial system to attain justice.
Miscarry v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (of a woman) have a miscarriage. 2 (of a plan etc.) Fail.
Miscast v. (past and past part. -cast) allot an unsuitable part to (an actor) or unsuitable actors to (a play etc.).
Miscegenation n. Interbreeding of races, esp. Of whites and non-whites. [related to mix, genus]
Miscellaneous adj. 1 of mixed composition or character. 2 (foll. By a plural noun) of various kinds. miscellaneously adv. [latin misceo mix]
Miscellany n. (pl. -ies) 1 mixture, medley. 2 book containing various literary compositions. [latin: related to *miscellaneous]
Mischance n. 1 bad luck. 2 instance of this. [french: related to *mis-2]
Mischief n. 1 troublesome, but not malicious, conduct, esp. Of children (get into mischief). 2 playfulness; malice (eyes full of mischief). 3 harm, injury (do someone a mischief). make mischief create discord. [french: related to *mis-2, chever happen]
Mischievous adj. 1 (of a person) disposed to mischief. 2 (of conduct) playful; malicious. 3 harmful. mischievously adv. Mischievousness n.
Miscible adj. Capable of being mixed. miscibility n. [medieval latin: related to *mix]
Misconceive v. (-ving) 1 (often foll. By of) have a wrong idea or conception. 2 (as misconceived adj.) Badly planned, organized, etc. misconception n. [from *mis-1]
Misconduct n. Improper or unprofessional behaviour.
Misconstrue v. (-strues, -strued, -struing) interpret wrongly. misconstruction n.
Miscreant n. Vile wretch, villain. [french: related to *mis-2, creant believer]
Misdeed n. Evil deed, wrongdoing, crime. [old english]
Misdemeanor n. (brit. Misdemeanour) 1 misdeed. 2 hist indictable offence less serious than a felony. [from *mis-1]
Misdemeanour n. (us misdemeanor) 1 misdeed. 2 hist indictable offence less serious than a felony. [from *mis-1]
Misdiagnose v. (-sing) diagnose incorrectly. misdiagnosis n.
Misdial v. (also absol.) (-ll-; us -l-) dial (a telephone number etc.) Incorrectly.
Misdirect v. Direct wrongly. misdirection n.
Misdoing n. Misdeed.
Miser n. 1 person who hoards wealth and lives miserably. 2 avaricious person. miserly adj. [latin, = wretched]
Miserable adj. 1 wretchedly unhappy or uncomfortable. 2 contemptible, mean. 3 causing wretchedness or discomfort (miserable weather). miserableness n. Miserably adv. [latin: related to *miser]
Misericord n. Projection under a choir stall seat serving (when the seat is turned up) to support a person standing. [latin misericordia pity]
Misery n. (pl. -ies) 1 condition or feeling of wretchedness. 2 cause of this. 3 colloq. Constantly depressed or discontented person. [latin: related to *miser]
Misfield —v. (also absol.) (in cricket, baseball, etc.) Field (the ball) badly. —n. Instance of this. [from *mis-1]
Misfire —v. (-ring) 1 (of a gun, motor engine, etc.) Fail to go off or start or function smoothly. 2 (of a plan etc.) Fail to have the intended effect. —n. Such failure.
Misfit n. 1 person unsuited to an environment, occupation, etc. 2 garment etc.
That does not fit.
Misfortune n. 1 bad luck. 2 instance of this.
Misgive v. (-ving; past -gave; past part. -given) (of a person’s mind, heart, etc.) Fill (a person) with suspicion or foreboding.
Misgiving n. (usu. In pl.) Feeling of mistrust or apprehension.
Misgovern v. Govern badly. misgovernment n.
Misguided adj. Mistaken in thought or action. misguidedly adv. Misguidedness n.
Mishandle v. (-ling) 1 deal with incorrectly or inefficiently. 2 handle roughly or rudely.
Mishap n. Unlucky accident.
Mishear v. (past and past part. -heard) hear incorrectly or imperfectly.
Mishit —v. (-tt-; past and past part. -hit) hit (a ball etc.) Badly. —n. Faulty or bad hit.
Mishmash n. Confused mixture. [reduplication of *mash]
Misinform v. Give wrong information to, mislead. misinformation n. [from *mis-1]
Misinterpret v. (-t-) 1 interpret wrongly. 2 draw a wrong inference from.
misinterpretation n.
Misjudge v. (-ging) (also absol.) 1 judge wrongly. 2 have a wrong opinion of.
misjudgement n. (also -judgment).
Miskey v. (-keys, -keyed) key (data) wrongly.
Mislay v. (past and past part. -laid) accidentally put (a thing) where it cannot readily be found.
Mislead v. (past and past part. -led) cause to infer what is not true; deceive. misleading adj. [old english]
Mismanage v. (-ging) manage badly or wrongly. mismanagement n. [from *mis-1]
Mismatch —v. Match unsuitably or incorrectly. —n. Bad match.
Misnomer n. 1 name or term used wrongly. 2 wrong use of a name or term. [anglo-french: related to *mis-2, nommer to name]
Misogyny n. Hatred of women. misogynist n. Misogynistic adj. [greek misos hatred, gune woman]
Misplace v. (-cing) 1 put in the wrong place. 2 bestow (affections, confidence, etc.) On an inappropriate object. misplacement n.
Misprint —n. Printing error. —v. Print wrongly.
Misprision n. Law 1 (in full misprision of a felony or of treason) deliberate concealment of one’s knowledge of a crime, treason, etc. 2 wrong action or omission. [anglo-french: related to *mis-2, prendre take]
Mispronounce v. (-cing) pronounce (a word etc.) Wrongly. mispronunciation n. [from *mis-1]
Misquote v. (-ting) quote inaccurately. misquotation n.
Misread v. (past and past part. -read) read or interpret wrongly.
Misrepresent v. Represent wrongly; give a false account or idea of.
misrepresentation n.
Misrule —n. Bad government; disorder. —v. (-ling) govern badly.
Miss1 —v. 1 (also absol.) Fail to hit, reach, find, catch, etc. (an object or goal). 2 fail to catch (a bus, train, etc.) Or see (an event) or meet (a person). 3 fail to seize
(an opportunity etc.) (missed my chance). 4 fail to hear or understand (missed what you said). 5 a regret the loss or absence of (did you miss me?). B notice the loss or absence of (won’t be missed until evening). 6 avoid (go early to miss the traffic). 7 (of an engine etc.) Fail, misfire. —n. Failure to hit, reach, attain, connect, etc. be missing not have (am missing a page) (see also *missing).
Miss2 n. 1 (miss) a title of an unmarried woman or girl. B title of a beauty queen (miss world). 2 title used to address a female schoolteacher, shop assistant, etc. 3 girl or unmarried woman. [from *mistress]
Missal n. Rc ch. 1 book containing the texts for the mass throughout the year. 2 book of prayers. [latin missa *mass2]
Missile n. 1 object or weapon suitable for throwing at a target or for discharge from a machine. 2 weapon directed by remote control or automatically. [latin mitto miss-send]
Missing adj. 1 not in its place; lost. 2 (of a person) not yet traced or confirmed as alive but not known to be dead. 3 not present.
Missing link n. 1 thing lacking to complete a series. 2 hypothetical intermediate type, esp. Between humans and apes.
Mission n. 1 a task or goal assigned to a person or group. B journey undertaken as part of this. C person’s vocation. 2 military or scientific operation or expedition. 3 body of persons sent to conduct negotiations or propagate a religious faith. 4 missionary post. [latin: related to *missile]
Missionary —adj. Of or concerned with religious missions. —n. (pl. -ies) person doing missionary work. [latin: related to *mission]
Missionary position n. Colloq. Position for sexual intercourse with the woman lying on her back and the man lying on top and facing her.
Missis n. (also missus) colloq. Or joc. 1 form of address to a woman. 2 wife. the missis my or your wife. [from *mistress]
Missive n. 1 joc. Letter. 2 official letter. [latin: related to *missile]
Misspell v. (past and past part. -spelt or -spelled) spell wrongly.
Misspend v. (past and past part. -spent) (esp. As misspent adj.) Spend amiss or wastefully.
Misstate v. (-ting) state wrongly or inaccurately. misstatement n.
Missus var. Of *missis.
Missus var. Of *missis.
Mist —n. 1 a water vapour near the ground in minute droplets limiting visibility. B condensed vapour obscuring glass etc. 2 dimness or blurring of the sight caused by tears etc. 3 cloud of particles resembling mist. —v. (usu. Foll. By up, over) cover or become covered with mist or as with mist. [old english]
Mistake —n. 1 incorrect idea or opinion; thing incorrectly done or thought. 2 error of judgement. —v. (-king; past mistook; past part. Mistaken) 1 misunderstand the meaning of. 2 (foll. By for) wrongly take or identify (mistook me for you). 3 choose wrongly (mistake one’s vocation). [old norse: related to *mis-1, *take]
Mistaken adj. 1 wrong in opinion or judgement. 2 based on or resulting from this (mistaken loyalty; mistaken identity). mistakenly adv.
Mister n. Colloq. Or joc. Form of address to a man. [from *master; cf. *mr]
Mistime v. (-ming) say or do at the wrong time. [related to *mis-1]
Mistle thrush n. (also missel thrush) large thrush with a spotted breast, feeding on mistletoe berries. [old english]
Mistletoe n. Parasitic plant with white berries growing on apple and other trees. [old english]
Mistook past of *mistake.
Mistral n. Cold n or nw wind in s. France. [latin: related to *master]
Mistreat v. Treat badly. mistreatment n.
Mistress n. 1 female head of a household. 2 a woman in authority. B female owner of a pet. 3 female teacher. 4 woman having an illicit sexual relationship with a (usu. Married) man. [french maistre master, -ess]
Mistrial n. Trial rendered invalid by error.
Mistrust —v. 1 be suspicious of. 2 feel no confidence in. —n. 1 suspicion. 2 lack of confidence. mistrustful adj. Mistrustfully adv.
Misty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of or covered with mist. 2 dim in outline. 3 obscure, vague (misty idea). mistily adv. Mistiness n. [old english: related to *mist]
Misunderstand v. (past and past part. -understood) 1 understand incorrectly. 2 misinterpret the words or actions of (a person).
Misunderstanding n. 1 failure to understand correctly. 2 slight disagreement or quarrel.
Misusage n. 1 wrong or improper usage. 2 ill-treatment.
Misuse —v. (-sing) 1 use wrongly; apply to the wrong purpose. 2 ill-treat. —n.
Wrong or improper use or application.
Mit abbr. Massachusetts institute of technology.
Mite1 n. Small arachnid, esp. Of a kind found in cheese etc. [old english]
Mite2 n. 1 any small monetary unit. 2 small object or person, esp. A child. 3 modest contribution. [probably the same as *mite1]
Miter (brit. Mitre) —n. 1 tall deeply-cleft headdress worn by bishops and abbots, esp. As a symbol of office. 2 joint of two pieces of wood etc. At an angle of 90°, such that the line of junction bisects this angle. —v. (-ring) 1 bestow a mitre on. 2 join with a mitre. [greek mitra turban]
Mitigate v. (-ting) make less intense or severe. mitigation n. [latin mitis mild]
Mitosis n. Biol. Type of cell division that results in two nuclei each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus. mitotic adj. [greek mitos thread]
Mitre (us miter) —n. 1 tall deeply-cleft headdress worn by bishops and abbots, esp. As a symbol of office. 2 joint of two pieces of wood etc. At an angle of 90°, such that the line of junction bisects this angle. —v. (-ring) 1 bestow a mitre on. 2 join with a mitre. [greek mitra turban]
Mitt n. 1 (also mitten) glove with only two compartments, one for the thumb and the other for all four fingers. 2 glove leaving the fingers and thumb-tip exposed. 3 slang hand or fist. 4 baseball glove. [latin: related to *moiety]
Mix —v. 1 combine or put together (two or more substances or things) so that the constituents of each are diffused among those of the other(s). 2 prepare (a compound, cocktail, etc.) By combining the ingredients. 3 combine (activities etc.) (mix business and pleasure). 4 a join, be mixed, or combine, esp. Readily (oil and water will not mix). B be compatible. C be sociable (must learn to mix). 5 a (foll. By with) (of a person) be harmonious or sociable with; have regular dealings with. B (foll. By in) participate in. 6 drink different kinds of (alcoholic liquor) in close succession. 7 combine (two or more sound signals) into one. —n. 1 a mixing; mixture. B proportion of materials in a mixture. 2 ingredients prepared commercially for making a cake, concrete, etc. be mixed up in (or with) be involved in or with (esp. Something undesirable). Mix it colloq. Start fighting. Mix up 1 mix thoroughly. 2 confuse. [back-formation from *mixed]
Mixed adj. 1 of diverse qualities or elements. 2 containing persons from various backgrounds etc. 3 for persons of both sexes (mixed school). [latin misceo mix]
Mixed bag n. Diverse assortment.
Mixed blessing n. Thing having advantages and disadvantages.
Mixed doubles n.pl. Tennis doubles game with a man and a woman on each side.
Mixed economy n. Economic system combining private and state enterprise.
Mixed farming n. Farming of both crops and livestock.
Mixed feelings n.pl. Mixture of pleasure and dismay about something.
Mixed grill n. Dish of various grilled meats and vegetables etc.
Mixed marriage n. Marriage between persons of different race or religion.
Mixed metaphor n. Combination of inconsistent metaphors (e.g. This tower of strength will forge ahead).
Mixed-up adj. Colloq. Mentally or emotionally confused; socially ill-adjusted.
Mixer n. 1 machine for mixing foods etc. 2 person who manages socially in a specified way (a good mixer). 3 (usu. Soft) drink to be mixed with another. 4 device that receives two or more separate signals from microphones etc. And combines them in a single output.
Mixer tap n. Tap through which both hot and cold water can be drawn together.
Mixture n. 1 process or result of mixing. 2 combination of ingredients, qualities, characteristics, etc. [latin: related to *mixed]
Mix-up n. Confusion, misunderstanding.
Mizen n. (also mizzen) (in full mizen-sail) lowest fore-and-aft sail of a fully rigged ship’s mizen-mast. [italian: related to *mezzanine]
Mizen-mast n. Mast next aft of the mainmast.
Ml abbr. 1 millilitre(s). 2 mile(s).
M.litt. Abbr. Master of letters. [latin magister litterarum]
Mlle abbr. (pl. -s) mademoiselle.
Mm abbr. 1 messieurs. 2 military medal.
Mm abbr. Millimetre(s).
Mme abbr. (pl. -s) madame.
Mn symb. Manganese.
Mnemonic —adj. Of or designed to aid the memory. —n. Mnemonic word, verse, etc. mnemonically adv. [greek mnemon mindful]
Mo abbr. 1 medical officer. 2 money order.
Mo symb. Molybdenum.
Mo n. (pl. -s) colloq. Moment. [abbreviation]
Moa n. (pl. -s) extinct flightless new zealand bird resembling the ostrich. [maori]
Moan —n. 1 long murmur expressing physical or mental suffering or pleasure. 2 low plaintive sound of wind etc. 3 colloq. Complaint; grievance. —v. 1 make a moan or moans. 2 colloq. Complain, grumble. 3 utter with moans. moaner n. [old english]
Moat n. Defensive ditch round a castle etc., usu. Filled with water. [french mote mound]
Mob —n. 1 disorderly crowd; rabble. 2 (prec. By the) usu. Derog. The populace. 3 colloq. Gang; group. —v. (-bb-) crowd round in order to attack or admire. [latin mobile vulgus excitable crowd]
Mob-cap n. Hist. Woman’s large indoor cap covering all the hair. [obsolete mob, originally = slut]
Mobile —adj. 1 movable; able to move easily or get out and about. 2 (of the face etc.) Readily changing its expression. 3 (of a shop etc.) Accommodated in a vehicle so as to serve various places. 4 (of a person) able to change his or her social status. —n. Decoration that may be hung so as to turn freely. mobility n. [latin moveo move]
Mobile home n. Large caravan usu. Permanently parked and used as a residence.
Mobilize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) esp. Mil. Make or become ready for service or action. mobilization n.
Möbius strip n. Math. One-sided surface formed by joining the ends of a narrow rectangle after twisting one end through 180°. [möbius, name of a mathematician]
Mobster n. Slang gangster.
Moccasin n. Soft flat-soled shoe orig. Worn by n. American indians. [american indian]
Mocha n. 1 coffee of fine quality. 2 flavouring made with this. [mocha, port on the red sea]
Mock —v. 1 (often foll. By at) ridicule; scoff (at); act with scorn or contempt for. 2 mimic contemptuously. 3 defy or delude contemptuously. —attrib. Adj. 1 sham, imitation. 2 as a trial run (mock exam). —n. (in pl.) Colloq. Mock examinations. mockingly adv. [french moquer]
Mocker n. Person who mocks. put the mockers on slang 1 bring bad luck to. 2 put a stop to.
Mockery n. (pl. -ies) 1 derision, ridicule. 2 counterfeit or absurdly inadequate representation. 3 ludicrously or insultingly futile action etc.
Mockingbird n. Bird that mimics the notes of other birds.
Mock orange n. White-flowered heavy-scented shrub.
Mock turtle soup n. Soup made from a calf’s head etc. To resemble turtle soup.
Mock-up n. Experimental model or replica of a proposed structure etc.
Mod abbr. Ministry of defence.
Mod colloq. —adj. Modern. —n. Young person (esp. In the 1960s) of a group known for its smart modern dress. [abbreviation]
Modal adj. 1 of mode or form, not of substance. 2 gram. A of the mood of a verb. B (of an auxiliary verb, e.g. Would) used to express the mood of another verb. 3 mus. Denoting a style of music using a particular mode. [latin: related to *mode]
Mod cons n.pl. Modern conveniences.
Mode n. 1 way in which a thing is done. 2 prevailing fashion or custom. 3 mus. Any of several types of scale. [french and latin modus measure]
Model —n. 1 representation in three dimensions of an existing person or thing or of a proposed structure, esp. On a smaller scale (often attrib.: model train). 2 simplified description of a system etc., to assist calculations and predictions. 3 figure in clay, wax, etc., to be reproduced in another material. 4 particular design or style, esp. Of a car. 5 a exemplary person or thing. B (attrib.) Ideal, exemplary. 6 person employed to pose for an artist or photographer or to wear clothes etc. For display. 7 garment etc. By a well-known designer, or a copy of this. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 a fashion or shape (a figure) in clay, wax, etc. B (foll. By after, on, etc.) Form (a thing in imitation of). 2 a act or pose as a model. B (of a person acting as a model) display (a garment). [latin: related to *mode]
Modem n. Combined device for modulation and demodulation, e.g. Between a computer and a telephone line. [portmanteau word]
Moderate —adj. 1 avoiding extremes; temperate in conduct or expression. 2 fairly large or good. 3 (of the wind) of medium strength. 4 (of prices) fairly low. —n. Person who holds moderate views, esp. In politics. —v. (-ting) 1 make or become less violent, intense, rigorous, etc. 2 (also absol.) Act as moderator of or to. moderately adv. Moderateness n. [latin]
Moderation n. 1 moderateness. 2 moderating. in moderation in a moderate manner or degree.
Moderato adj. & adv. Mus. At a moderate pace. [italian]
Moderator n. 1 arbitrator, mediator. 2 presiding officer. 3 presbyterian minister presiding over an ecclesiastical body. 4 physics substance used in a nuclear reactor to retard neutrons.
Modern —adj. 1 of present and recent times. 2 in current fashion; not antiquated. —n. Person living in modern times. modernity n. [latin modo just now]
Modern english n. English from about 1500 onwards.
Modernism n. Modern ideas or methods, esp. In art. modernist n. & adj.
Modernize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make modern; adapt to modern needs or habits. 2 adopt modern ways or views. modernization n.
Modest adj. 1 having or expressing a humble or moderate estimate of one’s own merits. 2 diffident, bashful. 3 decorous. 4 moderate or restrained in amount, extent, severity, etc. 5 unpretentious, not extravagant. modestly adv. Modesty n. [french from latin]
Modicum n. (foll. By of) small quantity. [latin: related to *mode]
Modification n. 1 modifying or being modified. 2 change made. modificatory adj. [latin: related to *modify]
Modify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make less severe or extreme. 2 make partial changes in. 3 gram. Qualify or expand the sense of (a word etc.). [latin: related to *mode]
Modish adj. Fashionable. modishly adv.
Modiste n. Milliner; dressmaker. [french: related to *mode]
Modulate v. (-ting) 1 a regulate or adjust. B moderate. 2 adjust or vary the tone or pitch of (the speaking voice). 3 alter the amplitude or frequency of (a wave) by using a wave of a lower frequency to convey a signal. 4 mus. (cause to) change from one key to another. modulation n. [latin: related to *module]
Module n. 1 standardized part or independent unit in construction, esp. Of furniture, a building, or an electronic system. 2 independent self-contained unit of a spacecraft. 3 unit or period of training or education. modular adj. [latin: related to *modulus]
Modulus n. (pl. Moduli) math. Constant factor or ratio. [latin, = measure: related to *mode]
Modus operandi n. (pl. Modi operandi) method of working. [latin, = way of operating]
Modus vivendi n. (pl. Modi vivendi) 1 way of living or coping. 2 arrangement between people who agree to differ. [latin, = way of living]
Mog n. (also moggie) slang cat. [originally a dial. Word]
Mogadon n. Propr. Hypnotic drug used to treat insomnia.
Mogul n. 1 colloq. Important or influential person. 2 (mogul) hist. A mongolian. B (often the great mogul) emperor of delhi in the 16th–19th c. [persian and arabic: related to *mongol]
Mohair n. 1 hair of the angora goat. 2 yarn or fabric from this. [ultimately from arabic, = choice]
Mohammedan var. Of *muhammadan.
Mohican —adj. (of a hairstyle) with the head shaved except for a strip of hair from the middle of the forehead to the back of the neck, often worn in long spikes. —n. Such a hairstyle. [mohicans, n. American indian people]
Moiety n. (pl. -ies) law or literary 1 half. 2 each of the two parts of a thing. [latin medietas from medius middle]
Moire n. (in full moire antique) watered fabric, usu. Silk. [french: related to
Moire n. (in full moire antique) watered fabric, usu. Silk. [french: related to *mohair]
Moiré adj. 1 (of silk) watered. 2 (of metal) having a clouded appearance. [french:
related to *moire]
Moiré pattern n. Pattern observed when one pattern of lines etc. Is superimposed on another.
Moist adj. Slightly wet; damp. [french]
Moisten v. Make or become moist.
Moisture n. Water or other liquid diffused in a small quantity as vapour, or within a solid, or condensed on a surface.
Moisturize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make less dry (esp. The skin by use of a cosmetic). moisturizer n.
Molar —adj. (usu. Of a mammal’s back teeth) serving to grind. —n. Molar tooth. [latin mola millstone]
Molasses n.pl. (treated as sing.) 1 uncrystallized syrup extracted from raw sugar. 2 us treacle. [portuguese from latin mel honey]
Mold1 (brit. Mould) —n. 1 hollow container into which a substance is poured or pressed to harden into a required shape. 2 a vessel for shaping puddings etc. B pudding etc. Made in this way. 3 form or shape. 4 frame or template for producing mouldings. 5 character or type (in heroic mould). —v. 1 make (an object) in a required shape or from certain ingredients (moulded out of clay). 2 give shape to. 3 influence the development of. [french modle from latin *modulus]
Mold2 n. (brit. Mould) furry growth of fungi occurring esp. In moist warm conditions. [old norse]
Mold3 n. (brit. Mould) 1 loose earth. 2 upper soil of cultivated land, esp. When rich in organic matter. [old english]
Molder v. (brit. Moulder) 1 decay to dust. 2 (foll. By away) rot or crumble. 3 deteriorate. [from *mould3]
Molding n. (brit. Moulding) 1 ornamentally shaped outline of plaster etc. As an architectural feature, esp. In a cornice. 2 similar feature in woodwork etc.
Moldy adj. (brit. Mouldy) (-ier, -iest) 1 covered with mould. 2 stale; out of date.
3 colloq. Dull, miserable. mouldiness n.
Mole1 n. 1 small burrowing mammal with dark velvety fur and very small eyes. 2 slang spy established in a position of trust in an organization. [low german or dutch]
Mole2 n. Small permanent dark spot on the skin. [old english]
Mole3 n. 1 massive structure serving as a pier, breakwater, or causeway. 2 artificial harbour. [latin moles mass]
Mole4 n. Chem. The si unit of amount of a substance equal to the quantity containing as many elementary units as there are atoms in 0.012 kg of carbon-12. [german mol from molekül *molecule]
Molecular adj. Of, relating to, or consisting of molecules. molecularity n.
Molecular weight n. = *relative molecular mass.
Molecule n. 1 smallest fundamental unit (usu. A group of atoms) of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction. 2 (in general use) small particle. [latin diminutive: related to *mole3]
Molehill n. Small mound thrown up by a mole in burrowing. make a mountain out of a molehill overreact to a minor difficulty.
Molest v. 1 annoy or pester (a person). 2 attack or interfere with (a person), esp. Sexually. molestation n. Molester n. [latin molestus troublesome]
Moll n. Slang 1 gangster’s female companion. 2 prostitute. [pet form of mary]
Mollify v. (-ies, -ied) appease. mollification n. [latin mollis soft]
Mollusc n. (us mollusk) invertebrate with a soft body and usu. A hard shell, e.g. Snails and oysters. [latin molluscus soft]
Mollusk n. (brit. Mollusc) invertebrate with a soft body and usu. A hard shell, e.g. Snails and oysters. [latin molluscus soft]
Mollycoddle v. (-ling) coddle, pamper. [related to moll, coddle]
Molotov cocktail n. Crude incendiary device, usu. A bottle filled with inflammable liquid. [molotov, name of a russian statesman]
Molt (brit. Moult) —v. (also absol.) Shed (feathers, hair, a shell etc.) In the process of renewing plumage, a coat, etc. —n. Moulting. [latin muto change]
Molten adj. Melted, esp. Made liquid by heat. [from *melt]
Molto adv. Mus. Very. [latin multus much]
Molybdenum n. Silver-white metallic element added to steel to give strength and resistance to corrosion. [greek molubdos lead]
Mom n. Us colloq. Mother. [abbreviation of *momma]
Moment n. 1 very brief portion of time. 2 an exact point of time (i came the moment you called). 3 importance (of no great moment). 4 product of a force and the distance from its line of action to a point. at the moment now. In a moment very soon. Man (or woman etc.) Of the moment the one of importance at the time in question. [latin: related to *momentum]
Momentary adj. Lasting only a moment; transitory. momentarily adv. [latin:
related to *moment]
Moment of truth n. Time of crisis or test.
Momentous adj. Very important. momentously adv. Momentousness n.
Momentum n. (pl. Momenta) 1 quantity of motion of a moving body, the product of its mass and velocity. 2 impetus gained by movement. 3 strength or continuity derived from an initial effort. [latin moveo move]
Momma n. Us colloq. Mother. [var. Of *mama]
Mommy n. (pl. -ies) esp. Us colloq. = *mummy1.
Mon. Abbr. Monday.
Mon. Abbr. Monday.
Monad n. 1 the number one; unit. 2 philos. Ultimate unit of being (e.g. A soul, an atom, a person, god). monadic adj. [greek monas -ados unit]
Monarch n. Sovereign with the title of king, queen, emperor, empress, or equivalent. monarchic adj. Monarchical adj. [greek: related to *mono-, arkho rule]
Monarchism n. Advocacy of monarchy. monarchist n. [french: related to *monarch]
Monarchy n. (pl. -ies) 1 form of government with a monarch at the head. 2 state with this. monarchial adj. [greek: related to *monarch]
Monastery n. (pl. -ies) residence of a community of monks. [latin monasterium from greek monazo alone]
Monastic adj. Of or like monasteries or monks, nuns, etc. monastically adv. Monasticism n. [greek: related to *monastery]
Monday —n. Day of the week following sunday. —adv. Colloq. 1 on monday. 2 (mondays) on mondays; each monday. [old english]
Monetarism n. Control of the supply of money as the chief method of stabilizing the economy. monetarist n. & adj.
Monetary adj. 1 of the currency in use. 2 of or consisting of money. [latin:
related to *money]
Money n. 1 coins and banknotes as a medium of exchange. 2 (pl. -eys or -ies) (in pl.) Sums of money. 3 a wealth. B wealth as power (money talks). C rich person or family (married into money). for my money in my opinion; for my preference. In the money colloq. Having or winning a lot of money. Money for jam (or old rope) colloq. Profit for little or no trouble. [latin moneta]
Moneybags n.pl. (treated as sing.) Colloq. Usu. Derog. Wealthy person.
Moneyed adj. Wealthy.
Money-grubber n. Colloq. Person greedily intent on amassing money. money-grubbing n. & adj.
Moneylender n. Person who lends money at interest.
Moneymaker n. 1 person who earns much money. 2 thing, idea, etc., that produces much money. moneymaking n. & adj.
Money market n. Trade in short-term stocks, loans, etc.
Money order n. Order for payment of a specified sum, issued by a bank or post
Money order n. Order for payment of a specified sum, issued by a bank or post office.
Money-spinner n. Thing that brings in a profit.
Money’s worth see *one’s money’s-worth.
Monger n. (usu. In comb.) 1 dealer, trader (fishmonger). 2 usu. Derog. Promoter, spreader (warmonger; scaremonger). [latin mango dealer]
Mongol —adj. 1 of the asian people. 2 resembling this people. 3 (mongol) often offens. Suffering from down’s syndrome. —n. 1 mongolian. 2 (mongol) often offens. Person suffering from down’s syndrome. [native name: perhaps from mong brave]
Mongolian —n. 1 native or inhabitant of mongolia. 2 language of mongolia. — adj. Of or relating to mongolia or its people or language.
Mongolism n. = *down’s syndrome.
Usage the term down’s syndrome is now preferred.
Mongoloid —adj. 1 characteristic of the mongolians, esp. In having a broad flat yellowish face. 2 (mongoloid) often offens. Having the characteristic symptoms of down’s syndrome. —n. Mongoloid or mongoloid person.
Mongoose n. (pl. -s) small flesh-eating civet-like mammal. [marathi]
Mongrel —n. 1 dog of no definable type or breed. 2 other animal or plant resulting from the crossing of different breeds or types. —adj. Of mixed origin, nature, or character. [related to *mingle]
Monies see *money 2.
Monism n. 1 doctrine that only one ultimate principle or being exists. 2 theory denying the duality of matter and mind. monist n. Monistic adj. [greek monos single]
Monitor —n. 1 person or device for checking or warning. 2 school pupil with disciplinary or other special duties. 3 a television receiver used in a studio to select or verify the picture being broadcast. B = *visual display unit. 4 person who listens to and reports on foreign broadcasts etc. 5 detector of radioactive contamination. —v. 1 act as a monitor of. 2 maintain regular surveillance over. 3 regulate the strength of (a recorded or transmitted signal). [latin moneo warn]
Monitory adj. Literary giving or serving as a warning. [latin monitorius: related to *monitor]
Monk n. Member of a religious community of men living under vows. monkish adj. [greek monakhos from monos alone]
Monkey —n. (pl. -eys) 1 any of various primates, including marmosets, baboons etc., esp. A small long-tailed kind. 2 mischievous person, esp. A child. —v. (-eys, -eyed) 1 (often foll. By with) tamper or play mischievous tricks. 2 (foll. By around, about) fool around. [origin unknown]
Monkey business n. Colloq. Mischief.
Monkey-nut n. Peanut.
Monkey-puzzle n. Tree with hanging prickly branches.
Monkey tricks n.pl. Colloq. Mischief.
Monkey wrench n. Wrench with an adjustable jaw.
Monkshood n. Poisonous plant with hood-shaped flowers.
Mono-comb. Form (usu. Mon-before a vowel) one, alone, single. [greek monos alone]
Monochromatic adj. 1 (of light or other radiation) of a single colour or wavelength. 2 containing only one colour. monochromatically adv.
Monochrome —n. Photograph or picture done in one colour or different tones of this, or in black and white only. —adj. Having or using only one colour or in black and white only. [from *mono-, greek khroma colour]
Monocle n. Single eyeglass. monocled adj. [latin: related to *mono-, oculus eye]
Monocotyledon n. Flowering plant with one cotyledon. monocotyledonous adj.
Monocular adj. With or for one eye. [related to *monocle]
Monody n. (pl. -ies) 1 ode sung by a single actor in a greek tragedy. 2 poem lamenting a person’s death. monodist n. [greek: related to mono-, ode]
Monogamy n. Practice or state of being married to one person at a time. monogamous adj. [greek gamos marriage]
Monogram n. Two or more letters, esp. A person’s initials, interwoven as a device.
Monograph n. Treatise on a single subject. Monolingual adj. Speaking or using only one language.
Monolith n. 1 single block of stone, esp. Shaped into a pillar etc. 2 person or thing like a monolith in being massive, immovable, or solidly uniform. monolithic adj. [greek lithos stone]
Monologue n. 1 a scene in a drama in which a person speaks alone. B dramatic composition for one performer. 2 long speech by one person in a conversation etc. [french from greek monologos speaking alone]
Monomania n. Obsession by a single idea or interest. monomaniac n. & adj.
Monophonic adj. (of sound-reproduction) using only one channel of transmission. [greek phone sound]
Monoplane n. Aeroplane with one set of wings.
Monopolist n. Person who has or advocates a monopoly. monopolistic adj.
Monopolize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 obtain exclusive possession or control of (a trade or commodity etc.). 2 dominate or prevent others from sharing in (a conversation etc.). monopolization n. Monopolizer n.
Monopoly n. (pl. -ies) 1 a exclusive possession or control of the trade in a commodity or service. B this conferred as a privilege by the state. 2 (foll. By of, us on) exclusive possession, control, or exercise. [greek poleo sell]
Monorail n. Railway with a single-rail track.
Monosodium glutamate n. Sodium salt of glutamic acid used to enhance the flavour of food. [latin gluten glue]
Monosyllable n. Word of one syllable. monosyllabic adj.
Monotheism n. Doctrine that there is only one god. monotheist n. Monotheistic adj.
Monotone —n. 1 sound or utterance continuing or repeated on one note without change of pitch. 2 sameness of style in writing. —adj. Without change of pitch.
Monotonous adj. Lacking in variety; tedious through sameness. monotonously adv. Monotony n.
Monovalent adj. Univalent.
Monoxide n. Oxide containing one oxygen atom.
Monseigneur n. (pl. Messeigneurs) title given to an eminent french person, esp. A prince, cardinal, archbishop, or bishop. [french mon my, *seigneur]
Monsieur n. (pl. Messieurs) title used of or to a french-speaking man, corresponding to mr or sir. [french mon my, sieur lord]
Monsignor n. (pl. -nori) title of various roman catholic priests and officials. [italian: related to *monseigneur]
Monsoon n. 1 wind in s. Asia, esp. In the indian ocean. 2 rainy season accompanying the summer monsoon. [arabic mawsim]
Monster n. 1 imaginary creature, usu. Large and frightening, made up of incongruous elements. 2 inhumanly cruel or wicked person. 3 misshapen animal or plant. 4 large, usu. Ugly, animal or thing. 5 (attrib.) Huge. [latin monstrum from moneo warn]
Monstrance n. Rc ch. Vessel in which the host is exposed for veneration. [latin monstro show]
Monstrosity n. (pl. -ies) 1 huge or outrageous thing. 2 monstrousness. 3 = monster 3. [latin: related to monstrous]
Monstrous adj. 1 like a monster; abnormally formed. 2 huge. 3 a outrageously wrong or absurd. B atrocious. monstrously adv. Monstrousness n. [latin: related to *monster]
Montage n. 1 selection, cutting, and piecing together as a consecutive whole, of separate sections of cinema or television film. 2 a composite whole made from
juxtaposed photographs etc. B production of this. [french: related to *mount1]
Month n. 1 (in full calendar month) a each of twelve periods into which a year is divided. B period of time between the same dates in successive calendar months. 2 period of 28 days. [old english]
Monthly —adj. Done, produced, or occurring once every month. —adv. Every month. —n. (pl. -ies) monthly periodical.
Month of sundays n. Colloq. Very long period.
Monument n. 1 anything enduring that serves to commemorate or celebrate, esp. A structure or building. 2 stone etc. Placed over a grave or in a church etc. In memory of the dead. 3 ancient building or site etc. That has been preserved. 4 lasting reminder. [latin moneo remind]
Monumental adj. 1 a extremely great; stupendous (monumental effort). B (of a work of art etc.) Massive and permanent. 2 of or serving as a monument. monumentally adv.
Monumental mason n. Maker of tombstones etc.
Moo —n. (pl. -s) cry of cattle. —v. (moos, mooed) make this sound. [imitative]
Mooch v. Colloq. 1 (usu. Foll. By about, around) wander aimlessly around. 2
esp. Us cadge; steal. [probably from french muchier skulk]
Mood1 n. 1 state of mind or feeling. 2 fit of bad temper or depression. in the mood (usu. Foll. By for, or to + infin.) Inclined. [old english]
Mood2 n. 1 gram. Form or set of forms of a verb indicating whether it expresses a fact, command, wish, etc. (subjunctive mood). 2 distinction of meaning expressed by different moods. [alteration of *mode]
Moody —adj. (-ier, -iest) given to changes of mood; gloomy, sullen. —n. (pl. – ies) colloq. Bad mood; tantrum. moodily adv. Moodiness n. [related to *mood1]
Moon —n. 1 a natural satellite of the earth, orbiting it monthly, illuminated by the sun and reflecting some light to the earth. B this regarded in terms of its waxing and waning in a particular month (new moon). C the moon when visible (there is no moon tonight). 2 satellite of any planet. 3 (prec. By the) colloq. Something desirable but unattainable (promised me the moon). —v. 1 wander about aimlessly or listlessly. 2 slang expose one’s buttocks. many moons ago a long time ago. Moon over act dreamily thinking about (a loved one). Over the moon colloq. Extremely happy. moonless adj. [old english]
Moonbeam n. Ray of moonlight.
Moon boot n. Thickly-padded boot for low temperatures.
Moon-face n. Round face.
Moonie n. Colloq. Offens. Member of the unification church. [sun myung moon, name of its founder]
Moonlight —n. 1 light of the moon. 2 (attrib.) Lit by the moon. —v. (-lighted) colloq. Have two paid occupations, esp. One by day and one by night. moonlighter n.
Moonlight flit n. Hurried departure by night, esp. To avoid paying a debt.
Moonlit adj. Lit by the moon.
Moonscape n. 1 surface or landscape of the moon. 2 area resembling this; wasteland.
Moonshine n. 1 foolish or unrealistic talk or ideas. 2 slang illicitly distilled or smuggled alcohol.
Moonshot n. Launching of a spacecraft to the moon.
Moor n. Member of a muslim people of nw africa. moorish adj. [greek mauros]
Moor1 n. 1 open uncultivated upland, esp. When covered with heather. 2 tract of ground preserved for shooting. [old english]
Moor2 v. Attach (a boat etc.) To a fixed object. moorage n. [probably low german]
Moorhen n. Small waterfowl.
Mooring n. 1 (often in pl.) Place where a boat etc. Is moored. 2 (in pl.) Set of permanent anchors and chains.
Moorland n. Extensive area of moor.
Moose n. (pl. Same) n. American deer; elk. [narragansett]
Moot —adj. Debatable, undecided (moot point). —v. Raise (a question) for discussion. —n. Hist. Assembly. [old english]
Mop —n. 1 bundle of yarn or cloth or a sponge on the end of a stick, for
cleaning floors etc. 2 similarly-shaped implement for various purposes. 3 thick mass of hair. 4 mopping or being mopped (gave it a mop). —v. (-pp-) 1 wipe or clean with or as with a mop. 2 a wipe tears or sweat etc. From (one’s face etc.). B wipe away (tears etc.). mop up 1 wipe up with or as with a mop. 2 colloq.
Absorb. 3 dispatch; make an end of. 4 a complete the occupation of (a district etc.) By capturing or killing enemy troops left there. B capture or kill (stragglers). [origin uncertain]
Mope —v. (-ping) 1 be depressed or listless. 2 wander about listlessly. —n. Person who mopes. mopy adj. (-ier, -iest). [origin unknown]
Moped n. Two-wheeled low-powered motor vehicle with pedals. [swedish:
related to motor, pedal]
Moquette n. Thick pile or looped material used for upholstery etc. [french]
Moraine n. Area of debris carried down and deposited by a glacier. [french]
Moral —adj. 1 a concerned with goodness or badness of human character or behaviour, or with the distinction between right and wrong. B concerned with accepted rules and standards of human behaviour. 2 a virtuous in general conduct. B capable of moral action. 3 (of rights or duties etc.) Founded on moral not actual law. 4 associated with the psychological rather than the physical (moral courage; moral support). —n. 1 moral lesson of a fable, story, event, etc. 2 (in pl.) Moral behaviour, e.g. In sexual conduct. morally adv. [latin mos mor-custom]
Morale n. Confidence, determination, etc. Of a person or group. [french moral:
related to *moral]
Moralist n. 1 person who practises or teaches morality. 2 person who follows a natural system of ethics. moralistic adj.
Morality n. (pl. -ies) 1 degree of conformity to moral principles. 2 right moral conduct. 3 science of morals. 4 particular system of morals (commercial morality).
Morality play n. Hist. Drama with personified abstract qualities and including a moral lesson.
Moralize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 (often foll. By on) indulge in moral reflection or talk. 2 make moral or more moral. moralization n.
Moral law n. The conditions to be satisfied by any right course of action.
Moral philosophy n. Branch of philosophy concerned with ethics.
Moral victory n. Defeat that has some of the satisfactory elements of victory.
Morass n. 1 entanglement; confusion. 2 literary bog. [french marais related to *marsh]
Moratorium n. (pl. -s or -ria) 1 (often foll. By on) temporary prohibition or suspension (of an activity). 2 a legal authorization to debtors to postpone payment. B period of this postponement. [latin moror delay]
Morbid adj. 1 a (of the mind, ideas, etc.) Unwholesome. B given to morbid feelings. 2 colloq. Melancholy. 3 med. Of the nature of or indicative of disease. morbidity n. Morbidly adv. [latin morbus disease]
More —adj. Greater in quantity or degree; additional (more problems than last time; bring some more water). —n. Greater quantity, number, or amount (more than three people; more to it than meets the eye). —adv. 1 to a greater degree or extent. 2 forming the comparative of adjectives and adverbs, esp. Those of more than one syllable (more absurd; more easily). more and more to an increasing degree. More of to a greater extent. More or less approximately; effectively; nearly. What is more as an additional point. [old english]
Moreish adj. (also morish) colloq. (of food) causing a desire for more.
Morello n. (pl. -s) sour kind of dark cherry. [italian, = blackish]
Moreover adv. Besides, in addition to what has been said.
Mores n.pl. Customs or conventions of a community. [latin, pl. Of mos custom]
Morganatic adj. 1 (of a marriage) between a person of high rank and one of lower rank, the spouse and children having no claim to the possessions or title of the person of higher rank. 2 (of a spouse) married in this way. [latin morganaticus from germanic, = ‘morning gift’, from a husband to his wife on the morning after consummation of a marriage]
Morgue n. 1 mortuary. 2 (in a newspaper office) room or file of miscellaneous information. [french, originally the name of a paris mortuary]
Moribund adj. 1 at the point of death. 2 lacking vitality. [latin morior die]
Morish var. Of *moreish.
Mormon n. Member of the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints. mormonism n. [mormon, name of the supposed author of the book on which mormonism is founded]
Morn n. Poet. Morning. [old english]
Mornay n. Cheese-flavoured white sauce. [origin uncertain]
Morning n. 1 early part of the day, ending at noon or lunch-time (this morning; during the morning). 2 attrib. Taken, occurring, or appearing during the morning (morning coffee). in the morning colloq. Tomorrow morning. [from *morn]
Morning after n. Colloq. = *hangover 1.
Morning-after pill n. Contraceptive pill taken some hours after intercourse.
Morning coat n. Coat with tails, and with the front cut away.
Morning dress n. Man’s morning coat and striped trousers.
Morning glory n. Twining plant with trumpet-shaped flowers.
Morning sickness n. Nausea felt in the morning in esp. Early pregnancy.
Morning star n. Planet, usu. Venus, seen in the east before sunrise.
Morocco n. (pl. -s) fine flexible leather of goatskin tanned with sumac. [morocco in nw africa]
Moron n. 1 colloq. Very stupid person. 2 adult with a mental age of 8–12. moronic adj. [greek moros foolish]
Morose adj. Sullen, gloomy. morosely adv. Moroseness n. [latin mos mor-manner]
manner]
Morpheme n. Linguistics meaningful unit of a language that cannot be further divided (e.g. In, come, -ing, forming incoming). [greek morphe form]
Morphia n. (in general use) = *morphine.
Morphine n. Narcotic drug from opium, used to relieve pain. [latin morpheus god of sleep]
Morphology n. The study of the forms of things, esp. Of animals and plants and of words and their structure. morphological adj. [greek morphe form]
Morris dance n. Traditional english dance in fancy costume, with ribbons and bells. morris dancer n. Morris dancing n. [morys, var. Of moorish: related to *moor]
Morrow n. (usu. Prec. By the) literary the following day. [related to *morn]
Morse —n. (in full morse code) code in which letters are represented by combinations of long and short light or sound signals. —v. (-sing) signal by morse code. [morse, name of an electrician]
Morsel n. Mouthful; small piece (esp. Of food). [latin morsus bite]
Mortal —adj. 1 subject to death. 2 causing death; fatal. 3 (of combat) fought to
the death. 4 associated with death (mortal agony). 5 (of an enemy) implacable. 6 (of pain, fear, an affront, etc.) Intense, very serious. 7 colloq. Long and tedious (for two mortal hours). 8 colloq. Conceivable, imaginable (every mortal thing; of no mortal use). —n. Human being. mortally adv. [latin mors mort-death]
Mortality n. (pl. -ies) 1 being subject to death. 2 loss of life on a large scale. 3 a number of deaths in a given period etc. B (in full mortality rate) death rate.
Mortal sin n. Sin that deprives the soul of divine grace.
Mortar —n. 1 mixture of lime or cement, sand, and water, for bonding bricks or stones. 2 short large-bore cannon for firing shells at high angles. 3 vessel in which ingredients are pounded with a pestle. —v. 1 plaster or join with mortar. 2 bombard with mortar shells. [latin mortarium]
Mortarboard n. 1 academic cap with a stiff flat square top. 2 flat board for holding mortar.
Mortgage —n. 1 a conveyance of property to a creditor as security for a debt (usu. One incurred by the purchase of the property). B deed effecting this. 2 sum of money lent by this. —v. (-ging) convey (a property) by mortgage. mortgageable adj. [french, = dead pledge: related to *gage1]
Mortgagee n. Creditor in a mortgage.
Mortgager n. (also mortgagor) debtor in a mortgage.
Mortgage rate n. Rate of interest charged by a mortgagee.
Mortice var. Of *mortise.
Mortician n. Us undertaker. [latin mors mort-death]
Mortify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 a cause (a person) to feel shamed, humiliated, or sorry. B wound (a person’s feelings). 2 bring (the body, the flesh, the passions, etc.) Into subjection by self-denial or discipline. 3 (of flesh) be affected by gangrene or necrosis. mortification n. Mortifying adj. [latin: related to *mortician]
Mortise (also mortice) —n. Hole in a framework designed to receive the end of another part, esp. A tenon. —v. (-sing) 1 join securely, esp. By mortise and tenon. 2 cut a mortise in. [french from arabic]
Mortise lock n. Lock recessed in the frame of a door etc.
Mortuary —n. (pl. -ies) room or building in which dead bodies are kept until burial or cremation. —attrib. Adj. Of death or burial. [medieval latin mortuus dead]
Mosaic adj. Of moses. [french from moses in the old testament]
Mosaic n. 1 a picture or pattern produced by arranging small variously coloured pieces of glass or stone etc. B this as an art form. 2 diversified thing. 3 (attrib.) Of or like a mosaic. [greek: ultimately related to *muse2]
Mosaic law n. The laws attributed to moses and listed in the pentateuch.
Moselle n. Dry white wine from the moselle valley in germany.
Mosey v. (-eys, -eyed) (often foll. By along) slang go in a leisurely manner. [origin unknown]
Moslem var. Of *muslim.
Mosque n. Muslim place of worship. [arabic masgid]
Mosquito n. (pl. -es) biting insect, esp. One of which the female punctures the skin with a long proboscis to suck blood. [spanish and portuguese, diminutive of mosca fly]
Mosquito-net n. Net to keep off mosquitoes.
Moss n. 1 small flowerless plant growing in dense clusters in bogs, on the ground, trees, stones, etc. 2 scot. & n.engl. Bog, esp. A peatbog. mossy adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Most —adj. 1 greatest in quantity or degree. 2 the majority of (most people think so). —n. 1 greatest quantity or number (this is the most i can do). 2 the majority (most of them are missing). —adv. 1 in the highest degree. 2 forming the superlative of adjectives and adverbs, esp. Those of more than one syllable (most absurd; most easily). 3 us colloq. Almost. at most no more or better than (this is at most a makeshift). At the most 1 as the greatest amount. 2 not more than. For the most part 1 mainly. 2 usually.
-most suffix forming superlative adjectives and adverbs from prepositions and other words indicating relative position (foremost; uttermost). [old english]
Mostly adv. 1 mainly. 2 usually.
Most reverend n. Title of archbishops.
Mot abbr. (in full mot test) compulsory annual test of vehicles of more than a specified age. [ministry of transport]
Mot n. (pl. Mots pronunc. Same) = *bon mot. [french, = word]
Mote n. Speck of dust. [old english]
Motel n. Roadside hotel for motorists. [from motor hotel]
Motet n. Mus. Short religious choral work. [french: related to *mot]
Moth n. 1 nocturnal insect like a butterfly but without clubbed antennae. 2 insect of this type breeding in cloth etc., on which its larva feeds. [old english]
Mothball n. Ball of naphthalene etc. Placed in stored clothes to deter moths. in mothballs stored unused for a considerable time.
Moth-eaten adj. 1 damaged by moths. 2 time-worn.
Mother —n. 1 female parent. 2 woman, quality, or condition etc. That gives rise to something else (necessity is the mother of invention). 3 (in full mother superior) head of a female religious community. —v. 1 treat as a mother does. 2 give birth to; be the mother or origin of. motherhood n. Motherless adj. [old english]
Mother carey’s chicken n. = *storm petrel 1.
Mother country n. Country in relation to its colonies.
Mother earth n. The earth as mother of its inhabitants.
Mothering sunday n. = *mother’s day.
Motherin-law n. (pl. Mothers-in-law) husband’s or wife’s mother.
Motherland n. One’s native country.
Motherly adj. Kind or tender like a mother. motherliness n.
Mother-of-pearl n. Smooth iridescent substance forming the inner layer of the shell of oysters etc.
Mother’s day n. Day when mothers are honoured with presents, (in the uk) the fourth sunday in lent, (in the us) the second sunday in may.
Mother tongue n. Native language.
Mothproof —adj. (of clothes) treated so as to repel moths. —v. Treat (clothes) in this way.
Motif n. 1 theme that is repeated and developed in an artistic work. 2 decorative design or pattern. 3 ornament sewn separately on a garment. [french: related to *motive]
Motion —n. 1 moving; changing position. 2 gesture. 3 formal proposal put to a committee, legislature, etc. 4 application to a court for an order. 5 a an evacuation of the bowels. B (in sing. Or pl.) Faeces. —v. (often foll. By to + infin.) 1 direct (a person) by a gesture. 2 (often foll. By to a person) make a gesture directing (motioned to me to leave). go through the motions do something perfunctorily or superficially. In motion moving; not at rest. Put (or
set) in motion set going or working. motionless adj. [latin: related to *move]
Motion picture n. (esp. Us) cinema film.
Motivate v. (-ting) 1 supply a motive to; be the motive of. 2 cause (a person) to act in a particular way. 3 stimulate the interest of (a person in an activity). motivation n. Motivational adj.
Motive —n. 1 what induces a person to act in a particular way. 2 = *motif. — adj. 1 tending to initiate movement. 2 concerned with movement. [latin motivus: related to *move]
Motive power n. Moving or impelling power, esp. A source of energy used to drive machinery.
Mot juste n. (pl. Mots justes pronunc. Same) most appropriate expression.
Motley —adj. (-lier, -liest) 1 diversified in colour. 2 of varied character (a motley crew). —n. Hist. Jester’s particoloured costume. [origin unknown]
Moto-cross n. Cross-country racing on motor cycles. [from motor, cross]
Motor —n. 1 thing that imparts motion. 2 machine (esp. One using electricity or internal combustion) supplying motive power for a vehicle or other machine. 3 = *car 1. 4 (attrib.) A giving, imparting, or producing motion. B driven by a motor (motor-mower). C of or for motor vehicles. D anat. Relating to muscular movement or the nerves activating it. —v. Go or convey in a motor vehicle.
[latin: related to *move]
Motor bike n. Colloq. = *motor cycle.
Motor boat n. Motor-driven boat.
Motorcade n. Procession of motor vehicles. [from *motor, after cavalcade]
Motor car n. = *car 1.
Motor cycle n. Two-wheeled motor vehicle without pedal propulsion. motor cyclist n.
Motorist n. Driver of a car.
Motorize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 equip with motor transport. 2 provide with a motor.
Motorman n. Driver of an underground train, tram, etc.
Motor scooter see *scooter.
Motor vehicle n. Road vehicle powered by an internal-combustion engine.
Motorway n. Road for fast travel, with separate carriageways and limited access.
Motown n. Music with elements of rhythm and blues, associated with detroit. [motor town, = detroit in us]
Mottle v. (-ling) (esp. As mottled adj.) Mark with spots or smears of colour. [back-formation from *motley]
Motto n. (pl. -es) 1 maxim adopted as a rule of conduct. 2 phrase or sentence accompanying a coat of arms. 3 appropriate inscription. 4 joke, maxim, etc. In a paper cracker. [italian: related to *mot]
Mould1 (us mold) —n. 1 hollow container into which a substance is poured or pressed to harden into a required shape. 2 a vessel for shaping puddings etc. B pudding etc. Made in this way. 3 form or shape. 4 frame or template for producing mouldings. 5 character or type (in heroic mould). —v. 1 make (an object) in a required shape or from certain ingredients (moulded out of clay). 2 give shape to. 3 influence the development of. [french modle from latin *modulus]
Mould2 n. (us mold) furry growth of fungi occurring esp. In moist warm conditions. [old norse]
Mould3 n. (us mold) 1 loose earth. 2 upper soil of cultivated land, esp. When rich in organic matter. [old english]
Moulder v. (us molder) 1 decay to dust. 2 (foll. By away) rot or crumble. 3 deteriorate. [from *mould3]
Moulding n. (us molding) 1 ornamentally shaped outline of plaster etc. As an architectural feature, esp. In a cornice. 2 similar feature in woodwork etc.
Mouldy adj. (us moldy) (-ier, -iest) 1 covered with mould. 2 stale; out of date. 3 colloq. Dull, miserable. mouldiness n.
Moult (us molt) —v. (also absol.) Shed (feathers, hair, a shell etc.) In the process of renewing plumage, a coat, etc. —n. Moulting. [latin muto change]
Mound n. 1 raised mass of earth, stones, etc. 2 heap or pile; large quantity. 3 hillock. [origin unknown]
Mount1 —v. 1 ascend; climb on to. 2 a get up on (a horse etc.) To ride it. B set on horseback. C (as mounted adj.) Serving on horseback (mounted police). 3 a (often foll. By up) accumulate. B (of a feeling) increase. 4 (often foll. By on, in) set (an object) on a support or in a backing, frame, etc., esp. For viewing. 5 organize, arrange, set in motion (a play, exhibition, attack, guard, etc.). 6 (of a male animal) get on to (a female) to copulate. —n. 1 backing, etc. On which a picture etc. Is set for display. 2 horse for riding. 3 setting for a gem etc. [latin: related to *mount2]
Mount2 n. Archaic (except before a name): mountain, hill (mount everest). [latin mons mont-]
Mount2 n. Archaic (except before a name): mountain, hill (mount everest). [latin mons mont-]
Mountain n. 1 large abrupt natural elevation of the ground. 2 large heap or pile; huge quantity. 3 large surplus stock (butter mountain). make a mountain out of a molehill see molehill. [latin: related to mount2]
Mountain ash n. Tree with scarlet berries; rowan.
Mountain bike n. Sturdy bike with many gears for riding over rough terrain.
Mountaineer —n. Person who practises mountain-climbing. —v. Climb mountains as a sport. mountaineering n.
Mountain lion n. Puma.
Mountainous adj. 1 having many mountains. 2 huge.
Mountain range n. Continuous line of mountains.
Mountain sickness n. Sickness caused by thin air at great heights.
Mountainside n. Sloping side of a mountain.
Mountainside n. Sloping side of a mountain.
Mountebank n. 1 swindler; charlatan. 2 hist. Itinerant quack. [italian, = mount on bench]
Mountie n. Colloq. Member of the royal canadian mounted police. [abbreviation]
Mounting n. 1 = mount1 n. 1. 2 in senses of mount1 v.
Mourn v. (often foll. By for, over) feel or show deep sorrow or regret for (a dead person, a lost thing, a past event, etc.). [old english]
Mourner n. Person who mourns, esp. At a funeral.
Mournful adj. Doleful, sad, expressing mourning. mournfully adv. Mournfulness n.
Mourning n. 1 expressing of sorrow for a dead person, esp. By wearing black clothes. 2 such clothes.
Mouse —n. (pl. Mice) 1 small rodent, esp. Of a kind infesting houses. 2 timid or feeble person. 3 (pl. -s) computing small hand-held device controlling the cursor on a vdu screen. —v. (-sing) (of a cat, owl, etc.) Hunt mice. mouser n. [old english]
Mousetrap n. 1 trap for catching mice. 2 (often attrib.) Colloq. Poor quality cheese.
Moussaka n. (also mousaka) greek dish of minced meat, aubergine, etc. [greek or turkish]
Mousse n. 1 a dessert of whipped cream, eggs, etc., usu. Flavoured with fruit or chocolate. B meat or fish purée made with whipped cream etc. 2 foamy substance applied to the hair to enable styling. [french, = froth]
Moustache n. (us mustache) hair left to grow on a man’s upper lip. [greek mustax]
Mousy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of or like a mouse. 2 (of a person) timid, feeble. 3 nondescript light brown.
Mouth —n. (pl. Mouths) 1 a external opening in the head, through which most animals take in food and emit communicative sounds. B (in humans and some animals) cavity behind it containing the means of biting and chewing and the vocal organs. 2 opening of a container, cave, trumpet, etc. 3 place where a river enters the sea. 4 an individual as needing sustenance (an extra mouth to feed). 5 colloq. A meaningless or ineffectual talk. B impudent talk; cheek. —v. (-thing) 1 say or speak by moving the lips but with no sound. 2 utter or speak insincerely or without understanding (mouthing platitudes). put words into a person’s mouth represent a person as having said something. Take the words out of a person’s mouth say what another was about to say. [old english]
Mouthful n. (pl. -s) 1 quantity of food etc. That fills the mouth. 2 small quantity.
3 colloq. Long or complicated word or phrase.
Mouth-organ n. = *harmonica.
Mouthpiece n. 1 part of a musical instrument, telephone, etc., placed next to the lips. 2 colloq. Person who speaks for another or others.
Mouth-to-mouth adj. (of resuscitation) in which a person breathes into a subject’s lungs through the mouth.
Mouthwash n. Liquid antiseptic etc. For rinsing the mouth or gargling.
Mouth-watering adj. (of food etc.) Having a delicious smell or appearance.
Movable adj. (also moveable) 1 that can be moved. 2 variable in date from year to year (movable feast). [related to *move]
Move —v. (-ving) 1 (cause to) change position or posture. 2 put or keep in motion; rouse, stir. 3 a take a turn in a board-game. B change the position of (a piece) in a board-game. 4 (often foll. By about, away, off, etc.) Go or proceed. 5 take action, esp. Promptly (moved to reduce crime). 6 make progress (project is moving fast). 7 (also absol.) Change (one’s home or place of work). 8 (foll. By in) be socially active in (a specified group etc.) (moves in the best circles). 9 affect (a person) with (usu. Tender) emotion. 10 (foll. By to) provoke (a person to laughter etc.) (was moved to tears). 11 (foll. By to, or to + infin.) Prompt or incline (a person to a feeling or action). 12 (cause to) change one’s attitude (nothing can move me on this issue). 13 a cause (the bowels) to be evacuated. B
(of the bowels) be evacuated. 14 (often foll. By that) propose in a meeting, etc. 15 (foll. By for) make a formal request or application. 16 sell; be sold. —n. 1 act or process of moving. 2 change of house, premises, etc. 3 step taken to secure an object. 4 a changing of the position of a piece in a board-game. B player’s turn to do this. get a move on colloq. Hurry up. Make a move take action. Move along (or on) advance, progress, esp. To avoid crowding etc. Move away go to live in another area. Move heaven and earth (foll. By to + infin.) Make extraordinary efforts. Move in 1 take up residence in a new home. 2 get into a position of readiness or proximity (for an offensive action etc.). Move in with start to share accommodation with (an existing resident). Move out leave one’s home. Move over (or up) adjust one’s position to make room for another. On the move moving. [latin moveo]
Moveable var. Of *movable.
Movement n. 1 a moving or being moved. B instance of this (watched his every movement). 2 moving parts of a mechanism (esp. A clock or watch). 3 a body of persons with a common object (peace movement). B campaign undertaken by them. 4 (in pl.) Person’s activities and whereabouts. 5 mus. Principal division of a longer musical work. 6 motion of the bowels. 7 rise or fall in price(s) on the stock market. 8 progress.
Mover n. 1 person, animal, or thing that moves or dances, esp. In a specified way. 2 person who moves a proposition. 3 (also prime mover) originator.
Movie n. Esp. Us colloq. Cinema film.
Moving adj. Emotionally affecting. movingly adv.
Moving staircase n. Escalator.
Mow v. (past part. Mowed or mown) 1 (also absol.) Cut (grass, hay, etc.) With a scythe or machine. 2 cut down the produce of (a field) or the grass etc. Of (a lawn) by mowing. mow down kill or destroy randomly or in great numbers. mower n. [old english]
Mozzarella n. Italian curd cheese, orig. Of buffalo milk. [italian]
Mp abbr. Member of parliament.
Mp abbr. Mezzo piano.
M.p.g. Abbr. Miles per gallon.
M.p.h. Abbr. Miles per hour.
M.phil. Abbr. Master of philosophy.
Mr n. (pl. Messrs) 1 title of a man without a higher title (mr jones). 2 title prefixed to a designation of office etc. (mr president; mr speaker). [abbreviation of *mister]
Mrs n. (pl. Same) title of a married woman without a higher title (mrs jones).
Mrs n. (pl. Same) title of a married woman without a higher title (mrs jones). [abbreviation of *mistress]
Ms abbr. 1 (pl. Mss) manuscript. 2 multiple sclerosis.
Ms n. Title of a married or unmarried woman without a higher title. [combination of *mrs, *miss2]
M.sc. Abbr. Master of science.
Ms-dos abbr. Propr. Computing microsoft disk operating system.
Mt. Abbr. Mount.
Mu n. 1 twelfth greek letter (m, m). 2 (m, as a symbol) = *micro-2. [greek]
Much —adj. 1 existing or occurring in a great quantity (much trouble; too much noise). 2 (prec. By as, how, that, etc.) With relative sense (i don’t know how much money you want). —n. 1 a great quantity (much of that is true). 2 (prec. By as, how, that, etc.) With relative sense (we do not need that much). 3 (usu. In neg.) Noteworthy or outstanding example (not much to look at). —adv. 1 in a great degree (much to my surprise; is much the same; i much regret it; much annoyed; much better; much the best). 2 for a large part of one’s time; often (he is not here much). as much so (i thought as much). A bit much colloq. Excessive, immoderate. Much as even though (cannot come, much as i would like to). Much of a muchness very nearly the same. Not much of a colloq. A rather poor. [from *mickle]
Mucilage n. 1 viscous substance obtained from plants. 2 adhesive gum. [latin:
related to *mucus]
Muck —n. 1 colloq. Dirt or filth; anything disgusting. 2 farmyard manure. 3 colloq. Mess. —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By up) colloq. A bungle (a job). B make dirty or untidy. 2 (foll. By out) remove manure from. make a muck of colloq. Bungle. Muck about (or around) colloq. 1 potter or fool about. 2 (foll. By with) fool or interfere with. Muck in (often foll. By with) colloq. Share tasks etc. Equally. [scandinavian]
Mucker n. Slang friend, mate. [probably from muck in: related to *muck]
Muckle var. Of *mickle.
Muckrake v. (-king) search out and reveal scandal. muckraker n. Muckraking n.
Muck-spreader n. Machine for spreading dung. muck-spreading n.
Mucky adj. (-ier, -iest) covered with muck, dirty.
Mucous adj. Of or covered with mucus. mucosity n. [latin mucosus: related to *mucus]
Mucous membrane n. Mucus-secreting tissue lining body cavities etc.
Mucus n. Slimy substance secreted by a mucous membrane. [latin]
Mud n. Soft wet earth. fling (or sling or throw) mud speak disparagingly or slanderously. One’s name is mud one is in disgrace. [german]
Muddle —v. (-ling) (often foll. By up) 1 bring into disorder. 2 bewilder, confuse. —n. 1 disorder. 2 confusion. muddle along (or on) progress in a haphazard way. Muddle through succeed despite one’s inefficiency. [perhaps dutch, related to *mud]
Muddy —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 like mud. 2 covered in or full of mud. 3 (of liquid, colour, or sound) not clear, impure. 4 vague, confused. —v. (-ies, -ied) make muddy. muddiness n.
Mudflap n. Flap hanging behind the wheel of a vehicle, to prevent splashes.
Mud-flat n. Stretch of muddy land uncovered at low tide.
Mudguard n. Curved strip over a bicycle wheel etc. To protect the rider from splashes.
Mud pack n. Cosmetic paste applied thickly to the face.
Mud pack n. Cosmetic paste applied thickly to the face.
Mud-slinger n. Colloq. Person given to making abusive or disparaging remarks.
mud-slinging n.
Muesli n. Breakfast food of crushed cereals, dried fruits, nuts, etc., eaten with milk. [swiss german]
Muezzin n. Muslim crier who proclaims the hours of prayer. [arabic]
Muff1 n. Covering, esp. Of fur, for keeping the hands or ears warm. [dutch mof]
Muff2 v. Colloq. 1 bungle. 2 miss (a catch, ball, etc.). [origin unknown]
Muffin n. 1 light flat round spongy cake, eaten toasted and buttered. 2 us similar round cake made from batter or dough. [origin unknown]
Muffle v. (-ling) 1 (often foll. By up) wrap or cover for warmth, or to deaden sound. 2 (usu. As muffled adj.) Stifle (an utterance). [perhaps french moufle thick glove, *muff1]
Muffler n. 1 wrap or scarf worn for warmth. 2 thing used to deaden sound. 3 us silencer of a vehicle.
Mufti n. Civilian clothes (in mufti). [arabic]
Mug1 —n. 1 a drinking-vessel, usu. Cylindrical with a handle and no saucer. B its contents. 2 slang gullible person. 3 slang face or mouth. —v. (-gg-) attack and rob, esp. In public. a mug’s game colloq. Foolish or unprofitable activity. mugger n. Mugful n. (pl. -s). Mugging n. [scandinavian]
Mug2 v. (-gg-) (usu. Foll. By up) slang learn (a subject) by concentrated study. [origin unknown]
Muggins n. (pl. Same or mugginses) colloq. Gullible person (often meaning oneself: so muggins had to pay). [perhaps from the surname]
Mug shot n. Slang photograph of a face, esp. For police records.
Muhammadan n. & adj. (also mohammedan) = *muslim. [muhammad, name of a prophet]
Usage the term muhammadan is not used by muslims, and is often regarded as offensive.
Mujahidin n.pl. (also mujahedin, -deen) guerrilla fighters in islamic countries, esp. Muslim fundamentalists. [persian and arabic: related to *jihad]
Mulatto n. (pl. -s or -es) person of mixed white and black parentage. [spanish mulato young mule]
Mulberry n. (pl. -ies) 1 tree bearing edible purple or white berries, and leaves used to feed silkworms. 2 its fruit. 3 dark-red or purple. [latin morum mulberry, *berry]
Mulch —n. Layer of wet straw, leaves, or plastic, etc., spread around or over a plant to enrich or insulate the soil. —v. Treat with mulch. [old english, = soft]
Mule1 n. 1 offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, or (in general use) of a female donkey and a male horse (cf. *hinny). 2 stupid or obstinate person. 3 (in full spinning mule) a kind of spinning-machine. [latin mulus]
Mule2 n. Backless slipper. [french]
Muleteer n. Mule-driver. [french muletier: related to *mule1]
Mulish adj. Stubborn.
Mull1 v. (often foll. By over) ponder, consider. [probably dutch]
Mull2 v. Warm (wine or beer) with added sugar, spices, etc. [origin unknown]
Mull3 n. Scot. Promontory. [origin uncertain]
Mullah n. Muslim learned in theology and sacred law. [ultimately arabic mawla]
Mullet n. (pl. Same) any of several kinds of marine fish valued for food. [greek mullos]
Mulligatawny n. Highly seasoned soup orig. From india. [tamil, = pepper-water]
Mullion n. Vertical bar dividing the lights in a window. mullioned adj. [probably french moinel middle: related to *mean3]
Multi-comb. Form many. [latin multus much, many]
Multi-access adj. (of a computer system) allowing access to the central processor from several terminals simultaneously.
Multicoloured adj. Of many colours.
Multicultural adj. Of several cultural groups. multiculturalism n.
Multidirectional adj. Of, involving, or operating in several directions.
Multidirectional adj. Of, involving, or operating in several directions.
Multifarious adj. 1 many and various. 2 of great variety. multifariousness n. [latin multifarius]
Multiform adj. 1 having many forms. 2 of many kinds.
Multilateral adj. 1 (of an agreement etc.) In which three or more parties participate. 2 having many sides. multilaterally adv.
Multilingual adj. In, speaking, or using several languages.
Multimedia —attrib. Adj. Using more than one medium of communication. —n.
= *hypermedia.
Multimillion attrib. Adj. Costing or involving several million (pounds, dollars, etc.) (multimillion dollar fraud).
Multimillionaire n. Person with a fortune of several millions.
Multinational —adj. 1 operating in several countries. 2 of several nationalities.
—n. Multinational company.
Multiple —adj. 1 having several parts, elements, or components. 2 many and
various. —n. Number that contains another without a remainder (56 is a multiple of 7). [latin multiplus: related to *multiplex]
Multiple-choice adj. (of an examination question) accompanied by several possible answers from which the correct one has to be chosen.
Multiple sclerosis see *sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis see *sclerosis.
Multiplex adj. Manifold; of many elements. [latin: related to *multi-, -plex – plicis -fold]
Multiplicand n. Quantity to be multiplied by another.
Multiplication n. Multiplying.
Multiplication sign n. Sign (×) to indicate that one quantity is to be multiplied by another.
Multiplication table n. List of multiples of a particular number, usu. From 1 to 12.
Multiplicity n. (pl. -ies) 1 manifold variety. 2 (foll. By of) great number.
Multiplier n. Quantity by which a given number is multiplied.
Multiply v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (also absol.) Obtain from (a number) another that is a specified number of times its value (multiply 6 by 4 and you get 24). 2 increase in number, esp. By procreation. 3 produce a large number of (instances etc.). 4 a breed (animals). B propagate (plants). [latin multiplico: related to *multiplex]
Multi-purpose attrib. Adj. Having several purposes.
Multiracial adj. Of several races.
Multi-storey attrib. Adj. Having several storeys.
Multitude n. 1 (often foll. By of) great number. 2 large gathering of people; crowd. 3 (the multitude) the common people. [french from latin]
Multitudinous adj. 1 very numerous. 2 consisting of many individuals. [latin:
related to *multitude]
Multi-user attrib. Adj. (of a computer system) having a number of simultaneous users.
Mum1 n. Colloq. = *mummy1.
Mum2 adj. Colloq. Silent (keep mum). mum’s the word say nothing. [imitative]
Mumble —v. (-ling) speak or utter indistinctly. —n. Indistinct utterance or sound. [related to *mum2]
Mumbo-jumbo n. (pl. -s) 1 meaningless or ignorant ritual. 2 meaningless or unnecessarily complicated language; nonsense. [mumbo jumbo, name of a supposed african idol]
Mummer n. Actor in a traditional mime. [french momeur: cf. *mum2]
Mummery n. (pl. -ies) 1 ridiculous (esp. Religious) ceremonial. 2 performance by mummers. [french momerie: related to *mummer]
Mummify v. (-ies, -ied) preserve (a body) as a mummy. mummification n.
Mummy1 n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Mother. [imitative of a child’s pronunciation]
Mummy2 n. (pl. -ies) body of a human being or animal embalmed for burial, esp. In ancient egypt. [persian mum wax]
Mumps n.pl. (treated as sing.) Infectious disease with swelling of the neck and face. [imitative of mouth-shape]
Munch v. Eat steadily with a marked action of the jaws. [imitative]
Mundane adj. 1 dull, routine. 2 of this world. mundanely adv. Mundanity n. [latin mundus world]
Mung n. (in full mung bean) leguminous indian plant used as food. [hindi mung]
Municipal adj. Of a municipality or its self-government. municipalize v. (also – ise) (-zing or -sing). Municipally adv. [latin municipium free city]
Municipality n. (pl. -ies) 1 town or district having local self-government. 2 governing body of this area.
Munificent adj. (of a giver or a gift) splendidly generous. munificence n. [latin munus gift: related to *-fic]
Muniment n. (usu. In pl.) Document kept as evidence of rights or privileges etc. [latin munio fortify]
Munition n. (usu. In pl.) Military weapons, ammunition etc. [latin, = fortification: related to *muniment]
Muon n. Physics unstable elementary particle like an electron, but with a much greater mass. [m (*mu), the symbol for it]
greater mass. [m (*mu), the symbol for it]
Mural —n. Painting executed directly on a wall. —adj. Of, on, or like a wall. [latin murus wall]
Murder —n. 1 intentional unlawful killing of a human being by another. 2 colloq. Unpleasant, troublesome, or dangerous state of affairs. —v. 1 kill (a human being) intentionally and unlawfully. 2 colloq. A utterly defeat. B spoil by a bad performance, mispronunciation, etc. cry blue murder colloq. Make an extravagant outcry. Get away with murder colloq. Do whatever one wishes and escape punishment.
Murderous adj. 1 (of a person, weapon, action, etc.) Capable of, intending, or involving murder or great harm. 2 colloq. Extremely arduous or unpleasant.
Murk n. Darkness, poor visibility. [probably scandinavian]
3 suspiciously obscure (murky past). murkily adv. Murkiness n.
Murmur —n. 1 subdued continuous sound, as made by waves, a brook, etc. 2 softly spoken or nearly inarticulate utterance. 3 subdued expression of discontent. —v. 1 make a murmur. 2 utter (words) in a low voice. 3 (usu. Foll. By at, against) complain in low tones, grumble. [latin]
Murphy’s law n. Joc. Any of various maxims about the perverseness of things. [murphy, irish surname]
Murrain n. Infectious disease of cattle. [anglo-french moryn]
Mus.b. Abbr. (also mus. Bac.) Bachelor of music. [latin musicae baccalaureus]
Muscadet n. 1 a dry white wine from the loire region of france. 2 variety of grape used for this. [muscadet grape]
Muscat n. 1 sweet usu. Fortified white wine made from musk-flavoured grapes. 2 this grape. [provençal: related to *musk]
Muscatel n. 1 = *muscat. 2 raisin from a muscat grape.
Muscle —n. 1 fibrous tissue producing movement in or maintaining the position of an animal body. 2 part of an animal body that is composed of muscles. 3 strength, power. —v. (-ling) (foll. By in, in on) colloq. Force oneself on others; intrude by forceful means. not move a muscle be completely motionless. [latin diminutive of mus mouse]
Muscle-bound adj. With muscles stiff and inelastic through excessive exercise.
Muscle-man n. Man with highly developed muscles.
Muscovite —n. Native or citizen of moscow. —adj. Of moscow. [from muscovy, principality of moscow]
Muscovy duck n. Crested duck with red markings on its head. [muscovy, principality of moscow]
Muscular adj. 1 of or affecting the muscles. 2 having well-developed muscles. 3 robust. muscularity n.
Muscular christianity n. Christian life of cheerful physical activity as described in the writings of charles kingsley.
Muscular dystrophy n. Hereditary progressive wasting of the muscles.
Musculature n. Muscular system of a body or organ.
Mus.d. Abbr. (also mus. Doc.) Doctor of music. [latin musicae doctor]
Muse1 v. (-sing) 1 (usu. Foll. By on, upon) ponder, reflect. 2 say meditatively. [french]
Muse2 n. 1 (in greek and roman mythology) any of the nine goddesses who inspire poetry, music, etc. 2 (usu. Prec. By the) poet’s inspiration. [greek mousa]
Museum n. Building used for storing and exhibiting objects of historical, scientific, or cultural interest. [greek: related to *muse2]
Museum piece n. 1 specimen of art etc. Fit for a museum. 2 derog. Old-fashioned or quaint person or object.
Mush n. 1 soft pulp. 2 feeble sentimentality. 3 us maize porridge. [apparently var. Of *mash]
Mushroom —n. 1 edible fungus with a stem and domed cap. 2 pinkish-brown colour of this. —v. Appear or develop rapidly. [french mousseron from latin]
Mushroom cloud n. Mushroom-shaped cloud from a nuclear explosion.
Mushy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 like mush; soft. 2 feebly sentimental. mushiness n.
Music n. 1 art of combining vocal or instrumental sounds in a harmonious or expressive way. 2 sounds so produced. 3 musical composition. 4 written or printed score of this. 5 pleasant natural sound. music to one’s ears something one is pleased to hear. [greek: related to *muse2]
Musical —adj. 1 of music. 2 (of sounds etc.) Melodious, harmonious. 3 fond of, sensitive to, or skilled in music. 4 set to or accompanied by music. —n. Musical film or play. musicality n. Musically adv.
Musical box n. Box containing a mechanism which plays a tune.
Musical chairs n.pl. 1 party game in which the players compete in successive
rounds for a decreasing number of chairs. 2 series of changes or political manoeuvring etc.
Music centre n. Equipment combining radio, record-player, tape recorder, etc.
Music-hall n. 1 variety entertainment with singing, dancing, etc. 2 theatre for this.
Musician n. Person who plays a musical instrument, esp. Professionally. musicianly adj. Musicianship n. [french: related to *music]
Musicology n. The academic study of music. musicologist n. Musicological adj.
Music stand n. Support for sheet music.
Music stool n. Piano stool.
Musk n. 1 substance secreted by the male musk deer and used in perfumes. 2 plant which orig. Had a smell of musk. musky adj. (-ier, -iest). Muskiness n. [latin muscus from persian]
Musk deer n. Small hornless asian deer.
Musket n. Hist. Infantryman’s (esp. Smooth-bored) light gun. [italian moschetto
Musketry n. 1 muskets; soldiers armed with muskets. 2 knowledge of handling small arms.
Musk ox n. Shaggy n. American ruminant with curved horns.
Muskrat n. 1 large n. American aquatic rodent with a musky smell. 2 its fur.
Musk-rose n. Rambling rose smelling of musk.
Muslim (also moslem) —n. Follower of the islamic religion. —adj. Of the muslims or their religion. [arabic: related to *islam]
Muslin n. Fine delicately woven cotton fabric. [italian mussolo mosul in iraq]
Musquash n. = *muskrat. [algonquian]
Mussel n. Bivalve mollusc, esp. Of the kind used for food. [old english: related to *muscle]
Must1 —v.aux. (present must; past had to or in indirect speech must) (foll. By infin., or absol.) 1 a be obliged to (you must go to school). B in ironic questions (must you slam the door?). 2 be certainly (you must be her sister). 3 ought to (must see what can be done). 4 expressing insistence (must ask you to leave). 5 (foll. By not + infin.) A not be permitted to, be forbidden to (must not smoke). B ought not; need not (mustn’t think he’s angry; must not worry). C expressing insistence that something should not be done (they must not be told). —n. Colloq. Thing that should not be missed (this exhibition is a must). i must say often iron. I cannot refrain from saying (i must say he tries hard; a fine way to behave, i must say). Must needs see *needs. [old english]
Usage in sense 1a, the negative (i.e. Lack of obligation) is expressed by not have to or need not; must not denotes positive forbidding, as in you must not smoke.
Must2 n. Grape juice before fermentation is complete. [old english from latin]
Mustache n. (brit. Moustache) hair left to grow on a man’s upper lip. [greek mustax]
Mustang n. Small wild horse of mexico and california. [spanish]
Mustard n. 1 a plant with slender pods and yellow flowers. B seeds of this crushed into a paste and used as a spicy condiment. 2 plant eaten at the seedling stage, often with cress. 3 brownish-yellow colour. [romanic: related to *must2]
Mustard gas n. Colourless oily liquid, whose vapour is a powerful irritant.
Muster —v. 1 collect (orig. Soldiers) for inspection, to check numbers, etc. 2 collect, gather together. 3 summon (courage etc.). —n. Assembly of persons for inspection. pass muster be accepted as adequate. [latin monstro show]
Mustn’t contr. Must not.
Mustn’t contr. Must not.
Musty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 mouldy, stale. 2 dull, antiquated. mustily adv. Mustiness n. [perhaps an alteration of moisty: related to *moist]
Mutable adj. Literary liable to change. mutability n. [latin muto change]
Mutagen n. Agent promoting genetic mutation. mutagenic adj. Mutagenesis n. [from mutation, -gen]
Mutant —adj. Resulting from mutation. —n. Mutant organism or gene.
Mutate v. (-ting) (cause to) undergo mutation.
Mutation n. 1 change, alteration. 2 genetic change which, when transmitted to offspring, gives rise to heritable variations. 3 mutant. [latin muto change]
Mutatis mutandis adv. (in comparing cases) making the necessary alterations.
Mutatis mutandis adv. (in comparing cases) making the necessary alterations. [latin]
Mute —adj. 1 silent, refraining from or temporarily bereft of speech. 2 (of a person or animal) dumb. 3 not expressed in speech (mute protest). 4 (of a letter) not pronounced. —n. 1 dumb person. 2 device for damping the sound of a musical instrument. 3 unsounded consonant. —v. (-ting) 1 deaden or soften the sound of (esp. A musical instrument). 2 a tone down, make less intense. B (as muted adj.) (of colours etc.) Subdued. mutely adv. Muteness n. [latin mutus]
Mute button n. Device on a telephone to temporarily prevent the caller from hearing what is being said at the receiver’s end, or on a television etc. To temporarily turn off the sound.
Mute swan n. Common white swan.
Mutilate v. (-ting) 1 a deprive (a person or animal) of a limb or organ. B destroy the use of (a limb or organ). 2 excise or damage part of (a book etc.). mutilation n. [latin mutilus maimed]
Mutineer n. Person who mutinies. [romanic: related to *move]
Mutinous adj. Rebellious; ready to mutiny. mutinously adv.
Mutiny —n. (pl. -ies) open revolt, esp. By soldiers or sailors against their officers. —v. (-ies, -ied) (often foll. By against) revolt; engage in mutiny.
Mutt n. 1 slang ignorant or stupid person. 2 derog. Dog. [abbreviation of *mutton-head]
Mutter —v. 1 (also absol.) Utter (words) in a barely audible manner. 2 (often foll. By against, at) murmur or grumble. —n. 1 muttered words or sounds. 2 muttering. [related to *mute]
Mutton n. Flesh of sheep as food. [medieval latin multo sheep]
Mutton dressed as lamb n. Colloq. Middle-aged or elderly woman dressed to appear younger.
Mutton-head n. Colloq. Stupid person.
Mutual adj. 1 (of feelings, actions, etc.) Experienced or done by each of two or more parties to or towards the other(s) (mutual affection). 2 colloq. Common to two or more persons (a mutual friend). 3 having the same (specified) relationship to each other (mutual well-wishers). mutuality n. Mutually adv. [latin mutuus borrowed]
Usage the use of mutual in sense 2, although often found, is considered incorrect by some people, for whom common is preferable.
Muzak n. 1 propr. System of piped music used in public places. 2 (muzak) recorded light background music. [fanciful var. Of *music]
Muzzle —n. 1 projecting part of an animal’s face, including the nose and mouth. 2 guard, usu. Of straps or wire, put over an animal’s nose and mouth to stop it biting or feeding. 3 open end of a firearm. —v. (-ling) 1 put a muzzle on. 2 impose silence on. [medieval latin musum]
My poss. Pron. (attrib.) 1 of or belonging to me. 2 affectionate, patronizing, etc. Form of address (my dear boy). 3 in expressions of surprise (my god!; oh my!). 4 colloq. Indicating a close relative etc. Of the speaker (my johnny’s ill again). my lady (or lord) form of address to certain titled persons. [from *mine1]
Myalgia n. Muscular pain. myalgic adj. [greek mus muscle]
Mycelium (pl. -lia) microscopic threadlike parts of a fungus. [greek mukes mushroom]
Mycenaean —adj. Of the late bronze age civilization in greece (c.1500–1100 bc), depicted in the homeric poems. —n. Person of this civilization. [latin mycenaeus]
Mycology n. 1 the study of fungi. 2 fungi of a particular region. mycologist n. [greek mukes mushroom]
Myna n. (also mynah, mina) talking bird of the starling family. [hindi]
Myopia n. 1 short-sightedness. 2 lack of imagination or insight. myopic adj. Myopically adv. [greek muo shut, ops eye]
Myriad literary —n. An indefinitely great number. —adj. Innumerable. [greek murioi 10,000]
Myrrh n. Gum resin used in perfume, medicine, incense, etc. [latin myrrha from greek]
Myrtle n. Evergreen shrub with shiny leaves and white scented flowers. [greek murtos]
Myself pron. 1 emphat. Form of *i2 or me1 (i saw it myself). 2 refl. Form of me1 (i was angry with myself). be myself see oneself. I myself i for my part (i myself am doubtful). [old english: related to me1, *self]
Mysterious adj. Full of or wrapped in mystery. mysteriously adv. [french: related to *mystery]
Mystery n. (pl. -ies) 1 secret, hidden, or inexplicable matter. 2 secrecy or obscurity. 3 (attrib.) Secret, undisclosed (mystery guest). 4 practice of making a secret of things (engaged in mystery and intrigue). 5 (in full mystery story) fictional work dealing with a puzzling event, esp. A murder. 6 a religious truth
divinely revealed. 7 (in pl.) A secret religious rites of the ancient greeks, romans, etc. B archaic eucharist. [greek musterion: related to *mystic]
Mystery play n. Miracle play.
Mystery tour n. Pleasure trip to an unspecified destination.
Mystic —n. Person who seeks by contemplation etc. To achieve unity with the deity, or who believes in the spiritual apprehension of truths that are beyond the understanding. —adj. = *mystical. mysticism n. [greek mustes initiated person]
Mystical adj. 1 of mystics or mysticism. 2 mysterious; occult; of hidden meaning. 3 spiritually allegorical or symbolic. mystically adv.
Mystify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 bewilder, confuse. 2 wrap in mystery. mystification n. [french: related to mystic or mystery]
Mystique n. Atmosphere of mystery and veneration attending some activity, person, profession, etc. [french: related to *mystic]
Myth n. 1 traditional story usu. Involving supernatural or imaginary persons and embodying popular ideas on natural or social phenomena etc. 2 such narratives collectively. 3 widely held but false notion. 4 fictitious person, thing, or idea. 5 allegory (platonic myth). mythical adj. Mythically adv. [greek muthos]
Mythology n. (pl. -ies) 1 body of myths. 2 the study of myths. mythological adj. Mythologize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). [greek: related to *myth]
Myxomatosis n. Viral disease of rabbits. [greek muxa mucus]
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This source is an excerpt from the Oxford English Dictionary. It provides definitions, usage notes, and etymologies for a wide range of English words, starting from “Aborigine” and progressing alphabetically. Entries include parts of speech, inflections, and examples of usage. The dictionary also often notes the origin of each term, tracing its roots back to Latin, Greek, French, or Old English. Overall, the text serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the nuances of the English language.
A
A
A-prefix (also an-before a vowel sound) not, without (amoral). [greek]
Aa abbr. 1 automobile association. 2 alcoholics anonymous. 3 anti-aircraft.
Aardvark n. Mammal with a tubular snout and a long tongue, feeding on termites. [afrikaans]
Ab-prefix off, away, from (abduct). [latin]
Aback adv. take aback surprise, disconcert. [old english: related to *a2]
Abacus n. (pl. -cuses) 1 frame with wires along which beads are slid for calculating. 2 archit. Flat slab on top of a capital. [latin from greek from hebrew]
Abaft naut. —adv. In the stern half of a ship. —prep. Nearer the stern than. [from *a2, -baft: see *aft]
Abandon —v. 1 give up. 2 forsake, desert. 3 (often foll. By to; often refl.) Yield to a passion, another’s control, etc. —n. Freedom from inhibitions. abandonment n. [french: related to ad-, ban]
Abate v. (-ting) make or become less strong etc.; diminish. abatement n. [french abatre from latin batt(u)o beat]
Abattoir n. Slaughterhouse. [french abatre fell, as *abate]
Abbacy n. (pl. -ies) office or jurisdiction of an abbot or abbess. [latin: related to *abbot]
Abbé n. (in france) abbot or priest. [french from latin: related to *abbot]
Abbess n. Head of a community of nuns.
Abbey n. (pl. -s) 1 building(s) occupied by a community of monks or nuns. 2 the community itself. 3 building that was once an abbey.
Abbot n. Head of a community of monks. [old english from latin abbas]
Abbot n. Head of a community of monks. [old english from latin abbas]
Abbreviate v. (-ting) shorten, esp. Represent (a word etc.) By a part of it. abbreviation n. [latin: related to *brief]
Abc n. 1 the alphabet. 2 rudiments of a subject. 3 alphabetical guide.
Abdicate v. (-ting) 1 (usu. Absol.) Give up or renounce (the throne). 2 renounce (a duty, right, etc.). abdication n. [latin dico declare]
Abdomen n. 1 the belly, including the stomach, bowels, etc. 2 the hinder part of an insect etc. abdominal adj. [latin]
Abduct v. Carry off or kidnap illegally. abduction n. Abductor n. [latin duco lead]
Abeam adv. At right angles to a ship’s or an aircraft’s length.
Aberdeen angus n. Animal of a scottish breed of hornless black cattle. [aberdeen in scotland]
Aberdonian —adj. Of aberdeen. —n. Native or citizen of aberdeen. [medieval latin]
Aberrant adj. Deviating from what is normal or accepted. [latin: related to *err]
Aberration n. 1 aberrant behaviour; moral or mental lapse. 2 biol. Deviation from a normal type. 3 distortion of an image because of a defect in a lens or mirror. 4 astron. Apparent displacement of a celestial body.
Abet v. (-tt-) (usu. In aid and abet) encourage or assist (an offender or offence). [french: related to ad-, bait]
Abeyance n. (usu. Prec. By in, into) temporary disuse. [french: related to *ad-, beer gape]
Abhor v. (-rr-) detest; regard with disgust. [latin: related to *horror
Abhorrence n. Disgust; detestation.
Abhorrent adj. (often foll. By to) disgusting or hateful.
Abide v. (-ding; past abided or rarely abode) 1 (usu. In neg.) Tolerate, endure (can’t abide him). 2 (foll. By by) a act in accordance with (abide by the rules). B keep (a promise). 3 archaic remain, continue. [old english a-intensive prefix, *bide]
Abiding adj. Enduring, permanent.
Ability n. (pl. -ies) 1 (often foll. By to + infin.) Capacity or power. 2 cleverness, talent. [french: related to *able]
-ability suffix forming nouns of quality from, or corresponding to, adjectives in -able.
Abjure v. (-ring) renounce on oath (an opinion, cause, etc.). abjuration n. [latin juro swear]
Ablative gram. —n. Case (in latin) of nouns and pronouns indicating an agent, instrument, or location. —adj. Of or in the ablative. [latin ablatus taken away]
Able adj. (abler, ablest) 1 (often foll. By to + infin.; used esp. In is able, will be able, etc., replacing tenses of can) having the capacity or power (not able to come). 2 talented, clever. ably adv. [latin habilis]
-able suffix forming adjectives meaning: 1 that may or must be (eatable;
-able suffix forming adjectives meaning: 1 that may or must be (eatable; payable). 2 that can be made the subject of (dutiable; objectionable). 3 relevant to or in accordance with (fashionable; seasonable). [latin -abilis]
Able-bodied adj. Fit, healthy.
Able-bodied seaman n. Ordinary trained seaman.
Ablution n. (usu. In pl.) 1 ceremonial washing of the hands, sacred vessels, etc. 2 colloq. A ordinary bodily washing. B place for this. [latin ablutio from luo lut-wash]
-ably suffix forming adverbs corresponding to adjectives in -able.
Abm abbr. Anti-ballistic missile.
Abnegate v. (-ting) give up or renounce (a pleasure or right etc.). [latin nego deny]
Abnegation n. Denial; renunciation of a doctrine.
Abnormal adj. Deviating from the norm; exceptional. abnormality n. (pl. -ies). Abnormally adv. [french: related to *anomalous]
Abominable snowman n. Supposed manlike or bearlike himalayan animal; yeti.
Abominate v. (-ting) detest, loathe. abomination n. [latin: related to *abominable]
Aboriginal —adj. 1 indigenous, inhabiting a land from the earliest times, esp. Before the arrival of colonists. 2 (usu. Aboriginal) of australian aborigines. —n. 1 aboriginal inhabitant. 2 (usu. Aboriginal) aboriginal inhabitant of australia. [latin: related to *origin]
Aborigine n. (usu. In pl.) 1 aboriginal inhabitant. 2 (usu. Aborigine) aboriginal inhabitant of australia.
Usage when referring to the people, aboriginal is preferred for the singular form and aborigines for the plural, although aboriginals is also acceptable.
Abort v. 1 miscarry. 2 a effect abortion of (a foetus). B effect abortion in (a mother). 3 end or cause (a project etc.) To end before completion. [latin orior be born]
Abortion n. 1 natural or (esp.) Induced expulsion of a foetus from the womb before it is able to survive independently. 2 stunted or deformed creature or thing. 3 failed project or action. abortionist n.
Aboriginal —adj. 1 indigenous, inhabiting a land from the earliest times, esp. Before the arrival of colonists. 2 (usu. Aboriginal) of australian aborigines. —n. 1 aboriginal inhabitant. 2 (usu. Aboriginal) aboriginal inhabitant of australia. [latin: related to *origin]
Aborigine n. (usu. In pl.) 1 aboriginal inhabitant. 2 (usu. Aborigine) aboriginal inhabitant of australia.
Usage when referring to the people, aboriginal is preferred for the singular form and aborigines for the plural, although aboriginals is also acceptable.
Abort v. 1 miscarry. 2 a effect abortion of (a foetus). B effect abortion in (a mother). 3 end or cause (a project etc.) To end before completion. [latin orior be born]
Abortion n. 1 natural or (esp.) Induced expulsion of a foetus from the womb before it is able to survive independently. 2 stunted or deformed creature or thing. 3 failed project or action. abortionist n.
Abortive adj. Fruitless, unsuccessful.
Abound v. 1 be plentiful. 2 (foll. By in, with) be rich; teem. [latin unda wave]
About —prep. 1 a on the subject of (a book about birds). B relating to (glad about it). C in relation to (symmetry about a plane). 2 at a time near to (about six). 3 a in, round (walked about the town; a scarf about her neck). B all round from a centre (look about you). 4 at points in (strewn about the house). 5 carried with (no money about me). 6 occupied with (about her business). —adv. 1 a approximately (about ten miles). B colloq. In an understatement (just about had enough). 2 nearby (a lot of flu about). 3 in every direction (look about). 4 on the move; in action (out and about). 5 in rotation or succession (turn and turn about). be about (or all about) colloq. Have as its essential nature (life is all about having fun). Be about to be on the point of (was about to laugh). [old english]
About-face n. & int. = *about-turn, about turn.
About-turn —n. 1 turn made so as to face the opposite direction. 2 change of opinion or policy etc. —int. (about turn) mil. Command to make an about-turn.
Above —prep. 1 over; on the top of; higher than; over the surface of (head above water; above the din). 2 more than (above twenty people). 3 higher in rank, importance, etc., than. 4 a too great or good for (not above cheating). B beyond the reach of (above my understanding; above suspicion). —adv. 1 at or to a higher point; overhead (the floor above; the sky above). 2 earlier on a page or in a book (as noted above). —adj. Preceding (the above argument). —n. (prec. By the) preceding text (the above shows). above all most of all, more than anything else. Above oneself conceited, arrogant. [old english: related to *a2]
Above-board adj. & adv. Without concealment; open or openly.
Abracadabra —int. Supposedly magic word used in conjuring. —n. Spell or charm. [latin from greek]
Abrade v. (-ding) scrape or wear away (skin, rock, etc.) By rubbing. [latin rado scrape]
Abrasion n. 1 scraping or wearing away (of skin, rock, etc.). 2 resulting damaged area.
Abrasive —adj. 1 a tending to rub or graze. B capable of polishing by rubbing or grinding. 2 harsh or hurtful in manner. —n. Abrasive substance.
Abreast adv. 1 side by side and facing the same way. 2 (foll. By of) up to date.
Abridge v. (-ging) shorten (a book, film, etc.). abridgement n. [latin: related to *abbreviate]
Abroad adv. 1 in or to a foreign country or countries. 2 widely (scatter abroad). 3 in circulation (rumour abroad).
Abrogate v. (-ting) repeal, abolish (a law etc.). abrogation n. [latin rogo propose a law]
Abrupt adj. 1 sudden, hasty (abrupt end). 2 (of manner etc.) Curt. 3 steep, precipitous. abruptly adv. Abruptness n. [latin: related to *rupture]
Abscess n. (pl. Abscesses) swelling containing pus. [latin: related to ab-, cede]
Abseil —v. Descend by using a doubled rope coiled round the body and fixed at a higher point. —n. Descent made by abseiling. [german ab down, seil rope]
Absence n. 1 being away. 2 time of this. 3 (foll. By of) lack of. absence of mind inattentiveness. [latin absentia]
Absent —adj. 1 not present. 2 not existing; lacking. 3 inattentive. —v.refl. Go, or stay, away. absently adv. (in sense 3 of adj.).
Absentee n. Person not present.
Absenteeism n. Absenting oneself from work or school etc., esp. Frequently or illicitly.
Absentee landlord n. One who lets a property while living elsewhere.
Absent-minded adj. Forgetful or inattentive. absent-mindedly adv. Absent-mindedness n.
Absinth n. 1 wormwood. 2 (usu. Absinthe) aniseed-flavoured liqueur based on this. [french from latin]
Absolute —adj. 1 complete, utter (absolute bliss). 2 unconditional (absolute authority). 3 despotic (absolute monarch). 4 not relative or comparative (absolute standard). 5 gram. A (of a construction) syntactically independent of the rest of the sentence, as in dinner being over, we left the table. B (of an adjective or transitive verb) without an expressed noun or object (e.g. The deaf, guns kill). 6 (of a legal decree etc.) Final. —n. Philos. (prec. By the) that which can exist independently of anything else. [latin: related to *absolve]
Absolutely adv. 1 completely, utterly. 2 in an absolute sense (god exists absolutely). 3 colloq. (used in reply) quite so; yes.
Absolute majority n. Majority over all rivals combined.
Absolute pitch n. Ability to recognize or sound any given note.
Absolute temperature n. One measured from absolute zero.
Absolute zero n. Theoretical lowest possible temperature calculated as –273.15° c (or 0° k).
Absolution n. Formal forgiveness of sins.
Absolutism n. Principle or practice of absolute government. absolutist n.
Absolve v. (-ving) (often foll. By from, of) set or pronounce free from blame or obligation etc. [latin: related to *solve]
Absorb v. 1 incorporate as part of itself or oneself. 2 take in, suck up (liquid, heat, knowledge, etc.). 3 reduce the effect or intensity of; deal easily with (an impact, sound, difficulty, etc.). 4 consume (resources etc.). 5 (often as absorbing adj.) Engross the attention of. [latin sorbeo suck in]
Absorbent —adj. Tending to absorb. —n. Absorbent substance or organ.
Absorption n. 1 absorbing or being absorbed. 2 mental engrossment. absorptive adj.
Abstain v. 1 (usu. Foll. By from) refrain from indulging (abstained from smoking). 2 decline to vote. [latin teneo tent-hold]
Abstemious adj. Moderate or ascetic, esp. In eating and drinking. abstemiously adv. [latin: related to *ab-, temetum strong drink]
Abstention n. Abstaining, esp. From voting. [latin: related to *abstain]
Abstinence n. Abstaining, esp. From food or alcohol. abstinent adj. [french: related to *abstain]
Abstract —adj. 1 a of or existing in thought or theory rather than matter or practice; not concrete. B (of a word, esp. A noun) denoting a quality, condition, etc., not a concrete object. 2 (of art) achieving its effect by form and colour rather than by realism. —v. 1 (often foll. By from) extract, remove. 2 summarize. —n. 1 summary. 2 abstract work of art. 3 abstraction or abstract term. [latin: related to *tract1]
Abstraction n. 1 abstracting or taking away. 2 abstract or visionary idea. 3 abstract qualities (esp. In art). 4 absent-mindedness.
Abstruse adj. Hard to understand, profound. [latin abstrudo -trus-conceal]
Absurd adj. Wildly illogical or inappropriate; ridiculous. absurdity n. (pl. -ies). Absurdly adv. [latin: related to *surd]
Abta abbr. Association of british travel agents.
Abundance n. 1 plenty; more than enough; a lot. 2 wealth. [latin: related to *abound]
Abundance n. 1 plenty; more than enough; a lot. 2 wealth. [latin: related to *abound]
Abundant adj. 1 plentiful. 2 (foll. By in) rich (abundant in fruit). abundantly adv.
Abuse —v. (-sing) 1 use improperly, misuse. 2 insult verbally. 3 maltreat. —n. 1 misuse. 2 insulting language. 3 unjust or corrupt practice. 4 maltreatment (child abuse). abuser n. [latin: related to *use]
Abusive adj. Insulting, offensive. abusively adv.
Abut v. (-tt-) 1 (foll. By on) (of land) border on. 2 (foll. By on, against) (of a building) touch or lean upon (another). [anglo-latin butta strip of land: related to *butt1]
Abutment n. Lateral supporting structure of a bridge, arch, etc.
Abuzz adv. & adj. In a state of excitement or activity.
Abysmal adj. 1 colloq. Extremely bad (abysmal food). 2 profound, utter (abysmal ignorance). abysmally adv. [latin: related to *abyss]
Abyss n. 1 deep chasm. 2 immeasurable depth (abyss of despair). [latin from greek, = bottomless]
Ac abbr. 1 (also ac) alternating current. 2 aircraftman.
Ac symb. Actinium.
A/c abbr. Account. [account current]
-ac suffix forming adjectives often (or only) used as nouns (cardiac; maniac). [latin -acus, greek -akos]
Acacia n. Tree with yellow or white flowers, esp. One yielding gum arabic. [latin from greek]
Academia n. The academic world; scholastic life.
Academic —adj. 1 scholarly, of learning. 2 of no practical relevance; theoretical. —n. Teacher or scholar in a university etc. academically adv.
Academician n. Member of an academy. [french académicien]
Academy n. (pl. -ies) 1 place of specialized training (military academy). 2 (usu. Academy) society or institution of distinguished scholars, artists, scientists, etc. (royal academy). 3 scot. Secondary school. [greek akademeia the place in athens where plato taught]
Acanthus n. (pl. -thuses) 1 herbaceous plant with spiny leaves. 2 archit. Representation of its leaf. [latin from greek]
A cappella adj. & adv. (of choral music) unaccompanied. [italian, = in church style]
Acas abbr. Advisory, conciliation, and arbitration service.
Accede v. (-ding) (foll. By to) 1 take office, esp. As monarch. 2 assent or agree. [latin: related to *cede]
Accelerate v. (-ting) move or cause to move or happen more quickly. acceleration n. [latin: related to *celerity]
Accelerator n. 1 device for increasing speed, esp. The pedal controlling the speed of a vehicle’s engine. 2 physics apparatus for imparting high speeds to
speed of a vehicle’s engine. 2 physics apparatus for imparting high speeds to charged particles.
Accent —n. 1 particular (esp. Local or national) mode of pronunciation. 2 distinctive feature or emphasis (accent on speed). 3 prominence given to a syllable by stress or pitch. 4 mark on a letter or word to indicate pitch, stress, or vowel quality. —v. 1 emphasize (a word or syllable etc.). 2 write or print accents on (words etc.). 3 accentuate. [latin cantus song]
Accentuate v. (-ting) emphasize, make prominent. accentuation n. [medieval latin: related to *accent]
Accept v. 1 (also absol.) Willingly receive (a thing offered). 2 (also absol.) Answer affirmatively (an offer etc.). 3 regard favourably; treat as welcome (felt accepted). 4 believe, receive (an opinion, explanation, etc.) As adequate or valid. 5 take as suitable (does accept cheques). 6 undertake (an office or duty). [latin capio take]
Acceptable adj. 1 worth accepting, welcome. 2 tolerable. acceptability n. Acceptably adv. [french: related to *accept]
Acceptance n. 1 willingness to accept. 2 affirmative answer to an invitation etc. 3 approval, belief (found wide acceptance).
Access —n. 1 way of approach or entry (shop with rear access). 2 a right or opportunity to reach or use or visit; admittance (access to secret files, to the prisoner). B accessibility. 3 archaic outburst (an access of anger). —v. 1 computing gain access to (data etc.). 2 accession. [french: related to *accede]
Accessible adj. (often foll. By to) 1 reachable or obtainable; readily available. 2
Accessible adj. (often foll. By to) 1 reachable or obtainable; readily available. 2 easy to understand. accessibility n.
Accession —n. 1 taking office, esp. As monarch. 2 thing added. —v. Record the addition of (a new item) to a library etc.
Accessory n. (pl. -ies) 1 additional or extra thing. 2 (usu. In pl.) Small attachment, fitting, or subsidiary item of dress (e.g. Shoes, gloves). 3 (often foll. By to) person who abets or is privy to an (esp. Illegal) act. [medieval latin: related to *accede]
Access road n. Road giving access only to the properties along it.
Access time n. Computing time taken to retrieve data from storage.
Accident n. 1 unfortunate esp. Harmful event, caused unintentionally. 2 event that is unexpected or without apparent cause. by accident unintentionally. [latin cado fall]
Accidental —adj. Happening by chance or accident. —n. Mus. Sign indicating a note’s momentary departure from the key signature. accidentally adv.
Accident-prone adj. Clumsy.
Acclaim —v. 1 welcome or applaud enthusiastically. 2 hail as (acclaimed him king). —n. Applause, welcome, public praise. [latin acclamo: related to *claim]
king). —n. Applause, welcome, public praise. [latin acclamo: related to *claim]
Acclamation n. 1 loud and eager assent. 2 (usu. In pl.) Shouting in a person’s honour.
Acclimatize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) adapt to a new climate or conditions. acclimatization n. [french acclimater: related to *climate]
Accolade n. 1 praise given. 2 touch made with a sword at the conferring of a knighthood. [latin collum neck]
Accommodate v. (-ting) 1 provide lodging or room for (flat accommodates two). 2 adapt, harmonize, reconcile (must accommodate himself to new ideas). 3 a do favour to, oblige (a person). B (foll. By with) supply (a person) with. [latin: related to *commode]
Accommodation address n. Postal address used by a person unable or unwilling to give a permanent address.
Accompaniment n. 1 instrumental or orchestral support for a solo instrument, voice, or group. 2 accompanying thing. accompanist n. (in sense 1).
voice, or group. 2 accompanying thing. accompanist n. (in sense 1).
Accompany v. (-ies, -ied) 1 go with; escort. 2 (usu. In passive; foll. By with, by) be done or found with; supplement. 3 mus. Partner with accompaniment. [french: related to *companion]
Accomplice n. Partner in a crime etc. [latin: related to *complex]
Accomplish v. Succeed in doing; achieve, complete. [latin: related to *complete]
Accomplished adj. Clever, skilled.
Accomplishment n. 1 completion (of a task etc.). 2 acquired, esp. Social, skill. 3 thing achieved.
Accord —v. 1 (often foll. By with) be consistent or in harmony. 2 grant (permission, a request, etc.); give (a welcome etc.). —n. 1 agreement, consent. 2 mus. & art etc. Harmony. of one’s own accord on one’s own initiative; voluntarily. With one accord unanimously. [latin cor cord-heart]
Accordance n. in accordance with in conformity to. accordant adj.
According adv. 1 (foll. By to) a as stated by (according to mary). B in proportion to (lives according to his means). 2 (foll. By as + clause) in a manner or to a degree that varies as (pays according as he is able).
Accordingly adv. 1 as circumstances suggest or require (please act accordingly). 2 consequently (accordingly, he left the room).
Accordion n. Musical reed instrument with concertina-like bellows, keys, and buttons. accordionist n. [italian accordare to tune]
Accost v. 1 approach and address (a person), esp. Boldly. 2 (of a prostitute) solicit. [latin costa rib]
Accession —n. 1 taking office, esp. As monarch. 2 thing added. —v. Record the addition of (a new item) to a library etc.
Accessory n. (pl. -ies) 1 additional or extra thing. 2 (usu. In pl.) Small attachment, fitting, or subsidiary item of dress (e.g. Shoes, gloves). 3 (often foll. By to) person who abets or is privy to an (esp. Illegal) act. [medieval latin: related to *accede]
Access road n. Road giving access only to the properties along it.
Access time n. Computing time taken to retrieve data from storage.
Accident n. 1 unfortunate esp. Harmful event, caused unintentionally. 2 event that is unexpected or without apparent cause. by accident unintentionally. [latin cado fall]
Accidental —adj. Happening by chance or accident. —n. Mus. Sign indicating a
Accidental —adj. Happening by chance or accident. —n. Mus. Sign indicating a note’s momentary departure from the key signature. accidentally adv.
Accident-prone adj. Clumsy.
Acclaim —v. 1 welcome or applaud enthusiastically. 2 hail as (acclaimed him king). —n. Applause, welcome, public praise. [latin acclamo: related to *claim]
Acclamation n. 1 loud and eager assent. 2 (usu. In pl.) Shouting in a person’s honour.
Acclimatize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) adapt to a new climate or conditions. acclimatization n. [french acclimater: related to *climate]
Accolade n. 1 praise given. 2 touch made with a sword at the conferring of a knighthood. [latin collum neck]
Accommodate v. (-ting) 1 provide lodging or room for (flat accommodates two). 2 adapt, harmonize, reconcile (must accommodate himself to new ideas). 3 a do favour to, oblige (a person). B (foll. By with) supply (a person) with. [latin: related to *commode]
Accommodation address n. Postal address used by a person unable or unwilling to give a permanent address.
Accompaniment n. 1 instrumental or orchestral support for a solo instrument, voice, or group. 2 accompanying thing. accompanist n. (in sense 1).
Accompany v. (-ies, -ied) 1 go with; escort. 2 (usu. In passive; foll. By with, by) be done or found with; supplement. 3 mus. Partner with accompaniment. [french: related to *companion]
Accomplice n. Partner in a crime etc. [latin: related to *complex]
Accomplish v. Succeed in doing; achieve, complete. [latin: related to *complete]
Accomplished adj. Clever, skilled.
Accomplishment n. 1 completion (of a task etc.). 2 acquired, esp. Social, skill. 3 thing achieved.
Accord —v. 1 (often foll. By with) be consistent or in harmony. 2 grant (permission, a request, etc.); give (a welcome etc.). —n. 1 agreement, consent. 2 mus. & art etc. Harmony. of one’s own accord on one’s own initiative; voluntarily. With one accord unanimously. [latin cor cord-heart]
Accordance n. in accordance with in conformity to. accordant adj.
According adv. 1 (foll. By to) a as stated by (according to mary). B in proportion to (lives according to his means). 2 (foll. By as + clause) in a manner or to a degree that varies as (pays according as he is able).
Accordingly adv. 1 as circumstances suggest or require (please act accordingly). 2 consequently (accordingly, he left the room).
Accordion n. Musical reed instrument with concertina-like bellows, keys, and buttons. accordionist n. [italian accordare to tune]
Accost v. 1 approach and address (a person), esp. Boldly. 2 (of a prostitute) solicit. [latin costa rib]
Account —n. 1 narration, description (an account of his trip). 2 arrangement at a bank etc. For depositing and withdrawing money, credit, etc. (open an account). 3 record or statement of financial transactions with the balance (kept detailed accounts). —v. Consider as (account him wise, a fool).
Accountable adj. 1 responsible; required to account for one’s conduct. 2 explicable, understandable. accountability n.
Accountant n. Professional keeper or verifier of accounts. accountancy n. Accounting n.
Accredit v. (-t-) 1 (foll. By to) attribute (a saying etc.) To (a person). 2 (foll. By with) credit (a person) with (a saying etc.). 3 (usu. Foll. By to or at) send (an ambassador etc.) With credentials. 4 gain influence for or make credible (an adviser, a statement, etc.). [french: related to *credit]
Accredited adj. 1 officially recognized. 2 generally accepted.
Accretion n. 1 growth or increase by accumulation, addition, or organic enlargement. 2 the resulting whole. 3 a matter so added. B adhesion of this to the core matter. [latin cresco cret-grow]
Accrue v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) (often foll. By to) come as a natural increase or advantage, esp. Financial. [latin: related to *accretion]
Accumulate v. (-ting) 1 acquire an increasing number or quantity of; amass, collect. 2 grow numerous; increase. [latin: related to *cumulus]
Accumulation n. 1 accumulating or being accumulated. 2 accumulated mass. 3 growth of capital by continued interest. accumulative adj.
Accumulator n. 1 rechargeable electric cell. 2 bet placed on a sequence of events, with the winnings and stake from each placed on the next.
Accuracy n. Exactness or careful precision. [latin cura care]
Accurate adj. Careful, precise; conforming exactly with the truth or a standard. accurately adv.
Accursed adj. 1 under a curse. 2 colloq. Detestable, annoying. [old english a-intensive prefix, *curse]
Accusation n. Accusing or being accused. [french: related to *accuse]
Accusative gram. —n. Case expressing the object of an action. —adj. Of or in this case.
Accusatory adj. Of or implying accusation.
Accuse v. (-sing) (often foll. By of) charge with a fault or crime; blame. [latin accusare: related to *cause]
Accustom v. (foll. By to) make used to (accustomed him to hardship). [french: related to *custom]
Accustomed adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By to) used to a thing. 2 customary, usual.
Ace —n. 1 playing-card etc. With a single spot and generally signifying ‘one’. 2 a person who excels in some activity. B pilot who has shot down many enemy aircraft. 3 (in tennis) unreturnable stroke (esp. A service). —adj. Slang excellent. within an ace of on the verge of. [latin as unity]
Acellular adj. Having no cells; not consisting of cells.
Aceous suffix forming adjectives in the sense ‘of the nature of’, esp. In the natural sciences (herbaceous). [latin -aceus]
Acerbic adj. Harsh and sharp, esp. In speech or manner. acerbity n. (pl. -ies). [latin acerbus sour]
Acetaldehyde n. Colourless volatile liquid aldehyde. [from acetic, aldehyde]
Acetate n. 1 salt or ester of acetic acid, esp. The cellulose ester. 2 fabric made from this.
Acetic adj. Of or like vinegar. [latin acetum vinegar]
Acetic acid n. Clear liquid acid giving vinegar its characteristic taste.
Acetone n. Colourless volatile liquid that dissolves organic compounds, esp.
Paints, varnishes, etc.
Acetylene n. Hydrocarbon gas burning with a bright flame, used esp. In welding.
Ache —n. 1 continuous dull pain. 2 mental distress. —v. (-ching) suffer from or be the source of an ache. [old english]
Achieve v. (-ving) 1 reach or attain, esp. By effort (achieved victory; achieved notoriety). 2 accomplish (a feat or task). [french achever: related to *chief]
Achievement n. 1 something achieved. 2 act of achieving.
Achilles heel n. Person’s weak or vulnerable point. [achilles, greek hero in the iliad]
Achilles tendon n. Tendon connecting the heel with the calf muscles.
Achromatic adj. Optics 1 transmitting light without separation into constituent colours (achromatic lens). 2 without colour. achromatically adv. [french: related to a-, chrome]
Achy adj. (-ier, -iest) full of or suffering from aches.
Acid —n. 1 a any of a class of substances that liberate hydrogen ions in water,
Acid —n. 1 a any of a class of substances that liberate hydrogen ions in water, are usu. Sour and corrosive, turn litmus red, and have a ph of less than 7. B any compound or atom donating protons. 2 any sour substance. 3 slang the drug lsd. —adj. 1 sour. 2 biting, sharp (an acid wit). 3 chem. Having the essential properties of an acid. acidic adj. Acidify v. (-ies, -ied). Acidity n. Acidly adv. [latin aceo be sour]
Acid house n. A type of synthesized music with a simple repetitive beat, often associated with hallucinogenic drugs.
Acid rain n. Acid, esp. From industrial waste gases, falling with rain.
Acid test n. Severe or conclusive test.
Acidulous adj. Somewhat acid.
Ack-ack colloq. —adj. Anti-aircraft. —n. Anti-aircraft gun etc. [formerly signallers’ term for aa]
Acknowledge v. (-ging) 1 recognize; accept the truth of (acknowledged its failure). 2 confirm the receipt of (a letter etc.). 3 a show that one has noticed (acknowledged my arrival with a grunt). B express appreciation of (a service etc.). 4 recognize the validity of, own (the acknowledged king). [from ad-, knowledge]
Acknowledgement n. 1 act of acknowledging. 2 a thing given or done in gratitude. B letter confirming receipt of something. 3 (usu. In pl.) Author’s statement of gratitude, prefacing a book.
statement of gratitude, prefacing a book.
Acme n. Highest point (of achievement etc.). [greek]
Acne n. Skin condition with red pimples. [latin]
Acolyte n. 1 person assisting a priest. 2 assistant; beginner. [greek akolouthos follower]
Aconite n. 1 any of various poisonous plants, esp. Monkshood. 2 drug from these. [greek akoniton]
Acorn n. Fruit of the oak, with a smooth nut in a cuplike base. [old english]
Acoustic adj. 1 of sound or the sense of hearing. 2 (of a musical instrument etc.) Without electrical amplification (acoustic guitar). acoustically adv. [greek akouo hear]
Acoustics n.pl. 1 properties or qualities (of a room etc.) In transmitting sound. 2 (usu. As sing.) Science of sound.
Acquaint v. (usu. Foll. By with) make aware of or familiar with (acquaint me with the facts). be acquainted with have personal knowledge of; know slightly. [latin: related to ad-, cognizance]
Acquaintance n. 1 being acquainted. 2 person one knows slightly. acquaintanceship n.
Acquiesce v. (-cing) 1 agree, esp. By default. 2 (foll. By in) accept (an arrangement etc.). acquiescence n. Acquiescent adj. [latin: related to ad-, quiet]
Acquire v. (-ring) gain for oneself; come into possession of. [latin: related to *ad-, quaero quisit-seek]
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome see *aids.
Acquired taste n. 1 liking developed by experience. 2 object of this.
Acquirement n. Thing acquired, esp. A mental attainment.
Acquisition n. 1 thing acquired, esp. When useful. 2 acquiring or being acquired. [latin: related to *acquire]
Acquisitive adj. Keen to acquire things.
Acquit v. (-tt-) 1 (often foll. By of) declare not guilty. 2 refl. A behave or perform in a specified way (acquitted herself well). B (foll. By of) discharge (a duty or responsibility). acquittal n. [latin: related to ad-, quit]
Acre n. Measure of land, 4,840 sq. Yds., 0.405 ha. [old english]
Acrimonious adj. Bitter in manner or temper. acrimony n.
Acrobat n. Entertainer performing gymnastic feats. acrobatic adj. Acrobatically adv. [greek akrobates from akron summit, baino walk]
Acrobatics n.pl. 1 acrobatic feats. 2 (as sing.) Art of performing these.
Acronym n. Word formed from the initial letters of other words (e.g. Laser, nato). [greek akron end, onoma name]
Acropolis n. Citadel of an ancient greek city. [greek akron summit, polis city]
Across —prep. 1 to or on the other side of (across the river). 2 from one side to another side of (spread across the floor). 3 at or forming an angle with (a stripe across the flag). —adv. 1 to or on the other side (ran across). 2 from one side to another (stretched across). across the board applying to all. [french à, en, croix: related to *cross]
Acrostic n. Poem etc. In which certain letters (usu. The first and last in each line) form a word or words. [greek akron end, stikhos row]
Acrylic —adj. Of synthetic material made from acrylic acid. —n. Acrylic fibre or fabric. [latin acer pungent, oleo to smell]
Acrylic acid n. A pungent liquid organic acid.
Act —n. 1 something done; a deed. 2 process of doing (caught in the act). 3 item of entertainment. 4 pretence (all an act). 5 main division of a play etc. 6 a decree of a legislative body. B document attesting a legal transaction. —v. 1 behave (acted wisely). 2 perform an action or function; take action (act as referee; brakes failed to act; he acted quickly). 3 (also foll. By on) have an effect (alcohol acts on the brain). 4 a perform a part in a play, film, etc. B pretend. 5 a play the part of (acted othello; acts the fool). B perform (a play etc.). C portray (an incident) by actions. act for be the (esp. Legal) representative of. Act of god natural event, e.g. An earthquake. Act up colloq. Misbehave; give trouble (car is acting up). Get one’s act together slang become properly organized; prepare. Put on an act colloq. Make a pretence. [latin ago act-do]
Acting —n. Art or occupation of an actor. —attrib. Adj. Serving temporarily or as a substitute (acting manager).
Actinism n. Property of short-wave radiation that produces chemical changes, as in photography. [greek aktis ray]
Actinium n. Chem. Radioactive metallic element found in pitchblende. [as *actinism]
Action n. 1 process of doing or acting (demanded action). 2 forcefulness or energy. 3 exertion of energy or influence (action of acid on metal). 4 deed, act (not aware of his actions). 5 (the action) a series of events in a story, play, etc. B slang exciting activity (missed the action). 6 battle, fighting (killed in action). 7 a mechanism of an instrument. B style of movement of an animal or human. 8 lawsuit. out of action not working. [latin: related to *act]
Actionable adj. Giving cause for legal action.
Action-packed adj. Full of action or excitement.
Action point n. Proposal for action.
Action replay n. Playback of part of a television broadcast, esp. A sporting event, often in slow motion.
Action stations n.pl. Positions taken up by troops etc. Ready for battle.
Activate v. (-ting) 1 make active. 2 chem. Cause reaction in. 3 make radioactive.
Active —adj. 1 marked by action; energetic; diligent (an active life). 2 working, operative (active volcano). 3 not merely passive or inert; positive (active support; active ingredients). 4 radioactive. 5 gram. Designating the form of a verb whose subject performs the action (e.g. Saw in he saw a film). —n. Gram. Active form or voice of a verb. actively adv. [latin: related to *act]
Active service n. Military service in wartime.
Activism n. Policy of vigorous action, esp. For a political cause. activist n.
Activity n. (pl. -ies) 1 being active; busy or energetic action. 2 (often in pl.) Occupation or pursuit (outdoor activities). 3 = *radioactivity.
Actor n. Person who acts in a play, film, etc. [latin: related to *act]
Actress n. Female actor.
Actual adj. (usu. Attrib.) 1 existing in fact; real. 2 current. [latin: related to *act]
Actuality n. (pl. -ies) 1 reality. 2 (in pl.) Existing conditions.
Actually adv. 1 as a fact, really (not actually very rich). 2 strange as it may seem (he actually refused!).
Actuary n. (pl. -ies) statistician, esp. One calculating insurance risks and premiums. actuarial adj. [latin actuarius bookkeeper]
Actuate v. (-ting) 1 cause (a machine etc.) To move or function. 2 cause (a person) to act. [latin]
Acuity n. Sharpness, acuteness. [medieval latin: related to *acute]
Acumen n. Keen insight or discernment. [latin, = *acute thing]
Acupuncture n. Medical treatment using needles in parts of the body. acupuncturist n. [latin acu with needle]
Acute —adj. (acuter, acutest) 1 serious, severe (acute hardship). 2 (of senses etc.) Keen, penetrating. 3 shrewd. 4 (of a disease) coming quickly to a crisis. 5 (of an angle) less than 90°. 6 (of a sound) high, shrill. —n. = *acute accent. acutely adv. [latin acutus pointed]
Acute accent n. Diacritical mark (´) placed over certain letters in french etc., esp. To show pronunciation.
-acy suffix forming nouns of state or quality (accuracy; piracy), or an instance of it (conspiracy; fallacy). [french -acie, latin -acia, -atia, greek -ateia]
Ad abbr. Of the christian era. [*anno domini]
Ad n. Colloq. Advertisement. [abbreviation]
Ad-prefix (altered or assimilated before some letters) implying motion or direction to, reduction or change into, addition, adherence, increase, or
direction to, reduction or change into, addition, adherence, increase, or intensification. [latin]
Adage n. Traditional maxim, proverb. [french from latin]
Adagio mus. —adv. & adj. In slow time. —n. (pl. -s) such a movement or passage. [italian]
Adam n. The first man. not know a person from adam be unable to recognize a person. [hebrew, = man]
Adam’s apple n. Projection of cartilage at the front of the neck.
Adapt v. 1 a (foll. By to) fit, adjust (one thing to another). B (foll. By to, for) make suitable for a purpose. C modify (esp. A text for broadcasting etc.). 2 (also refl., usu. Foll. By to) adjust to new conditions. adaptable adj. Adaptation n. [latin: related to ad-, apt]
Adaptor n. 1 device for making equipment compatible. 2 device for connecting several electrical plugs to one socket.
Add v. 1 join (one thing to another) as an increase or supplement. 2 put together (numbers) to find their total. 3 say further. add in include. Add up 1 find the total of. 2 (foll. By to) amount to. 3 colloq. Make sense. [latin addo]
Addendum n. (pl. -da) 1 thing to be added. 2 material added at the end of a book.
Adder n. Small venomous snake, esp. The common viper. [old english, originally nadder]
Addict n. 1 person addicted, esp. To a drug. 2 colloq. Devotee (film addict). [latin: related to *ad-, dico say]
Addicted adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By to) dependent on a drug etc. As a habit. 2 devoted to an interest. addiction n.
Addictive adj. Causing addiction.
Addition n. 1 adding. 2 person or thing added. in addition (often foll. By to) also, as well (as). [latin: related to *add]
Additive n. Substance added to improve another, esp. To colour, flavour, or preserve food. [latin: related to *add]
Addle v. (-ling) 1 muddle, confuse. 2 (usu. As addled adj.) (of an egg) become rotten. [old english, = filth]
Address —n. 1 a place where a person lives or an organization is situated. B particulars of this, esp. For postal purposes. C computing location of an item of stored information. 2 discourse to an audience. —v. 1 write postal directions on (an envelope etc.). 2 direct (remarks etc.). 3 speak or write to, esp. Formally. 4 direct one’s attention to. 5 golf take aim at (the ball). address oneself to 1 speak or write to. 2 attend to. [french: related to ad-, direct]
Addressee n. Person to whom a letter etc. Is addressed.
Adduce v. (-cing) cite as an instance or as proof or evidence. adducible adj. [latin: related to *ad-, duco lead]
Adenoids n.pl. Area of enlarged lymphatic tissue between the nose and the throat, often hindering breathing in the young. adenoidal adj. [greek aden gland]
Adequate adj. Sufficient, satisfactory. adequacy n. Adequately adv. [latin: related to ad-, equate]
À deux adv. & adj. For or between two. [french]
Adhere v. (-ring) 1 (usu. Foll. By to) stick fast to a substance etc. 2 (foll. By to) behave according to (a rule, undertaking, etc.). 3 (foll. By to) give allegiance.
[latin haereo stick]
Adherent —n. Supporter. —adj. Sticking, adhering. adherence n.
Adhesion n. 1 adhering. 2 unnatural union of body tissues due to inflammation.
Adhesive —adj. Sticky, causing adhesion. —n. Adhesive substance. adhesiveness n.
Ad hoc adv. & adj. For one particular occasion or use. [latin]
Adieu int. Goodbye. [french, = to god]
Ad infinitum adv. Without limit; for ever. [latin]
Adipose adj. Of fat; fatty (adipose tissue). adiposity n. [latin adeps fat]
Adjacent adj. (often foll. By to) lying near; adjoining. adjacency n. [latin jaceo lie]
Adjective n. Word used to describe or modify a noun or pronoun. adjectival adj. [latin jaceo lie]
Adjoin v. Be next to and joined with. [latin jungo join]
Adjourn v. 1 put off, postpone; break off (a meeting etc.) Temporarily. 2 (of a meeting) break and disperse or (foll. By to) transfer to another place (adjourned to the pub). adjournment n. [latin: related to *ad-, diurnum day]
Adjudge v. (-ging) 1 pronounce judgement on (a matter). 2 pronounce or award judicially. adjudgement n. (also adjudgment). [latin judex judge]
Adjudicate v. (-ting) 1 act as judge in a competition, court, etc. 2 adjudge. adjudication n. Adjudicative adj. Adjudicator n.
Adjunct n. 1 (foll. By to, of) subordinate or incidental thing. 2 gram. Word or phrase used to explain or amplify the predicate, subject, etc. [latin: related to *adjoin]
Adjure v. (-ring) (usu. Foll. By to + infin.) Beg or command. adjuration n. [latin adjuro put to oath: related to *jury]
Adjust v. 1 order or position; regulate; arrange. 2 (usu. Foll. By to) become or make suited; adapt. 3 harmonize (discrepancies). 4 assess (loss or damages). adjustable adj. Adjustment n. [latin juxta near]
Adjutant n. 1 a army officer assisting a superior in administrative duties. B assistant. 2 (in full adjutant bird) giant indian stork. [latin: related to *ad-, juvo jut-help]
Ad lib —v. (-bb-) improvise. —adj. Improvised. —adv. As one pleases, to any desired extent. [abbreviation of latin ad libitum according to pleasure]
Admin n. Colloq. Administration. [abbreviation]
Administer v. 1 manage (business affairs etc.). 2 a deliver or dispense, esp. Formally (a punishment, sacrament, etc.). B (usu. Foll. By to) direct the taking of (an oath). [latin: related to ad-, minister]
Administrate v. (-ting) administer (esp. Business affairs); act as an administrator.
Administration n. 1 administering, esp. Public affairs. 2 government in power.
Administrative adj. Of the management of affairs.
Administrator n. Manager of a business, public affairs, or a person’s estate.
Admirable adj. Deserving admiration; excellent. admirably adv. [latin: related to *admire]
Admiral n. 1 a commander-in-chief of a navy. B high-ranking naval officer, commander. 2 any of various butterflies. [arabic: related to *amir]
Admiralty n. (pl. -ies) (in full admiralty board) hist. Committee superintending the royal navy.
Admiration n. 1 respect; warm approval or pleasure. 2 object of this.
Admire v. (-ring) 1 regard with approval, respect, or satisfaction. 2 express admiration of. admirer n. Admiring adj. Admirlingly adv. [latin: related to *ad-, miror wonder at]
Admissible adj. 1 (of an idea etc.) Worth accepting or considering. 2 law allowable as evidence. [latin: related to *admit]
Admission n. 1 acknowledgement (admission of error). 2 a process or right of entering. B charge for this (admission is £5).
Admit v. (-tt-) 1 (often foll. By to be, or that + clause) acknowledge; recognize as true. 2 (foll. By to) confess to (a deed, fault, etc.). 3 allow (a person) entrance, access, etc. 4 take (a patient) into hospital. 5 (of an enclosed space) accommodate. 6 (foll. By of) allow as possible. [latin mitto miss-send]
Admittance n. Admitting or being admitted, usu. To a place.
Admittedly adv. As must be admitted.
Admixture n. 1 thing added, esp. A minor ingredient. 2 adding of this.
Admonish v. 1 reprove. 2 urge, advise. 3 (foll. By of) warn. admonishment n. Admonition n. Admonitory adj. [latin moneo warn]
Ad nauseam adv. Excessively; disgustingly. [latin, = to sickness]
Ado n. Fuss, busy activity; trouble. [from at, do1: originally in much ado = much to do]
Adobe n. 1 sun-dried brick. 2 clay for making these. [spanish]
Adolescent —adj. Between childhood and adulthood. —n. Adolescent person. adolescence n. [latin adolesco grow up]
Adonis n. Handsome young man. [latin, name of a youth loved by venus]
Adopt v. 1 legally take (a person) into a relationship, esp. Another’s child as one’s own. 2 choose (a course of action etc.). 3 take over (another’s idea etc.). 4 choose as a candidate for office. 5 accept responsibility for the maintenance of (a road etc.). 6 accept or approve (a report, accounts, etc.). adoption n. [latin: related to ad-, opt]
Adoptive adj. Because of adoption (adoptive son). [latin: related to *adopt]
Adore v. (-ring) 1 love intensely. 2 worship as divine. 3 colloq. Like very much. adoration n. Adorer n. [latin adoro worship]
Adorn v. Add beauty to; decorate. adornment n. [latin: related to *ad-, orno decorate]
Adrenal —adj. 1 at or near the kidneys. 2 of the adrenal glands. —n. (in full adrenal gland) either of two ductless glands above the kidneys, secreting adrenalin. [from ad-, renal]
Adrenalin n. (also adrenaline) 1 stimulative hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. 2 this extracted or synthesized for medicinal use.
Adrift adv. & predic.adj. 1 drifting. 2 powerless; aimless. 3 colloq. A unfastened. B out of order, wrong (plans went adrift).
Adroit adj. Dexterous, skilful. [french à droit according to right]
Adsorb v. (usu. Of a solid) hold (molecules of a gas or liquid etc.) To its surface, forming a thin film. adsorbent adj. & n. Adsorption n. [from ad-, absorb]
Adulation n. Obsequious flattery. [latin adulor fawn on]
Adult —adj. 1 mature, grown-up. 2 (attrib.) Of or for adults (adult education). — n. Adult person. adulthood n. [latin adolesco adultus grow up]
Adulterate v. (-ting) debase (esp. Foods) by adding other substances. adulterant adj. & n. Adulteration n. [latin adultero corrupt]
Adulterer n. (fem. Adulteress) person who commits adultery.
Adultery n. Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a person other than his or her spouse. adulterous adj.
Adumbrate v. (-ting) 1 indicate faintly or in outline. 2 foreshadow. 3 overshadow. adumbration n. [latin: related to *ad-, umbra shade]
Advance —v. (-cing) 1 move or put forward; progress. 2 pay or lend (money) beforehand. 3 promote (a person, cause, etc.). 4 present (a suggestion etc.). 5 (as advanced adj.) A well ahead. B socially progressive. —n. 1 going forward; progress. 2 prepayment; loan. 3 (in pl.) Amorous approaches. 4 rise in price. — attrib. Adj. Done or supplied beforehand (advance warning). advance on approach threateningly. In advance ahead in place or time. [latin: related to *ab-, ante before]
Advanced level n. High level of gce examination.
Advancement n. Promotion of a person, cause, or plan.
Advantage —n. 1 beneficial feature. 2 benefit, profit. 3 (often foll. By over) superiority. 4 (in tennis) the next point after deuce. —v. (-ging) benefit, favour. take advantage of 1 make good use of. 2 exploit, esp. Unfairly. 3 euphem. Seduce. advantageous adj. [french: related to *advance]
Advent n. 1 season before christmas. 2 coming of christ. 3 (advent) important arrival. [latin adventus from venio come]
Adventist n. Member of a christian sect believing in the imminent second coming of christ.
Adventitious adj. 1 accidental, casual. 2 added from outside. 3 biol. Formed accidentally or under unusual conditions. [latin: related to *advent]
Adventure —n. 1 unusual and exciting experience. 2 enterprise (spirit of adventure). —v. (-ring) dare, venture; engage in adventure. [latin: related to *advent]
Adventure playground n. Playground with climbing-frames, building blocks, etc.
Adventurer n. (fem. Adventuress) 1 person who seeks adventure, esp. For personal gain or enjoyment. 2 financial speculator.
Adventurous adj. Venturesome, enterprising.
Adverb n. Word indicating manner, degree, circumstance, etc., used to modify
Adverb n. Word indicating manner, degree, circumstance, etc., used to modify an adjective, verb, or other adverb (e.g. Gently, quite, then). adverbial adj. [latin: related to *ad-, verbum word, *verb]
Adversary n. (pl. -ies) enemy, opponent.
Adverse adj. Unfavourable; harmful. adversely adv. [latin: related to *ad-, verto vers-turn]
Adversity n. Misfortune, distress.
Advert n. Colloq. Advertisement. [abbreviation]
Advertise v. (-sing) 1 promote (goods or services) publicly to increase sales. 2 make generally known. 3 (often foll. By for) seek by a notice in a newspaper etc. To buy, employ, sell, etc. [french avertir: related to *adverse]
Advertisement n. 1 public announcement, esp. Of goods etc. For sale or wanted, vacancies, etc. 2 advertising. [french avertissement: related to *adverse]
Advice n. 1 recommendation on how to act. 2 information given; news. 3 formal notice of a transaction.
Advisable adj. To be recommended, expedient. advisability n.
Advise v. (-sing) 1 (also absol.) Give advice to. 2 recommend (advised me to rest). 3 (usu. Foll. By of, or that + clause) inform. [latin: related to *ad-, video vis-see]
Advisedly adv. After due consideration; deliberately.
Adviser n. (also advisor) person who advises, esp. Officially.
Usage the variant advisor is fairly common, but is considered incorrect by many people.
Advisory adj. Giving advice (advisory body).
Advocaat n. Liqueur of eggs, sugar, and brandy. [dutch, = *advocate]
Advocacy n. Support or argument for a cause, policy, etc.
Advocate —n. 1 (foll. By of) person who supports or speaks in favour. 2 person who pleads for another, esp. In a lawcourt. —v. (-ting) recommend by argument. [latin: related to *ad-, voco call]
Adz n. (brit adze) tool like an axe, with an arched blade at right angles to the handle. [old english]
Adze n. (us adz) tool like an axe, with an arched blade at right angles to the handle. [old english]
Aegis n. Protection; support. [greek aigis shield of zeus or athene]
Aeolian harp n. Stringed instrument or toy sounding when the wind passes through it. [latin aeolus wind-god, from greek]
Aeon n. (also eon) 1 long or indefinite period. 2 an age. [latin from greek]
Aerate v. (-ting) 1 charge (a liquid) with carbon dioxide. 2 expose to air. aeration n. [latin aer *air]
Aerial —n. Device for transmitting or receiving radio waves. —adj. 1 by or from the air; involving aircraft (aerial attack). 2 existing in the air. 3 of or like air. [greek: related to *air]
Aero-comb. Form air; aircraft. [greek aero-from aer air]
Aerobatics n.pl. 1 spectacular flying of aircraft, esp. To entertain. 2 (as sing.) Performance of these. [from *aero-, after *acrobatics]
Aerobics n.pl. Vigorous exercises designed to increase oxygen intake. aerobic adj. [from *aero-, greek bios life]
adj. [from *aero-, greek bios life]
Aerodrome n. Small airport or airfield. [from *aero-, greek dromos course]
Aerodynamics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Dynamics of solid bodies moving through air. aerodynamic adj.
Aerofoil n. Structure with curved surfaces (e.g. A wing, fin, or tailplane) designed to give lift in flight.
Aeronautics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Science or practice of motion in the air. aeronautic adj. Aeronautical adj. [from *aero-, *nautical]
Aeroplane n. Powered heavier-than-air flying vehicle with fixed wings. [french: related to *aero-, *plane1]
Aerosol n. 1 pressurized container releasing a substance as a fine spray. 2 system of minute particles suspended in gas (e.g. Fog or smoke). [from *aero-, *solution]
Aerospace n. 1 earth’s atmosphere and outer space. 2 aviation in this.
Aesthete n. Person who has or professes a special appreciation of beauty. [greek aisthanomai perceive]
Aesthete n. Person who has or professes a special appreciation of beauty. [greek
Aesthete n. Person who has or professes a special appreciation of beauty. [greek aisthanomai perceive]
Aesthetic —adj. 1 of or sensitive to beauty. 2 artistic, tasteful. —n. (in pl.) Philosophy of beauty, esp. In art. aesthetically adv. Aestheticism n.
Aetiology n. (us etiology) study of causation or of the causes of disease. aetiological adj. [greek aitia cause]
Affair n. 1 matter, concern, or thing to be attended to (that is my affair). 2 a celebrated or notorious happening. B colloq. Thing or event (puzzling affair). 3 = *love affair. 4 (in pl.) Public or private business. [french à faire to do]
Affect v. 1 a produce an effect on. B (of disease etc.) Attack. 2 move emotionally. 3 pretend (affected ignorance). 4 pose as or use for effect (affects the aesthete; affects fancy hats). affecting adj. Affectingly adv. [latin afficio affect-influence]
Usage affect should not be confused with effect, meaning ‘to bring about’. Note also that effect is used as a noun as well as a verb.
also that effect is used as a noun as well as a verb.
Affectation n. 1 artificial manner. 2 (foll. By of) studied display. 3 pretence.
Affected adj. 1 pretended, artificial. 2 full of affectation.
Affection n. 1 goodwill, fond feeling. 2 disease; diseased condition.
Affidavit n. Written statement confirmed by oath. [latin, = has stated on oath]
Affiliate —v. (-ting) (foll. By to, with) attach, adopt, or connect as a member or branch. —n. Affiliated person etc. [latin: related to *filial]
Affiliation n. Affiliating or being affiliated.
Affiliation order n. Legal order against the supposed father of an illegitimate child for support.
Affinity n. (pl. -ies) 1 liking or attraction; feeling of kinship. 2 relationship, esp. By marriage. 3 similarity of structure or character suggesting a relationship. 4 chem. The tendency of certain substances to combine with others. [latin finis border]
Affirm v. 1 assert, state as a fact. 2 law make a solemn declaration in place of an oath. affirmation n. [latin: related to *firm1]
Affirmative —adj. Affirming; expressing approval. —n. Affirmative statement or word etc.
Affix —v. 1 attach, fasten. 2 add in writing. —n. 1 addition. 2 gram. Prefix or suffix. [latin: related to *fix]
Afflict v. Distress physically or mentally. [latin fligo flict-strike down]
Affliction n. 1 distress, suffering. 2 cause of this.
Affluent adj. Wealthy, rich. affluence n. [latin: related to *fluent]
Afford v. 1 (prec. By can or be able to) a have enough money, time, etc., for; be able to spare. B be in a position (can’t afford to be critical). 2 provide (affords a view of the sea). [old english ge-prefix implying completeness, *forth]
Afforest v. 1 convert into forest. 2 plant with trees. afforestation n. [latin: related to *forest]
Affray n. Breach of the peace by fighting or rioting in public. [anglo-french = ‘remove from peace’]
‘remove from peace’]
Affront —n. Open insult. —v. Insult openly; offend, embarrass. [latin: related to *front]
Afghan —n. 1 a native or national of afghanistan. B person of afghan descent. 2 official language of afghanistan. —adj. Of afghanistan. [pashto]
Afghan hound n. Tall hunting dog with long silky hair.
Aficionado n. (pl. -s) devotee of a sport or pastime. [spanish]
Afield adv. To or at a distance (esp. Far afield). [old english: related to *a2]
Aflame adv. & predic.adj. 1 in flames. 2 very excited.
Afloat adv. & predic.adj. 1 floating. 2 at sea. 3 out of debt or difficulty. 4 current. [old english: related to *a2]
Afoot adv. & predic.adj. In operation; progressing.
Afore prep. & adv. Archaic before; previously; in front (of). [old english: related to *a2]
Afore-comb. Form before, previously (aforementioned; aforesaid).
Afore prep. & adv. Archaic before; previously; in front (of). [old english: related to *a2]
Afore-comb. Form before, previously (aforementioned; aforesaid).
Aforethought adj. Premeditated (following a noun: malice aforethought).
Afraid predic. Adj. Alarmed, frightened. be afraid colloq. Politely regret (i’m afraid we’re late). [originally past part. Of *affray]
Afresh adv. Anew; with a fresh beginning. [earlier of fresh]
African —n. 1 native (esp. Dark-skinned) of africa. 2 person of african descent. —adj. Of africa. [latin]
African elephant n. The elephant of africa, larger than that of india.
African violet n. House-plant with velvety leaves and blue, purple, or pink flowers.
Afrikaans n. Language derived from dutch, used in s. Africa. [dutch, = ‘african’]
Afrikaner n. Afrikaans-speaking white person in s. Africa, esp. Of dutch descent.
Afro —adj. (of hair) tightly-curled and bushy. —n. (pl. -s) afro hairstyle.
Afro-comb. Form african.
Afro-american —adj. Of american blacks or their culture. —n. American black.
Afro-caribbean —n. Caribbean person of african descent. —adj. Of afro-caribbeans.
Aft adv. Naut. & aeron. At or towards the stern or tail. [earlier baft]
After —prep. 1 following in time; later than (after a week). 2 in view of, in spite of (after what you did what do you expect?; after all my efforts i still lost). 3 behind (shut the door after you). 4 in pursuit or quest of (run after them). 5 about, concerning (asked after her). 6 in allusion to (named after the prince). 7 in imitation of (a painting after rubens). 8 next in importance to (best one after mine). —conj. Later than (left after they arrived). —adv. 1 later (soon after). 2 behind (followed on after). —adj. 1 later, following (in after years). 2 naut. Nearer the stern (after cabins). after all in spite of everything (after all, what does it matter?). After one’s own heart to one’s taste. [old english]
Afterbirth n. Placenta etc. Discharged from the womb after childbirth.
After-care n. Attention after leaving hospital etc.
After-effect n. Delayed effect following an accident, trauma, etc.
Afterglow n. Glow remaining after its source has disappeared.
Afterlife n. Life after death.
Aftermath n. 1 consequences, esp. Unpleasant (aftermath of war). 2 new grass growing after mowing. [from *after, math mowing]
Afternoon n. Time from noon or lunch-time to evening.
Afterpains n.pl. Pains caused by contraction of the womb after childbirth.
Afters n.pl. Colloq. = *dessert 1.
Aftershave n. Lotion used after shaving.
Aftertaste n. Taste after eating or drinking.
Afterthought n. Thing thought of or added later.
Afterward adv. (brit. Afterwards) later, subsequently. [old english: related to after, -ward]
Afterwards adv. (us afterward) later, subsequently. [old english: related to after, -ward]
Ag symb. Silver. [latin argentum]
Again adv. 1 another time; once more. 2 as previously (home again; well again). 3 in addition (as much again). 4 further, besides (again, what about you?). 5 on the other hand (i might, and again i might not). again and again repeatedly. [old english]
Against prep. 1 in opposition to (fight against crime). 2 into collision or in contact with (lean against the wall). 3 to the disadvantage of (my age is against me). 4 in contrast to (against a dark background). 5 in anticipation of (against his coming; against the cold). 6 as a compensating factor to (income against expenditure). 7 in return for (issued against payment of the fee). against the grain see grain. Against time see time. [from *again, with inflectional -s]
Agaric n. Fungus with a cap and stalk, e.g. The common mushroom. [greek
agarikon]
Agate n. Hard usu. Streaked chalcedony. [greek akhates]
Agate n. Hard usu. Streaked chalcedony. [greek akhates]
Agave n. Plant with rosettes of narrow spiny leaves and flowers on tall stem. [agave, name of a woman in greek mythology]
Age —n. 1 length of time that a person or thing has existed. 2 a colloq. (often in pl.) A long time (waited for ages). B distinct historical period (bronze age). 3 old age. —v. (ageing) 1 show or cause to show signs of advancing age. 2 grow old. 3 mature. come of age reach adult status (esp. Law at 18, formerly 21). [latin aetas]
-age suffix forming nouns denoting: 1 action (breakage). 2 condition (bondage). 3 aggregate or number (coverage; acreage). 4 cost (postage). 5 result (wreckage). 6 place or abode (anchorage; orphanage). [latin -aticus]
Aged adj. 1 (predic.) Of the age of (aged 3). 2 old.
Ageism n. Prejudice or discrimination on grounds of age. ageist adj. & n.
Ageless adj. 1 never growing or appearing old. 2 eternal.
Agelong adj. Existing for a very long time.
Agelong adj. Existing for a very long time.
Agency n. (pl. -ies) 1 business or premises of an agent. 2 action; intervention (free agency; by the agency of god). [latin: related to *act]
Agenda n. (pl. -s) 1 list of items to be considered at a meeting. 2 things to be done.
Agent n. 1 a person who acts for another in business etc. B spy. 2 person or thing that exerts power or produces an effect.
Agent provocateur n. (pl. Agents provocateurs pronunc. Same) person used to tempt suspected offenders to self-incriminating action. [french, = provocative agent]
Age of consent n. Age at which consent to sexual intercourse is valid in law.
Age-old adj. Very long-standing.
Agglomerate —v. (-ting) collect into a mass. —n. Mass, esp. Of fused volcanic fragments. —adj. Collected into a mass. agglomeration n. [latin glomus -meris ball]
Agglutinate v. (-ting) stick as with glue. agglutination n. Agglutinative adj. [latin: related to *gluten]
Aggrandize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 increase the power, rank or wealth of. 2 make seem greater. aggrandizement n. [french: related to *grand]
Aggravate v. (-ting) 1 make worse or more serious. 2 annoy. aggravation n. [latin gravis heavy]
Usage the use of aggravate in sense 2 is regarded by some people as incorrect, but it is common in informal use.
Aggregate —n. 1 sum total, amount assembled. 2 crushed stone etc. Used in making concrete. 3 rock formed of a mass of different particles or minerals. — adj. Combined, collective, total. —v. (-ting) 1 collect, combine into one mass. 2 colloq. Amount to. 3 unite. in the aggregate as a whole. aggregation n. Aggregative adj. [latin grex greg-flock]
Aggression n. 1 unprovoked attacking or attack. 2 hostile or destructive behaviour. [latin gradior gress-walk]
Aggressive adj. 1 given to aggression; hostile. 2 forceful, self-assertive. aggressively adv.
Aggressor n. Person or party that attacks without provocation.
Aggrieved adj. Having a grievance. [french: related to *grief]
Aggro n. Slang 1 aggressive hostility. 2 trouble, difficulty. [abbreviation of aggravation or aggression]
Aghast predic. Adj. Filled with dismay or consternation. [past part. Of obsolete (a)gast frighten]
Agile adj. Quick-moving, nimble, active. agility n. [latin agilis: related to *act]
Agitate v. (-ting) 1 disturb or excite (a person or feelings). 2 (often foll. By for, against) campaign, esp. Politically (agitated for tax reform). 3 shake briskly. agitation n. Agitator n. [latin agito: related to *act]
Aglow predic. Adj. Glowing.
Agm abbr. Annual general meeting.
Agnail n. Piece of torn skin at the root of a fingernail; resulting soreness. [old english, = tight (metal) nail, hard excrescence in flesh]
Agnostic —n. Person who believes that the existence of god is not provable. — adj. Of agnosticism. agnosticism n. [from a-, gnostic]
Ago adv. (prec. By duration) earlier, in the past. [originally agone = gone by]
Agonize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 undergo (esp. Mental) anguish; suffer or cause to suffer agony. 2 (as agonized adj.) Expressing agony (an agonized look).
Agony n. (pl. -ies) 1 extreme mental or physical suffering. 2 severe struggle. [greek agon struggle]
Agony aunt n. Colloq. Person (esp. A woman) who answers letters in an agony column.
Agony column n. Colloq. 1 column in a magazine etc. Offering personal advice to correspondents. 2 = *personal column.
Agoraphobia n. Abnormal fear of open spaces or public places. agoraphobic adj. & n. [greek agora market-place]
Agrarian —adj. 1 of the land or its cultivation. 2 of landed property. —n. Advocate of the redistribution of land. [latin ager field]
Agree v. (-ees, -eed, -eeing) 1 hold the same opinion (i agree with you). 2 consent (agreed to go). 3 (often foll. By with) a become or be in harmony. B suit (fish didn’t agree with him). C gram. Have the same number, gender, case, or person as. 4 reach agreement about (agreed a price). 5 (foll. By on) decide mutually on (agreed on a compromise). be agreed be of one opinion. [latin: related to *ad-, gratus pleasing]
Agreement n. 1 act or state of agreeing. 2 arrangement or contract.
Agriculture n. Cultivation of the soil and rearing of animals. agricultural adj. Agriculturalist n. [latin ager field]
Agrimony n. (pl. -ies) perennial plant with small yellow flowers. [greek argemone poppy]
Agronomy n. Science of soil management and crop production. agronomist n. [greek agros land]
Aground predic. Adj. & adv. On or on to the bottom of shallow water (run aground).
Ague n. 1 hist. Malarial fever. 2 shivering fit. [latin: related to *acute]
Ah abbr. In the year of the hegira (ad 622); of the muslim era. [latin anno hegirae]
Ah int. Expressing surprise, pleasure, realization, etc. [french a]
Aha int. Expressing surprise, triumph, mockery, etc. [from ah, ha1]
Ahead adv. 1 further forward in space or time. 2 in the lead (ahead on points).
Ahem int. Used to attract attention, gain time, etc. [from *hem2]
Ahoy int. Naut. Call used in hailing. [from ah, hoy]
Ai abbr. 1 artificial insemination. 2 artificial intelligence.
Aid abbr. Artificial insemination by donor.
Aid —n. 1 help. 2 person or thing that helps. —v. 1 help. 2 promote (sleep will aid recovery). in aid of 1 in support of. 2 colloq. For the purpose of (what’s it all in aid of?). [latin: related to *ad-, juvo help]
Aide n. 1 aide-de-camp. 2 esp. Us assistant. [french]
Aide-de-camp n. (pl. Aides-de-camp pronunc. Same) officer assisting a senior officer. [french]
Aids n. (also aids) acquired immune deficiency syndrome, an often fatal viral
Aids n. (also aids) acquired immune deficiency syndrome, an often fatal viral syndrome marked by severe loss of resistance to infection. [abbreviation]
Ail v. 1 archaic (only in 3rd person interrog. Or indefinite constructions) trouble or afflict (what ails him?). 2 (usu. Be ailing) be ill. [old english]
Aileron n. Hinged flap on an aeroplane wing. [french aile wing]
Ailing adj. 1 ill. 2 in poor condition.
Ailment n. Minor illness or disorder.
Aim —v. 1 intend or try; attempt (aim at winning; aim to win). 2 (usu. Foll. By at) direct or point (a weapon, remark, etc.). 3 take aim. —n. 1 purpose or object. 2 the directing of a weapon etc. At an object. take aim direct a weapon etc. At a target. [latin aestimare reckon]
Aimless adj. Without aim or purpose. aimlessly adv.
Ain’t contr. Colloq. 1 am, is, or are not. 2 have or has not.
Usage the use of ain’t is usually regarded as unacceptable in spoken and written english.
Aimless adj. Without aim or purpose. aimlessly adv.
Ain’t contr. Colloq. 1 am, is, or are not. 2 have or has not.
Usage the use of ain’t is usually regarded as unacceptable in spoken and written english.
Air —n. 1 mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen surrounding the earth. 2 earth’s atmosphere; open space in it; this as a place for flying aircraft. 3 a distinctive impression or manner (air of mystery). B (esp. In pl.) Pretentiousness (gave himself airs). 4 tune. 5 light wind. —v. 1 expose (clothes, a room, etc.) To fresh air or warmth to remove damp. 2 express and discuss publicly (an opinion, question, grievance, etc.). by air by or in an aircraft. In the air 1 (of opinions etc.) Prevalent. 2 (of plans etc.) Uncertain. On (or off) the air being (or not being) broadcast. [greek aer]
Airbase n. Base for military aircraft.
Air-bed n. Inflatable mattress.
Airborne adj. 1 transported by air. 2 (of aircraft) in the air after taking off.
Air-brick n. Perforated brick used for ventilation.
Airbus n. Propr. Short-haul passenger aircraft.
Air chief marshal n. Raf officer of high rank, above air marshal.
Air commodore n. Raf officer next above group captain.
Air-conditioning n. 1 system for regulating the humidity, ventilation, and temperature in a building. 2 apparatus for this. air-conditioned adj.
Aircraft n. (pl. Same) machine capable of flight, esp. An aeroplane or helicopter.
Aircraft-carrier n. Warship carrying and used as a base for aircraft.
Aircraftman n. Lowest rank in the raf.
Aircraftwoman n. Lowest rank in the wraf.
Aircrew n. Crew of an aircraft.
Air-cushion n. 1 inflatable cushion. 2 layer of air supporting a hovercraft etc.
Airedale n. Large terrier of a rough-coated breed. [airedale in yorkshire]
Airer n. Stand for airing or drying clothes etc.
Airfield n. Area with runway(s) for aircraft.
Air force n. Branch of the armed forces fighting in the air.
Airgun n. Gun using compressed air to fire pellets.
Airhead n. Slang stupid or foolish person.
Air hostess n. Stewardess in a passenger aircraft.
Airless adj. Stuffy; still, calm.
Air letter n. Sheet of light paper forming a letter for sending by airmail.
Airlift —n. Emergency transport of supplies etc. By air. —v. Transport thus.
Airline n. Public air transport system or company.
Airliner n. Large passenger aircraft.
Airlock n. 1 stoppage of the flow by an air bubble in a pump or pipe. 2 compartment permitting movement between areas at different pressures.
Airmail n. 1 system of transporting mail by air. 2 mail carried by air.
Airman n. Pilot or member of an aircraft crew, esp. In an air force.
Air marshal n. Raf officer of high rank, above air vice-marshal.
Airplane n. Us = *aeroplane.
Air pocket n. Apparent vacuum causing an aircraft to drop suddenly.
Airport n. Airfield with facilities for passengers and goods.
Air raid n. Attack by aircraft on ground targets.
Air rifle n. Rifle using compressed air to fire pellets.
Airs and graces n.pl. Affected manner.
Airscrew n. Aircraft propeller.
Airship n. Power-driven aircraft lighter than air.
Airsick adj. Nauseous from air travel.
Airspace n. Air above a country and subject to its jurisdiction.
Air speed n. Aircraft’s speed relative to the air.
Airstrip n. Strip of ground for the take-off and landing of aircraft.
Air terminal n. Building with transport to and from an airport.
Airtight adj. Impermeable to air.
Air traffic controller n. Official who controls air traffic by radio.
Air vice-marshal n. Raf officer of high rank, just below air marshal.
Airwaves n.pl. Colloq. Radio waves used in broadcasting.
Airway n. Recognized route of aircraft.
Airwoman n. Woman pilot or member of an aircraft crew, esp. In an air force.
Airworthy adj. (of an aircraft) fit to fly.
Airy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 well-ventilated, breezy. 2 flippant, superficial. 3 light as air. 4 ethereal. airily adv.
Airy-fairy adj. Colloq. Unrealistic, impractical.
Aisle n. 1 the part of a church on either side of the nave, divided from it by pillars. 2 passage between rows of pews, seats, etc. [latin ala wing]
Aitch n. The letter h. [french ache]
Aitchbone n. 1 rump bone of an animal. 2 cut of beef over this. [originally nache-bone from latin natis buttock]
Ajar adv. & predic.adj. (of a door) slightly open. [from *a2, obsolete char from old english cerr a turn]
Akela n. Adult leader of cub scouts. [name of the leader of the wolf-pack in kipling’s jungle book]
Akimbo adv. (of the arms) with hands on the hips and elbows turned outwards. [originally in kenebowe, probably from old norse]
Akin predic. Adj. 1 related by blood. 2 similar.
Al symb. Aluminium.
-al suffix 1 (also -ial) forming adjectives meaning ‘relating to, of the kind of’ (central; tidal; dictatorial). 2 forming nouns, esp. Of verbal action (removal). [latin -alis]
À la prep. In the manner of (à la russe). [french from *à la mode]
Alabaster —n. Translucent usu. White form of gypsum, used for carving etc. — adj. 1 of alabaster. 2 white or smooth. [greek alabastros]
À la carte adv. & adj. With individually priced dishes. [french]
Alacrity n. Briskness; cheerful readiness. [latin alacer brisk]
À la mode adv. & adj. In fashion; fashionable. [french]
À la mode adv. & adj. In fashion; fashionable. [french]
Alarm —n. 1 warning of danger etc. 2 a warning sound or device. B = *alarm clock. 3 apprehension (filled with alarm). —v. 1 frighten or disturb. 2 warn. alarming adj. Alarmingly adv. [italian all’arme! To arms]
Alarm clock n. Clock that rings at a set time.
Alarmist n. Person stirring up alarm.
Alas int. Expressing grief, pity, or concern. [french: related to *ah, latin lassus weary]
Alb n. Long white vestment worn by christian priests. [latin albus white]
Albatross n. 1 a long-winged, stout-bodied bird related to the petrel. B encumbrance. 2 golf score of three strokes under par at any hole. [alteration of alcatras, from spanish and portuguese alcatraz from arabic, = the jug]
Albeit conj. Literary though. [all be it]
Albino n. (pl. -s) 1 person or animal lacking pigment in the skin and hair (which are white), and the eyes (usu. Pink). 2 plant lacking normal colouring. albinism n. [spanish and portuguese: related to *alb]
Album n. 1 book for photographs, stamps, etc. 2 a long-playing gramophone record. B set of these. [latin, = blank tablet, from albus white]
Albumen n. 1 egg-white. 2 substance found between the skin and germ of many seeds, usu. The edible part. [latin: related to *album]
Albumin n. Water-soluble protein found in egg-white, milk, blood, etc. albuminous adj.
Alchemy n. Medieval chemistry, esp. Seeking to turn base metals into gold. alchemist n. [arabic]
Alcohol n. 1 (in full ethyl alcohol) colourless volatile inflammable liquid, esp. As the intoxicant in wine, beer, spirits, etc., and as a solvent, fuel, etc. 2 liquor containing this. 3 chem. Any of many organic compounds containing one or more hydroxyl groups attached to carbon atoms. [arabic: related to *kohl]
Alcoholic —adj. Of, like, containing, or caused by alcohol. —n. Person suffering from alcoholism.
Alcoholism n. Condition resulting from addiction to alcohol.
Alcove n. Recess, esp. In the wall of a room. [arabic, = the vault]
Aldehyde n. Chem. Any of a class of compounds formed by the oxidation of alcohols. [from *alcohol, de-, hydrogen]
Aldehyde n. Chem. Any of a class of compounds formed by the oxidation of alcohols. [from *alcohol, de-, hydrogen]
Al dente adj. (of pasta etc.) Cooked so as to be still firm when bitten. [italian, = ‘to the tooth’]
Alder n. Tree related to the birch. [old english]
Alderman n. Esp. Hist. Coopted member of an english county or borough council, next in dignity to the mayor. [old english aldor chief, *man]
Ale n. Beer. [old english]
Aleatory adj. Depending on chance. [latin alea *die2]
Alehouse n. Hist. Tavern.
Alembic n. 1 hist. Apparatus formerly used in distilling. 2 means of refining or extracting. [greek ambix, -ikos cap of a still]
Alert —adj. 1 watchful, vigilant. 2 nimble, attentive. —n. 1 warning call or alarm. 2 state or period of special vigilance. —v. (often foll. By to) warn. [french alerte from italian all’erta to the watch-tower]
alerte from italian all’erta to the watch-tower]
A level n. = *advanced level.
Alexander technique n. Technique for controlling posture as an aid to well-being. [alexander, name of a physiotherapist]
Alexandrine —adj. (of a line of verse) having six iambic feet. —n. Alexandrine line. [french alexandre, title of a romance using this metre]
Alfalfa n. Clover-like plant used for fodder. [arabic, = a green fodder]
Alfresco adv. & adj. In the open air. [italian]
Alga n. (pl. Algae) (usu. In pl.) Non-flowering stemless water-plant, esp. Seaweed and plankton. [latin]
Algebra n. Branch of mathematics that uses letters etc. To represent numbers and quantities. algebraic adj. [ultimately from arabic al-jabr, = reunion of broken parts]
Algol n. High-level computer programming language. [from algorithm, language]
Algorithm n. Process or set of rules used for calculation etc., esp. With a computer. algorithmic adj. [persian, name of a 9th-c. Mathematician al-kuwarizmi]
Alias —adv. Also named or known as. —n. Assumed name. [latin, = at another time]
Alibi n. (pl. -s) 1 claim or proof that one was elsewhere when a crime etc. Was committed. 2 informal excuse. [latin, = elsewhere]
Usage the use of alibi in sense 2 is considered incorrect by some people.
Alien —adj. 1 (often foll. By to) unfamiliar; unacceptable or repugnant. 2 foreign. 3 of beings from other worlds. —n. 1 foreign-born resident who is not naturalized. 2 being from another world. [latin alius other]
Alienable adj. Law able to be transferred to new ownership.
Alienate v. (-ting) 1 estrange, make hostile. 2 transfer ownership of. alienation n.
Alight1 predic. Adj. 1 on fire. 2 lit up; excited. [on a light (= lighted) fire]
Alight2 v. 1 (often foll. By from) descend from a vehicle. 2 come to earth, settle. [old english]
Align v. 1 put or bring into line. 2 (usu. Foll. By with) ally (oneself etc.) With (a cause, party, etc.). alignment n. [french à ligne into line]
Alike —adj. (usu. Predic.) Similar, like. —adv. In a similar way.
Alimentary adj. Of or providing food or nourishment. [latin alo nourish]
Alimentary canal n. Passage along which food passes during digestion.
Alimony n. Money payable to a spouse or former spouse after separation or divorce.
Usage in uk usage this term has been replaced by maintenance.
Aliphatic adj. Chem. Of organic compounds in which carbon atoms form open chains, not aromatic rings. [greek aleiphar -phat-fat]
Aliquot —adj. (of a part or portion) contained by the whole an integral number of times (4 is an aliquot part of 12). —n. 1 aliquot part. 2 (in general use) any known fraction of a whole; sample. [latin, = several]
Alive adj. (usu. Predic.) 1 living. 2 lively, active. 3 (foll. By to) aware of; alert. 4 (foll. By with) swarming or teeming with. [old english: related to a2, life]
Alkali n. (pl. -s) 1 a any of a class of substances that liberate hydroxide ions in water, usu. Form caustic or corrosive solutions, turn litmus blue, and have a ph of more than 7, e.g. Caustic soda.
Alkalinity n. [arabic, = the calcined ashes]
Alkaloid n. Nitrogenous organic compound of plant origin, e.g. Morphine, quinine.
Alkane n. Chem. Saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon having the general formula cnh2n+2, including methane and ethane.
Alkene n. Chem. Unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon containing a double bond and having the general formula cnh2n, including ethylene.
Alkyne n. Chem. Unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon containing a triple bond and having the general formula cnh2n-2, including acetylene.
All —adj. 1 whole amount, quantity, or extent of (all day; all his life; take it all). 2 any whatever (beyond all doubt). 3 greatest possible (with all speed). —n. 1 all concerned; everything (all were present; all is lost). 2 (foll. By of) a the whole of (take all of it). B every one of (all of us). C colloq. As much as (all of six feet). D colloq. In a state of (all of a dither). 3 one’s whole strength or resources (prec. By my, your, etc.). 4 (in games) each (two goals all). —adv. 1 a entirely, quite (dressed all in black). B as an intensifier (stop all this grumbling). 2 colloq. Very (went all shy). 3 (foll. By the + compar.) To that, or the utmost, extent (if they go, all the better; that makes it all the worse). all along from the beginning. All and sundry everyone. All but very nearly. All for colloq. Strongly in favour of. All found with board and lodging provided free. All in colloq. Exhausted. All in
All found with board and lodging provided free. All in colloq. Exhausted. All in all everything considered. All manner of every kind of. All of a sudden suddenly. All one (or the same) (usu. Foll. By to) a matter of indifference. All out using all one’s strength (also (with hyphen) attrib.: all-out effort). All over 1 completely finished. 2 in or on all parts of (mud all over the carpet). 3 colloq. Typically (you all over). 4 slang effusively attentive to (a person). All right (predic.) 1 satisfactory; safe and sound; in good condition. 2 satisfactorily (it worked out all right). 3 a expressing consent. B as an intensifier (that’s the one all right). All round 1 in all respects. 2 for each person. All the same nevertheless. All there colloq. Mentally alert or normal. All the time throughout (despite some contrary expectation etc.). All together all at once; all in one place or in a group (came all together) (cf. *altogether). All up with hopeless for (a person). At all (with neg. Or interrog.) In any way; to any extent (did not swim at all; did you like it at all?). In all in total; altogether. [old english]
Usage note the differences in meaning between all together and altogether: see note at altogether.
Allah n. The muslim and arab name of god. [arabic]
Allay v. 1 diminish (fear, suspicion, etc.). 2 alleviate (pain etc.). [old english a-intensive prefix, *lay1]
All-clear n. Signal that danger etc. Is over.
All comers n.pl. Anyone who applies, takes up a challenge, etc.
Allege v. (-ging) 1 declare, esp. Without proof. 2 advance as an argument or excuse. [latin lis lit-lawsuit]
Allegedly adv. As is alleged.
Allegiance n. 1 loyalty (to a person or cause etc.). 2 the duty of a subject. [french: related to *liege]
Allegory n. (pl. -ies) story whose moral is represented symbolically. allegorical adj. Allegorize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). [greek allegoria other speaking]
Allegretto mus. —adv. & adj. In a fairly brisk tempo. —n. (pl. -s) such a passage or movement. [italian, diminutive of *allegro]
Allegro mus. —adv. & adj. In a brisk tempo. —n. (pl. -s) such a passage or movement. [italian, = lively]
Alleluia (also hallelujah) —int. God be praised. —n. Song or shout of praise to god. [hebrew]
Allen key n. Propr. Spanner designed to turn an allen screw. [allen, name of the us manufacturer]
Allen screw n. Propr. Screw with a hexagonal socket in the head.
Allergic adj. 1 (foll. By to) a having an allergy to. B colloq. Having a strong dislike for. 2 caused by an allergy.
Allergy n. (pl. -ies) 1 adverse reaction to certain substances, esp. Particular foods, pollen, fur, or dust. 2 colloq. Antipathy. [greek allos other]
Alleviate v. (-ting) make (pain etc.) Less severe. alleviation n. [latin levo raise]
Alley n. (pl. -s) 1 narrow street or passageway. 2 enclosure for skittles, bowling, etc. 3 walk or lane in a park etc. [french aller go]
Alliance n. 1 union or agreement to cooperate, esp. Of states by treaty or families by marriage. 2 (alliance) political coalition party. 3 relationship; friendship. [french: related to *ally]
Allied adj. 1 (also allied) associated in an alliance. 2 connected or related.
Alligator n. Large reptile of the crocodile family with a head broader and shorter than a crocodile’s. [spanish el lagarto the lizard]
All-in attrib. Adj. Inclusive of all.
All-in wrestling n. Wrestling with few or no restrictions.
Alliteration n. Repetition of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words (e.g. Cool, calm, and collected). alliterate v. (-ting). Alliterative adj. [latin: related to *letter]
Allocate v. (-ting) (usu. Foll. By to) assign or devote to (a purpose, person, or place). allocation n. [latin: related to *local]
Allot v. (-tt-) apportion or distribute to (a person), esp. As a share or task (they were allotted equal sums). [french a to, *lot]
Allotment n. 1 small piece of land rented by a local authority for cultivation. 2 share. 3 allotting.
Allotropy n. Existence of two or more different physical forms of a chemical element. allotropic adj. [greek allos different, tropos manner]
Allow v. 1 (often foll. By to + infin.) Permit. 2 assign a limited amount etc. (was allowed £500). 3 (usu. Foll. By for) provide or set aside for a purpose; add or deduct in consideration (allow £50 for expenses; allow for wastage). [originally = commend, from french: related to *ad-, latin laudo praise, loco place]
Allowance n. 1 amount or sum allowed, esp. Regularly for a stated purpose. 2 amount allowed in reckoning. 3 deduction or discount. make allowances (often foll. By for) 1 consider (mitigating circumstances). 2 make excuses for (a person, bad behaviour, etc.).
Alloy —n. 1 mixture of two or more metals. 2 inferior metal mixed esp. With gold or silver. —v. 1 mix (metals). 2 debase by admixture. 3 moderate (pleasure alloyed with pain). [french: related to *ally]
All saints’ day n. 1 nov., christian festival in honour of saints.
All souls’ day n. 2 nov., roman catholic festival with prayers for the souls of the dead.
Allspice n. 1 aromatic spice obtained from the berry of the pimento plant. 2 the berry.
All-time attrib. Adj. (of a record etc.) Unsurpassed.
Allude v. (-ding) (foll. By to) refer to, esp. Indirectly or briefly. [latin: related to *ad-, ludo play]
Allure —v. (-ring) attract, charm, or entice. —n. Attractiveness, personal charm, fascination. allurement n. [french: related to ad-, lure]
Allusion n. (often foll. By to) passing or indirect reference. allusive adj. [latin: related to *allude]
Alluvial —adj. Of alluvium. —n. Alluvium, esp. Containing a precious metal.
Alleluia (also hallelujah) —int. God be praised. —n. Song or shout of praise to god. [hebrew]
Allen key n. Propr. Spanner designed to turn an allen screw. [allen, name of the us manufacturer]
Allen screw n. Propr. Screw with a hexagonal socket in the head.
Allergic adj. 1 (foll. By to) a having an allergy to. B colloq. Having a strong dislike for. 2 caused by an allergy.
Allergy n. (pl. -ies) 1 adverse reaction to certain substances, esp. Particular foods, pollen, fur, or dust. 2 colloq. Antipathy. [greek allos other]
Alleviate v. (-ting) make (pain etc.) Less severe. alleviation n. [latin levo raise]
Alleviate v. (-ting) make (pain etc.) Less severe. alleviation n. [latin levo raise]
Alley n. (pl. -s) 1 narrow street or passageway. 2 enclosure for skittles, bowling, etc. 3 walk or lane in a park etc. [french aller go]
Alliance n. 1 union or agreement to cooperate, esp. Of states by treaty or families by marriage. 2 (alliance) political coalition party. 3 relationship; friendship. [french: related to *ally]
Allied adj. 1 (also allied) associated in an alliance. 2 connected or related.
Alligator n. Large reptile of the crocodile family with a head broader and shorter than a crocodile’s. [spanish el lagarto the lizard]
All-in attrib. Adj. Inclusive of all.
All-in wrestling n. Wrestling with few or no restrictions.
Alliteration n. Repetition of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words (e.g. Cool, calm, and collected). alliterate v. (-ting). Alliterative adj. [latin: related to *letter]
Allocate v. (-ting) (usu. Foll. By to) assign or devote to (a purpose, person, or place). allocation n. [latin: related to *local]
Allot v. (-tt-) apportion or distribute to (a person), esp. As a share or task (they were allotted equal sums). [french a to, *lot]
Allotment n. 1 small piece of land rented by a local authority for cultivation. 2 share. 3 allotting.
Allotropy n. Existence of two or more different physical forms of a chemical element. allotropic adj. [greek allos different, tropos manner]
Allow v. 1 (often foll. By to + infin.) Permit. 2 assign a limited amount etc. (was allowed £500). 3 (usu. Foll. By for) provide or set aside for a purpose; add or deduct in consideration (allow £50 for expenses; allow for wastage). [originally = commend, from french: related to *ad-, latin laudo praise, loco place]
Allowance n. 1 amount or sum allowed, esp. Regularly for a stated purpose. 2 amount allowed in reckoning. 3 deduction or discount. make allowances (often foll. By for) 1 consider (mitigating circumstances). 2 make excuses for (a person, bad behaviour, etc.).
Alloy —n. 1 mixture of two or more metals. 2 inferior metal mixed esp. With gold or silver. —v. 1 mix (metals). 2 debase by admixture. 3 moderate (pleasure alloyed with pain). [french: related to *ally]
All saints’ day n. 1 nov., christian festival in honour of saints.
All souls’ day n. 2 nov., roman catholic festival with prayers for the souls of the dead.
Allspice n. 1 aromatic spice obtained from the berry of the pimento plant. 2 the berry.
All-time attrib. Adj. (of a record etc.) Unsurpassed.
Allude v. (-ding) (foll. By to) refer to, esp. Indirectly or briefly. [latin: related to *ad-, ludo play]
Allure —v. (-ring) attract, charm, or entice. —n. Attractiveness, personal charm, fascination. allurement n. [french: related to ad-, lure]
Allusion n. (often foll. By to) passing or indirect reference. allusive adj. [latin: related to *allude]
related to *allude]
Alluvial —adj. Of alluvium. —n. Alluvium, esp. Containing a precious metal.
Alluvial —adj. Of alluvium. —n. Alluvium, esp. Containing a precious metal.
Alluvium n. (pl. -via) deposit of usu. Fine fertile soil left behind by a flood, esp. In a river valley. [latin luo wash]
Ally —n. (pl. -ies) state, person, etc., formally cooperating or united with another, esp. (also ally) in war. —v. Also (-ies, -ied) (often refl. And foll. By with) combine in alliance. [latin alligo bind]
Alma mater n. One’s university, school, or college. [latin, = bounteous mother]
Almanac n. (also almanack) calendar, usu. With astronomical data. [medieval latin from greek]
Almighty adj. 1 having complete power. 2 (the almighty) god. 3 slang very great (almighty crash). [old english: related to all, mighty]
Almond n. 1 nutlike kernel of a fruit allied to the peach and plum. 2 tree bearing this. [greek amugdale]
Almoner n. Social worker attached to a hospital. [french: related to *alms]
Usage the usual term now is medical social worker.
Almost adv. All but; very nearly. [old english: related to all, most]
Alms n.pl. Hist. Donation of money or food to the poor. [greek eleemosune pity]
Almshouse n. Hist. Charitable institution for the poor.
Aloe n. 1 plant of the lily family with toothed fleshy leaves. 2 (in pl.) (in full bitter aloes) strong laxative from aloe juice. [old english from greek]
Aloft predic. Adj. & adv. 1 high up, overhead. 2 upwards. [old norse á lopti in air]
Alone —predic. Adj. 1 without the presence or help of others. 2 lonely (felt alone). —adv. Only, exclusively. [earlier al one: related to all, one]
Along —prep. Beside or through (part of) the length of. —adv. 1 onward, into a more advanced state (come along; getting along nicely). 2 with oneself or others (bring a book along). 3 beside or through part or the whole length of a thing. along with in addition to; together with. [old english, originally adj. = facing against]
Alongside —adv. At or to the side. —prep. Close to the side of.
Alongside —adv. At or to the side. —prep. Close to the side of.
Alp n. 1 a high mountain. B (the alps) high range of mountains in switzerland and adjoining countries. 2 pasture land on a swiss mountainside. [originally alps, from greek alpeis]
Alpaca n. 1 shaggy s. American mammal related to the llama. 2 its wool; fabric made from this. [spanish from quechua]
Alpha n. 1 first letter of the greek alphabet (a, a). 2 first-class mark for a piece of work etc. alpha and omega beginning and end. [latin from greek]
Alphabet n. 1 set of letters used in writing a language. 2 symbols or signs for these. alphabetical adj. [greek *alpha, *beta]
Alphanumeric adj. Containing both letters and numbers.
Alpha particle n. Helium nucleus emitted by a radioactive substance.
Alpine —adj. Of mountainous regions or (alpine) the alps. —n. 1 plant growing in mountainous regions. 2 = *rock-plant. [latin: related to *alp]
Already adv. 1 before the time in question (i knew that already). 2 as early or as soon as this (is back already). [from all, ready]
Alright adv. = all right (see *all).
Usage although widely used, alright is still non-standard and is considered incorrect by many people.
Alsatian n. Large dog of a breed of wolfhound (also called *german shepherd). [latin alsatia alsace]
Also adv. In addition, besides. [old english: related to all, so1]
Also-ran n. 1 loser in a race. 2 undistinguished person.
Altar n. 1 table or flat block for sacrifice or offering to a deity. 2 communion table. [latin altus high]
Altarpiece n. Painting etc. Above or behind an altar.
Alter v. Make or become different; change. alteration n. [latin alter other]
Alter v. Make or become different; change. alteration n. [latin alter other]
Altercate v. (-ting) (often foll. By with) dispute, wrangle. altercation n. [latin]
Alter ego n. (pl. -s) 1 one’s hidden or second self. 2 intimate friend. [latin, = other self]
Alter ego n. (pl. -s) 1 one’s hidden or second self. 2 intimate friend. [latin, = other self]
Alternate —v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By with) occur or cause to occur by turns. 2 (foll. By between) go repeatedly from one to another (alternated between hope and fear). —adj. 1 (with noun in pl.) Every other (on alternate days). 2 (of things of two kinds) alternating (alternate joy and misery). alternately adv. Alternation n. [latin alterno do by turns: related to *alter]
Usage see note at alternative.
Alternate angles n.pl. Two angles formed alternately on two sides of a line.
Alternating current n. Electric current reversing its direction at regular intervals.
Alternative —adj. 1 available as another choice (alternative route). 2 unconventional (alternative medicine). —n. 1 any of two or more possibilities. 2 choice (had no alternative but to go). alternatively adv.
Usage the adjective alternative should not be confused with alternate, as in ‘there will be a dance on alternate saturdays’.
Alternator n. Dynamo that generates an alternating current.
Although conj. = *though. [from all, though]
Altimeter n. Instrument indicating altitude reached.
Altitude n. Height, esp. Of an object above sea level or above the horizon. [latin altus high]
Alto n. (pl. -s) 1 = *contralto. 2 a highest adult male singing-voice, above tenor. B singer with this voice. 3 instrument pitched second-or third-highest in its family. [italian alto (canto) high (singing)]
Altogether adv. 1 totally, completely. 2 on the whole. 3 in total. in the altogether colloq. Naked. [from all, together]
Usage note that altogether means ‘in total’, whereas all together means ‘all at once’ or ‘all in one place’. The phrases six rooms altogether (in total) and six rooms all together (in one place) illustrate the difference.
Altruism n. Unselfishness as a principle of action. altruist n. Altruistic adj. [italian altrui somebody else]
Alum n. Double sulphate of aluminium and potassium. [latin alumen -min-]
Alumina n. Aluminium oxide occurring naturally as corundum and emery.
Aluminium n. (us aluminum) silvery light and malleable metallic element resistant to tarnishing by air.
Aluminize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) coat with aluminium.
Aluminum n. (brit. Aluminium) silvery light and malleable metallic element resistant to tarnishing by air.
Alumnus n. (pl. Alumni; fem. Alumna, pl. Alumnae) former pupil or student. [latin, = nursling, pupil]
Always adv. 1 at all times; on all occasions. 2 whatever the circumstances. 3 repeatedly, often. [from all, way]
Alyssum n. Plant with small usu. Yellow or white flowers. [greek, = curing madness]
Alzheimer’s disease n. Brain disorder causing senility. [alzheimer, name of a neurologist]
Am abbr. Amplitude modulation.
Am symb. Americium.
Am 1st person sing. Present of *be.
A.m. Abbr. Before noon. [latin ante meridiem]
Amalgam n. 1 mixture or blend. 2 alloy of mercury and another metal, used esp. In dentistry. [greek malagma an emollient]
Amalgamate v. (-ting) 1 mix, unite. 2 (of metals) alloy with mercury. amalgamation n. [medieval latin: related to *amalgam]
Amanuensis n. (pl. -enses) literary assistant, esp. Writing from dictation. [latin a manu ‘at hand’]
Amaranth n. 1 plant with small green, red, or purple tinted flowers. 2 imaginary unfading flower. 3 purple colour. amaranthine adj. [greek amarantos unfading]
Amaryllis n. Bulbous plant with lily-like flowers. [greek, a girl’s name]
Amass v. Heap together; accumulate. [french: related to ad-, mass1]
Amateur n. Person who engages in a pursuit as a pastime rather than a profession, or performs with limited skill. amateurish adj. Amateurism n. [latin amator lover: related to *amatory]
Amatory adj. Of sexual love. [latin amo love]
Amatory adj. Of sexual love. [latin amo love]
Amaze v. (-zing) surprise greatly, fill with wonder. amazement n. Amazing adj. [earlier amase from old english amasod]
Amazon n. 1 female warrior of a mythical race in the black sea area. 2 (amazon) large, strong, or athletic woman. amazonian adj. [latin from greek]
Ambassador n. 1 diplomat sent to live abroad to represent his or her country’s interests. 2 promoter (ambassador of peace). ambassadorial adj. [latin ambactus servant]
Amber —n. 1 a yellow translucent fossilized resin used in jewellery. B colour of this. 2 yellow traffic-light meaning caution. —adj. Of or like amber. [french from arabic]
Ambergris n. Waxlike secretion of the sperm whale, found floating in tropical seas and used in perfumes. [french, = grey amber]
Ambidextrous adj. Able to use either hand equally well. [latin ambi-on both sides, *dexter]
Ambience n. Surroundings or atmosphere. [latin ambio go round]
Ambient adj. Surrounding.
Ambiguous adj. 1 having an obscure or double meaning. 2 difficult to classify. ambiguity n. (pl. -ies). [latin ambi-both ways, ago drive]
Ambit n. Scope, extent, or bounds. [latin: related to *ambience]
Ambition n. 1 determination to succeed. 2 object of this. [latin, = canvassing: related to *ambience]
Ambitious adj. 1 full of ambition or high aims. 2 (foll. By of, or to + infin.) Strongly determined.
Ambivalence n. Coexistence of opposing feelings. ambivalent adj. [latin ambo both, *equivalent]
Amble —v. (-ling) move at an easy pace. —n. Such a pace. [latin ambulo walk]
Ambrosia n. 1 (in classical mythology) the food of the gods. 2 sublimely delicious food etc. [greek, = elixir of life]
Ambulance n. 1 vehicle equipped for conveying patients to hospital. 2 mobile hospital serving an army. [latin: related to *amble]
Ambulatory —adj. 1 of or for walking. 2 movable. —n. (pl. -ies) arcade or cloister. [latin: related to *amble]
Ambuscade n. & v. (-ding) = *ambush.
Ambush —n. 1 surprise attack by persons hiding. 2 hiding-place for this. —v. Attack from an ambush; waylay. [french: related to in-1, bush1]
Ameliorate v. (-ting) make or become better. amelioration n. Ameliorative adj. [from *ad-, latin melior better]
Amen int. (esp. At the end of a prayer etc.) So be it. [church latin from hebrew, = certainly]
Amenable adj. 1 responsive, docile. 2 (often foll. By to) answerable to law etc. [french: related to *ad-, latin mino drive animals]
Amend v. 1 make minor alterations in to improve. 2 correct an error in (a
Amend v. 1 make minor alterations in to improve. 2 correct an error in (a document etc.). [latin: related to *emend]
Usage amend is often confused with emend, a more technical word used in the context of textual correction.
Amendment n. Minor alteration or addition in a document, resolution, etc.
Amends n. make amends (often foll. By for) compensate (for).
Amenity n. (pl. -ies) 1 pleasant or useful feature or facility. 2 pleasantness (of a place etc.). [latin amoenus pleasant]
American —adj. Of america, esp. The united states. —n. 1 native, citizen, or inhabitant of america, esp. The us. 2 english as used in the us. americanize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). [name of navigator amerigo vespucci]
American dream n. Ideal of democracy and prosperity.
American football n. Football evolved from rugby.
American indian see *indian.
Americanism n. Word etc. Of us origin or usage.
Americium n. Artificial radioactive metallic element. [america, where first made]
Amerind adj. & n. (also amerindian) = american indian (see indian).
Amethyst n. Semiprecious stone of a violet or purple variety of quartz. [greek, = preventing drunkenness]
Amharic —n. Official and commercial language of ethiopia. —adj. Of this language. [amhara, region of ethiopia]
Amiable adj. (esp. Of a person) friendly and pleasant, likeable. amiably adv. [latin: related to *amicable]
Amiable adj. (esp. Of a person) friendly and pleasant, likeable. amiably adv. [latin: related to *amicable]
Amicable adj. (esp. Of an arrangement, relations, etc.) Friendly. amicably adv. [latin amicus friend]
Amid prep. In the middle of, among. [old english: related to on, mid]
Amidships adv. In or into the middle of a ship. [from *amid, alternative form midships]
midships]
Amidst var. Of *amid.
Amine n. Compound formed from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by an organic radical or radicals.
Amino acid n. Biochem. Any of a group of nitrogenous organic acids occurring naturally in plant and animal tissues and forming the basic constituents of proteins. [from amine, acid]
Amir var. Of *emir.
Amiss —predic. Adj. Wrong, out of order. —adv. Wrong(ly), inappropriately (everything went amiss). take amiss be offended by. [old norse à mis so as to miss]
Amity n. Friendship. [latin amicus friend]
Ammeter n. Instrument for measuring electric current in amperes. [from *ampere, *-meter]
Ammo n. Slang ammunition. [abbreviation]
Ammonia n. 1 pungent strongly alkaline gas. 2 (in general use) solution of ammonia in water. [as *sal ammoniac]
Ammonite n. Coil-shaped fossil shell. [latin, = horn of jupiter ammon]
Ammunition n. 1 supply of bullets, shells, grenades, etc. 2 information usable in an argument. [french la *munition taken as l’ammu-]
Amnesia n. Loss of memory. amnesiac n. [latin from greek]
Amnesty —n. (pl. -ies) general pardon, esp. For political offences. —v. (-ies, -ied) grant an amnesty to. [greek amnestia oblivion]
Amniocentesis n. (pl. -teses) sampling of amniotic fluid to detect foetal abnormality. [from *amnion, greek kentesis pricking]
Amnion n. (pl. Amnia) innermost membrane enclosing an embryo. amniotic adj. [greek, = caul]
Amoeba n. (pl. -s) microscopic aquatic amorphous one-celled organism. amoebic adj. [greek, = change]
Amok adv. run amok (or amuck) run wild. [malay]
Among prep. (also amongst) 1 surrounded by, with (lived among the trees; be among friends). 2 included in (among us were dissidents). 3 in the category of (among his best works). 4 a between; shared by (divide it among you). B from the joint resources of (among us we can manage it). 5 with one another (talked among themselves). [old english, = in a crowd]
Amoral adj. 1 beyond morality. 2 without moral principles.
Amorous adj. Of, showing, or feeling sexual love. [latin amor love]
Amorphous adj. 1 of no definite shape. 2 vague. 3 mineral. & chem. Non-crystalline. [greek a-not, morphe form]
Amortize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) gradually extinguish (a debt) by regular instalments. [latin ad mortem to death]
Amount —n. Quantity, esp. A total in number, size, value, extent, etc. —v. (foll. By to) be equivalent to in number, significance, etc. [latin ad montem upward]
Amour n. (esp. Secret) love affair. [french, = love]
Amour propre n. Self-respect. [french]
Amp1 n. Ampere. [abbreviation]
Amp2 n. Colloq. Amplifier. [abbreviation]
Ampelopsis n. (pl. Same) climbing plant related to the vine. [greek ampelos vine, opsis appearance]
Amperage n. Strength of an electric current in amperes.
Ampere n. Si base unit of electric current. [ampère, name of a physicist]
Ampersand n. The sign ‘&’ (= and). [corruption of and *per se and]
Amphetamine n. Synthetic drug used esp. As a stimulant. [abbreviation of chemical name]
Amphibian —adj. Of a class of vertebrates (e.g. Frogs) with an aquatic larval stage followed by a terrestrial adult stage. —n. 1 vertebrate of this class. 2 vehicle able to operate both on land and in water. [greek amphi-both, bios life]
Amphibious adj. 1 living or operating on land and in water. 2 involving military forces landed from the sea.
Amphitheatre n. Esp. Circular unroofed building with tiers of seats surrounding a central space. [greek amphi-round]
Amphitheatre n. Esp. Circular unroofed building with tiers of seats surrounding a central space. [greek amphi-round]
Amphora n. (pl. -phorae) narrow-necked greek or roman vessel with two handles. [greek amphoreus]
Ample adj. (ampler, amplest) 1 a plentiful, abundant, extensive. B euphem. Large, stout. 2 more than enough. amply adv. [latin amplus]
Amplifier n. Electronic device for increasing the strength of electrical signals, esp. For conversion into sound.
Amplify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 increase the strength of (sound, electrical signals, etc.). 2 add detail to, expand (a story etc.). amplification n. [latin: related to *ample]
Amplitude n. 1 maximum departure from average of an oscillation, alternating current, etc. 2 spaciousness; abundance. [latin: related to *ample]
Amplitude modulation n. Modulation of a wave by variation of its amplitude.
Ampoule n. Small sealed capsule holding a solution for injection. [french: related to *ampulla]
Ampulla n. (pl. -pullae) 1 roman globular flask with two handles. 2 ecclesiastical vessel. [latin]
Amputate v. (-ting) cut off surgically (a limb etc.). amputation n. Amputee n. [latin amb-about, puto prune]
Amuck var. Of *amok.
Amulet n. Charm worn against evil. [latin]
Amuse v. (-sing) 1 cause to laugh or smile. 2 interest or occupy. amusing adj. [french a cause to, muser stare]
Amusement n. 1 thing that amuses. 2 being amused. 3 mechanical device (e.g. A roundabout) for entertainment at a fairground etc.
Amusement arcade n. Indoor area with slot-machines.
An see *a1.
An-see *a-.
-an suffix (also -ian) forming adjectives and nouns, esp. From names of places, systems, classes, etc. (mexican; anglican; crustacean). [french -ain, latin -anus]
Anabaptist n. Member of a religious group believing in baptism only of adults. [greek ana again]
Anabolic steroid n. Synthetic steroid hormone used to increase muscle size.
Anabolism n. Synthesis of complex molecules in living organisms from simpler ones together with the storage of energy. [greek anabole ascent]
Anachronism n. 1 a attribution of a custom, event, etc., to the wrong period. B thing thus attributed. 2 out-of-date person or thing. anachronistic adj. [greek ana-against, khronos time]
Anaconda n. Large non-poisonous snake killing its prey by constriction. [sinhalese]
Anaemia n. (us anemia) deficiency of red blood cells or their haemoglobin, causing pallor and weariness. [greek, = want of blood]
Anaemic adj. (us anemic) 1 of or suffering from anaemia. 2 pale, listless.
Anaesthesia n. (us anes-) absence of sensation, esp. Artificially induced before surgery. [greek]
Analog n. (brit. Analogue) 1 analogous thing. 2 (attrib.) (usu. Analog) (of a computer etc.) Using physical variables, e.g. Voltage, to represent numbers (cf. *digital).
Analogize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) use, or represent or explain by, analogy.
Analogous adj. (usu. Foll. By to) partially similar or parallel. [greek analogos proportionate]
Analogue n. (us analog) 1 analogous thing. 2 (attrib.) (usu. Analog) (of a computer etc.) Using physical variables, e.g. Voltage, to represent numbers (cf. *digital).
Analogy n. (pl. -ies) 1 correspondence; partial similarity. 2 arguing or reasoning from parallel cases. analogical adj. [greek analogia proportion]
Analogy n. (pl. -ies) 1 correspondence; partial similarity. 2 arguing or reasoning from parallel cases. analogical adj. [greek analogia proportion]
Analyse v. (us analyze) (-sing or -zing) 1 examine in detail; ascertain the constituents of (a substance, sentence, etc.). 2 psychoanalyse.
Analysis n. (pl. -lyses) 1 a detailed examination of elements or structure. B statement of the result of this. 2 chem. Determination of the constituent parts of a mixture or compound. 3 psychoanalysis. [greek ana up, luo loose]
Analyst n. 1 person skilled in (esp. Chemical or computer) analysis. 2 psychoanalyst.
Analytical adj. (also analytic) of or using analysis.
Analyze n. (brit. Analyse) 1 examine in detail; ascertain the constituents of (a substance, sentence, etc.). 2 psychoanalyse.
Anapaest n. Metrical foot consisting of two short syllables followed by one long syllable (&anapaest.). [greek anapaistos reversed (dactyl)]
Anarchism n. Political theory that all government and laws should be abolished. [french: related to *anarchy]
Anarchist n. Advocate of anarchism. anarchistic adj.
Anathema n. (pl. -s) 1 detested thing (is anathema to me). 2 ecclesiastical curse. [greek, = thing devoted (i.e. To evil)]
Anathematize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) curse.
Anatomy n. (pl. -ies) 1 science of animal or plant structure. 2 such a structure. 3 analysis. anatomical adj. Anatomist n. [greek ana-up, temno cut]
Anatto var. Of *annatto.
Anc abbr. African national congress.
-ance suffix forming nouns expressing: 1 quality or state or an instance of one (arrogance; resemblance). 2 action (assistance). [french -ance, latin -antia]
Ancestor n. 1 person, animal, or plant from which another has descended or evolved. 2 prototype or forerunner. [latin ante-before, cedo go]
Ancestral adj. Belonging to or inherited from one’s ancestors.
Ancestry n. (pl. -ies) 1 family descent, lineage. 2 ancestors collectively.
Anchor —n. 1 heavy metal weight used to moor a ship or a balloon. 2 stabilizing thing. —v. 1 secure with an anchor. 2 fix firmly. 3 cast anchor. 4 be moored by an anchor. [greek agkura]
Anchorage n. 1 place for anchoring. 2 anchoring or lying at anchor.
Anchorite n. Hermit; religious recluse. [greek anakhoreo retire]
Anchorman n. Coordinator, esp. As compère in a broadcast.
Anchovy n. (pl. -ies) small strong-flavoured fish of the herring family. [spanish and portuguese anchova]
Ancien régime n. (pl. Anciens régimes pronunc. Same) 1 political and social system of pre-revolutionary (before 1787) france. 2 any superseded regime. [french, = old rule]
Ancient adj. 1 of long ago, esp. Before the fall of the roman empire in the west. 2 having lived or existed long. the ancients people of ancient times, esp. The greeks and romans. [latin ante before]
Ancillary —adj. 1 (esp. Of health workers) providing essential support. 2 (often foll. By to) subordinate, subservient. —n. (pl. -ies) 1 ancillary worker. 2 auxiliary or accessory. [latin ancilla handmaid]
-ancy suffix forming nouns denoting a quality (constancy) or state (infancy). [latin -antia]
And conj. 1 a connecting words, clauses, or sentences, to be taken jointly (you and i). B implying progression (better and better). C implying causation (she hit him and he cried). D implying great duration (cried and cried). E implying a great number (miles and miles). F implying addition (two and two). G implying variety (there are books and books). 2 colloq. To (try and come). 3 in relation to (britain and the ec). and/or either or both of two stated alternatives. [old english]
Andante mus. —adv. & adj. In a moderately slow tempo. —n. Such a passage or movement. [italian, = going]
Andiron n. Metal stand (usu. One of a pair) for supporting logs in a fireplace. [french andier]
Andiron n. Metal stand (usu. One of a pair) for supporting logs in a fireplace. [french andier]
Androgynous adj. 1 hermaphrodite. 2 bot. With stamens and pistils in the same flower. [greek aner andr-man, gune woman]
flower. [greek aner andr-man, gune woman]
Android n. Robot with a human appearance. [greek aner andr-man, *-oid]
Anecdote n. Short, esp. True, account or story. anecdotal adj. [greek anekdota things unpublished]
Anemia n. (brit. Anaemia) deficiency of red blood cells or their haemoglobin, causing pallor and weariness. [greek, = want of blood]
Anemic adj. (brit. Anaemic) 1 of or suffering from anemia. 2 pale, listless.
Anemometer n. Instrument for measuring wind force. [greek anemos wind]
Anemone n. Plant of the buttercup family, with vividly-coloured flowers. [greek, = wind-flower]
Aneroid —adj. (of a barometer) measuring air-pressure by its action on the lid of a box containing a vacuum. —n. Aneroid barometer. [greek a-not, neros water]
Anesthesia n. (brit. Anaes-) absence of sensation, esp. Artificially induced before surgery. [greek]
Aneurysm n. (also aneurism) excessive localized enlargement of an artery. [greek aneuruno widen]
Anew adv. 1 again. 2 in a different way. [earlier of newe]
Angel n. 1 a attendant or messenger of god. B representation of this in human form with wings. 2 virtuous or obliging person. 3 slang financial backer of a play etc. [greek aggelos messenger]
Angel cake n. Light sponge cake.
Angel-fish n. Fish with winglike fins.
Angelic adj. Of or like an angel. angelically adv.
Angelica n. Aromatic plant or its candied stalks. [medieval latin, = angelic (herb)]
Angelus n. 1 roman catholic prayers commemorating the incarnation, said at morning, noon, and sunset. 2 bell announcing this. [latin angelus domini (= the angel of the lord), opening words]
Anger —n. Extreme or passionate displeasure. —v. Make angry. [old norse angr grief]
Angina n. (in full angina pectoris) chest pain brought on by exertion, caused by an inadequate blood supply to the heart. [greek agkhone strangling]
Angiosperm n. Plant producing flowers and reproducing by seeds enclosed within a carpel, including herbaceous plants, grasses, and most trees. [greek aggeion vessel]
Angle n. (usu. In pl.) Member of a n. German tribe that settled in e. Britain in the 5th c. [latin anglus, from the name angul in germany]
Angle1 —n. 1 space between two meeting lines or surfaces, esp. As measured in degrees. 2 corner. 3 point of view. —v. (-ling) 1 move or place obliquely. 2 present (information) in a biased way. [latin angulus]
Angle2 v. (-ling) 1 fish with hook and line. 2 (foll. By for) seek an objective indirectly (angled for a loan). angler n. [old english]
Anglican —adj. Of the church of england. —n. Member of the anglican church. anglicanism n. [latin anglicanus: related to *angle]
Anglicism n. Peculiarly english word or custom. [latin anglicus: related to *angle]
Anglicize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make english in character etc.
Anglo-comb. Form 1 english. 2 of english origin. 3 english or british and. [latin: related to *angle]
Anglo-catholic —adj. Of a high church anglican wing emphasizing its catholic tradition. —n. Member of this group.
Anglo-french —adj. English (or british) and french. —n. French language as developed in england after the norman conquest.
Anglo-indian —adj. 1 of england and india. 2 of british descent but indian residence. —n. Anglo-indian person.
Anglo-norman —adj. English and norman. —n. Norman dialect used in england after the norman conquest.
Anglophile n. Person who greatly admires england or the english.
Anglo-saxon —adj. 1 of the english saxons before the norman conquest. 2 of english descent. —n. 1 anglo-saxon person. 2 old english. 3 colloq. Plain (esp. Crude) english.
Angora n. 1 fabric or wool from the hair of the angora goat or rabbit. 2 long-haired variety of cat, goat, or rabbit. [angora (= ankara) in turkey]
Angostura n. Aromatic bitter bark used as a flavouring. [angostura (= ciudad bolívar) in venezuela]
Angst n. Anxiety, neurotic fear; guilt, remorse. [german]
Angstrom n. Unit of length equal to 10-10 metre. [ångström, name of a physicist]
Anguish n. 1 severe mental suffering. 2 pain, agony. anguished adj. [latin angustia tightness]
Angular adj. 1 having sharp corners or (of a person) features. 2 forming an angle. 3 measured by angle (angular distance). angularity n. [latin: related to *angle1]
Anhydrous adj. Chem. Without water, esp. Water of crystallization. [greek an-without, hudor water]
Aniline n. Colourless oily liquid used in making dyes, drugs, and plastics. [german anil indigo, former source]
Animadvert v. (foll. By on) literary criticize, censure. animadversion n. [latin animus mind, *adverse]
animus mind, *adverse]
Animal —n. 1 living organism, esp. Other than man, which feeds and usu. Has sense-organs and a nervous system and can move quickly. 2 brutish person. — adj. 1 of or like an animal. 2 bestial; carnal. [latin animalis having breath]
Animalism n. 1 nature and activity of animals. 2 belief that humans are mere animals.
Animality n. 1 the animal world. 2 animal behaviour.
Animalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make (a person) bestial, sensualize.
Animate —adj. 1 having life. 2 lively. —v. (-ting) 1 enliven. 2 give life to. [latin anima breath]
Animated adj. 1 lively, vigorous. 2 having life. 3 (of a film etc.) Using animation.
Animation n. 1 vivacity, ardour. 2 being alive. 3 technique of producing a moving picture from a sequence of drawings or puppet poses etc.
Animism n. Belief that inanimate and natural phenomena have souls. animist n. Animistic adj.
Animosity n. (pl. -ies) spirit or feeling of hostility. [latin: related to *animus]
Animus n. Animosity, ill feeling. [latin, = spirit, mind]
Anion n. Negatively charged ion. anionic adj. [greek ana up, *ion]
Anise n. Plant with aromatic seeds. [greek anison]
Aniseed n. Seed of the anise, used for flavouring.
Ankle n. 1 joint connecting the foot with the leg. 2 this part of the leg. [old norse]
Anklet n. Ornament or fetter worn round the ankle.
Ankylosis n. Stiffening of a joint by fusion of the bones. [greek agkulos crooked]
Annals n.pl. 1 narrative of events year by year. 2 historical records. annalist n. [latin annus year]
Annatto n. (also anatto) orange-red dye from the pulp of a tropical fruit, used for
Annatto n. (also anatto) orange-red dye from the pulp of a tropical fruit, used for colouring foods. [carib name of the fruit-tree]
Anneal v. Heat (metal or glass) and cool slowly, esp. To toughen it. [old english ælan bake]
Annelid n. Segmented worm, e.g. The earthworm. [latin anulus ring]
Annex v. 1 (often foll. By to) add as a subordinate part. 2 incorporate (territory) into one’s own. 3 add as a condition or consequence. 4 colloq. Take without right. annexation n. [latin necto bind]
Annexe n. 1 separate or added building. 2 addition to a document.
Annihilate v. (-ting) completely destroy or defeat. annihilation n. [latin nihil nothing]
Anniversary n. (pl. -ies) 1 date of an event in a previous year. 2 celebration of this. [latin annus year, verto vers-turn]
Anno domini adv. Years after christ’s birth. [latin, = in the year of the lord]
Annotate v. (-ting) add explanatory notes to. annotation n. [latin nota mark]
Announce v. (-cing) 1 make publicly known. 2 make known the arrival or imminence of (a guest, dinner, etc.). 3 be a sign of. announcement n. [latin
imminence of (a guest, dinner, etc.). 3 be a sign of. announcement n. [latin nuntius messenger]
Announcer n. Person who announces, esp. In broadcasting.
Annoy v. 1 (often in passive) anger or distress slightly (am annoyed with you). 2 molest, harass. annoyance n. [latin in odio hateful]
Annual —adj. 1 reckoned by the year. 2 occurring yearly. 3 living or lasting (only) a year. —n. 1 book etc. Published yearly. 2 plant that lives only a year. annually adv. [latin annus year]
Annualized adj. (of rates of interest etc.) Calculated on an annual basis, as a projection from figures obtained for a shorter period.
Annuity n. (pl. -ies) 1 yearly grant or allowance. 2 investment yielding a fixed annual sum.
Annul v. (-ll-) 1 declare invalid. 2 cancel, abolish. annulment n. [latin nullus none]
Annular adj. Ring-shaped. [latin anulus ring]
Annular eclipse n. Solar eclipse in which a ring of light remains visible.
Annulate adj. Marked with or formed of rings.
Annunciation n. 1 announcement, esp. (annunciation) that made by the angel gabriel to mary. 2 festival of this. [latin: related to *announce]
Anode n. Positive electrode in an electrolytic cell etc. [greek anodos way up]
Anodize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) coat (metal) with a protective layer by electrolysis.
Anodyne —adj. 1 pain-relieving. 2 mentally soothing. —n. Anodyne drug etc. [greek an-without, odune pain]
Anoint v. 1 apply oil or ointment to, esp. Ritually. 2 (usu. Foll. By with) smear. [latin inungo anoint]
Anomaly n. (pl. -ies) anomalous thing; irregularity.
Anon adv. Archaic soon, shortly. [old english on an into one]
Anon. Abbr. Anonymous.
Anonymous adj. 1 of unknown name or authorship. 2 without character; featureless. anonymity n. [greek an-without, onoma name]
Anorak n. Waterproof usu. Hooded jacket. [eskimo]
Anorexia n. Lack of appetite, esp. (in full anorexia nervosa) an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing to eat. anorexic adj. & n. [greek an-without, orexis appetite]
Another —adj. 1 an additional; one more (another cake). 2 person like (another hitler). 3 a different (another matter). 4 some other (another man’s work). — pron. Additional, other, or different person or thing. [earlier an other]
Answer —n. 1 something said or done in reaction to a question, statement, or circumstance. 2 solution to a problem. —v. 1 make an answer or response (to) (answer the door). 2 suit (a purpose or need). 3 (foll. By to, for) be responsible (you will answer to me for your conduct). 4 (foll. By to) correspond, esp. To a description. answer back answer insolently. [old english, = swear against (a charge)]
Answerable adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By to, for) responsible (answerable to them for any accident). 2 that can be answered.
Answering machine n. Tape recorder which answers telephone calls and takes messages.
Answerphone n. = *answering machine.
Ant n. Small usu. Wingless insect living in complex social colonies and proverbial for industry. [old english]
-ant suffix 1 forming adjectives denoting attribution of an action (repentant) or state (arrogant). 2 forming agent nouns (assistant). [latin -ant-, present participial stem of verbs]
Antacid —adj. Preventing or correcting acidity. —n. Antacid agent.
Antagonism n. Active hostility. [french: related to *agony]
Antagonist n. Opponent or adversary. antagonistic adj.
Antagonize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make hostile; provoke.
Antarctic —adj. Of the south polar regions. —n. This region. [latin: related to *arctic]
Antarctic circle n. Parallel of latitude 66° 32´ s., forming an imaginary line round the antarctic region.
Ante —n. 1 stake put up by a player in poker etc. Before receiving cards. 2 amount payable in advance. —v. (-tes, -ted) 1 put up as an ante. 2 us a bet, stake. B (foll. By up) pay.
Ante-prefix before, preceding. [latin, = before]
Anteater n. Any of various mammals feeding on ants and termites.
Antecedent —n. 1 preceding thing or circumstance. 2 gram. Word or phrase etc. To which another word (esp. A relative pronoun) refers. 3 (in pl.) Person’s past history or ancestors. —adj. Previous. [latin cedo go]
Antechamber n. Ante-room.
Antedate v. (-ting) 1 precede in time. 2 assign an earlier than actual date to.
Antediluvian adj. 1 of the time before the flood. 2 colloq. Very old or out of date. [from *ante-, latin diluvium deluge]
Antelope n. (pl. Same or -s) swift-moving deerlike ruminant, e.g. The gazelle and gnu. [greek antholops]
Antenatal adj. 1 before birth. 2 of pregnancy.
Antenna n. 1 (pl. -tennae) each of a pair of feelers on the heads of insects, crustaceans, etc. 2 (pl. -s) = *aerial n. [latin, = sail-yard]
Antepenultimate adj. Last but two.
Ante-post adj. (of betting) done at odds determined at the time of betting, in advance of the event concerned. [from *ante-, *post1]
Anterior adj. 1 nearer the front. 2 (often foll. By to) prior. [latin from ante before]
Ante-room n. Small room leading to a main one.
Anthem n. 1 elaborate choral composition usu. Based on a passage of scripture. 2 solemn hymn of praise etc., esp. = *national anthem. [latin: related to *antiphon]
Anther n. Part of a stamen containing pollen. [greek anthos flower]
Anthill n. Moundlike nest built by ants or termites.
Anthology n. (pl. -ies) collection of poems, essays, stories, etc. anthologist n. [greek anthos flower, -logia collection]
Anthracite n. Hard type of coal burning with little flame and smoke. [greek: related to *anthrax]
Anthrax n. Disease of sheep and cattle transmissible to humans. [greek, = coal, carbuncle]
Anthropocentric adj. Regarding mankind as the centre of existence. [greek anthropos man]
Anthropoid —adj. Human in form. —n. Anthropoid ape.
Anthropology n. The study of mankind, esp. Its societies and customs. anthropological adj. Anthropologist n.
Anthropomorphism n. Attribution of human characteristics to a god, animal, or thing. anthropomorphic adj. [greek morphe form]
Anthropomorphous adj. Human in form.
Anti —prep. Opposed to. —n. (pl. -s) person opposed to a policy etc.
Anti-prefix 1 opposed to (anticlerical). 2 preventing (antifreeze). 3 opposite of (anticlimax). 4 unconventional (anti-hero). [greek]
Anti-abortion adj. Opposing abortion. anti-abortionist n.
Anti-aircraft adj. (of a gun or missile) used to attack enemy aircraft.
Antibiotic —n. Substance (e.g. Penicillin) that can inhibit or destroy susceptible micro-organisms. —adj. Functioning as an antibiotic. [greek bios life]
Antibody n. (pl. -ies) a blood protein produced in response to and then counteracting antigens. [translation of german antikörper]
Antic n. (usu. In pl.) Foolish behaviour or action. [italian antico *antique]
Antichrist n. Enemy of christ. antichristian adj.
Anticipate v. (-ting) 1 deal with or use before the proper time. 2 expect, foresee (did not anticipate a problem). 3 forestall (a person or thing). 4 look forward to. anticipation n. Anticipatory adj. [latin anti-before, capio take]
Usage the use of anticipate in sense 2, ‘expect’, ‘foresee’, is well-established in informal use, but is regarded as incorrect by some people.
Anticlerical adj. Opposed to clerical influence, esp. In politics.
Anticlimax n. Disappointingly trivial conclusion to something significant.
Anticlimax n. Disappointingly trivial conclusion to something significant.
Anticlockwise adj. & adv. Moving in a curve opposite in direction to the hands of a clock.
Anticyclone n. System of winds rotating outwards from an area of high pressure, producing fine weather.
Antidepressant —n. Drug etc. That alleviates depression. —adj. Alleviating depression.
Antidote n. 1 medicine etc. Used to counteract poison. 2 anything counteracting something unpleasant. [greek antidotos given against]
Antifreeze n. Substance added to water to lower its freezing point, esp. In a vehicle’s radiator.
Antigen n. Foreign substance (e.g. Toxin) which causes the body to produce antibodies. [greek -genes of a kind]
Anti-hero n. (pl. -es) central character in a story, lacking conventional heroic qualities.
Antihistamine n. Drug that counteracts the effects of histamine, used esp. In treating allergies.
Antiknock n. Substance added to motor fuel to prevent premature combustion.
Anti-lock attrib. Adj. (of brakes) set up so as to prevent locking and skidding when applied suddenly.
Antilog n. Colloq. = *antilogarithm. [abbreviation]
Antilogarithm n. Number to which a logarithm belongs.
Antimacassar n. Detachable protective cloth for the back of a chair etc.
Antimatter n. Matter composed solely of antiparticles.
Antimony n. Brittle silvery metallic element used esp. In alloys. [medieval latin]
Antinomian —adj. Believing that christians need not obey the moral law. —n. (antinomian) hist. Person believing this. [greek nomos law]
Antinomy n. (pl. -ies) contradiction between two reasonable beliefs or conclusions.
Antinovel n. Novel avoiding the conventions of the form.
Anti-nuclear adj. Opposed to the development of nuclear weapons or power.
Antiparticle n. Elementary particle with the same mass but opposite charge etc. To another particle.
Antipathy n. (pl. -ies) (often foll. By to, for, between) strong aversion or dislike. antipathetic adj. [greek: related to *pathetic]
Antiperspirant n. Substance preventing or reducing perspiration.
Antiphon n. 1 hymn sung alternately by two groups. 2 versicle or phrase from this. antiphonal adj. [greek phone sound]
Antipodes n.pl. Places diametrically opposite to one another on the earth, esp. (also antipodes) australasia in relation to europe. antipodean adj. & n. [greek, = having the feet opposite]
Antipope n. Pope set up in opposition to one chosen by canon law.
Antipyretic —adj. Preventing or reducing fever. —n. Antipyretic drug.
Antiquarian —adj. Of or dealing in antiques or rare books. —n. Antiquary. antiquarianism n.
Antiquary n. (pl. -ies) student or collector of antiques etc. [latin: related to *antique]
Antiquated adj. Old-fashioned.
Antique —n. Old object, esp. A piece of furniture, of high value. —adj. 1 of or from an early date. 2 old-fashioned. [latin antiquus]
Antiquity n. (pl. -ies) 1 ancient times, esp. Before the middle ages. 2 great age. 3 (usu. In pl.) Relics from ancient times. [latin: related to *antique]
Antirrhinum n. Plant with two-lipped flowers, esp. The snapdragon. [greek, = snout]
Anti-semite n. Person who is prejudiced against jews. anti-semitic adj. Anti-semitism n.
Antisocial adj. 1 opposed or harmful to society. 2 not sociable.
Usage antisocial is sometimes used mistakenly instead of unsocial in the phrase unsocial hours. This should be avoided.
Antistatic adj. Counteracting the effects of static electricity.
Anti-tank attrib. Adj. Used against tanks.
Antitetanus adj. Effective against tetanus.
Antithesis n. (pl. -theses) 1 (foll. By of, to) direct opposite. 2 contrast. 3 rhetorical use of strongly contrasted words. antithetical adj. [greek antitithemi set against]
Antitoxin n. Antibody counteracting a toxin. antitoxic adj.
Antitrades n.pl. Winds blowing in the opposite direction to (and usu. Above) trade winds.
Antiviral adj. Effective against viruses.
Antler n. Branched horn of a stag or other deer. antlered adj. [french]
Antonym n. Word opposite in meaning to another. [greek onoma name]
Antrum n. (pl. Antra) natural cavity in the body, esp. In a bone. [greek, = cave]
Anus n. (pl. Anuses) excretory opening at the end of the alimentary canal. [latin]
Anvil n. Iron block on which metals are worked. [old english]
Anxiety n. (pl. -ies) 1 being anxious. 2 worry or concern. 3 eagerness, troubled desire. [latin anxietas from ango choke]
Anxious adj. 1 mentally troubled. 2 causing or marked by anxiety (anxious moment). 3 eager, uneasily wanting (anxious to please). anxiously adv. [latin anxius]
Any —adj. 1 a one, no matter which, of several (cannot find any answer). B some, no matter how much or many or of what sort (if any books arrive; have you any sugar?). 2 a minimal amount of (hardly any difference). 3 whichever is chosen (any fool knows). 4 an appreciable or significant (did not stay for any length of time; has any amount of money). —pron. 1 any one (did not know any of them). 2 any number or amount (are any of them yours?). —adv. (usu. With neg. Or interrog.) At all (is that any good?). [old english ænig: related to one, -y1]
Anybody n. & pron. 1 any person. 2 person of importance (is he anybody?).
Anyhow adv. 1 anyway. 2 in a disorderly manner or state (does his work anyhow).
anyhow).
Anyone pron. Anybody.
Usage anyone is written as two words to emphasize a numerical sense, as in any one of us can do it.
Anything pron. Any thing; thing of any sort. anything but not at all.
Anyway adv. 1 in any way or manner. 2 at any rate. 3 to resume (anyway, as i was saying).
Anywhere —adv. In or to any place. —pron. Any place (anywhere will do).
Aob abbr. Any other business.
Aorta n. (pl. -s) main artery, giving rise to the arterial network carrying oxygenated blood to the body from the heart. aortic adj. [greek aeiro raise]
Apace adv. Literary swiftly. [french à pas]
Apache n. Member of a n. American indian tribe. [mexican spanish]
Apart adv. 1 separately, not together (keep your feet apart). 2 into pieces (came apart). 3 to or on one side. 4 to or at a distance. apart from 1 excepting, not considering. 2 in addition to (apart from roses we grow irises). [french à part to one side]
Apartheid n. (esp. In s. Africa) racial segregation or discrimination. [afrikaans]
Apartment n. 1 (in pl.) Suite of rooms. 2 single room. 3 us flat. [italian a parte, apart]
Apathy n. Lack of interest; indifference. apathetic adj. [greek a-without, *pathos]
Ape —n. 1 tailless monkey-like primate, e.g. The gorilla, chimpanzee, orang-utan, or gibbon. 2 imitator. —v. (-ping) imitate, mimic. [old english]
Apeman n. Extinct primate held to be the forerunner of present-day man.
Aperitif n. Alcoholic drink taken before a meal. [latin aperio open]
Aperture n. Opening or gap, esp. A variable opening in a camera for admitting light. [latin aperio open]
Apex n. (also apex) (often attrib.) System of reduced fares for scheduled flights. [advance purchase excursion]
Apex n. (pl. -es) 1 highest point. 2 tip or pointed end. [latin]
Aphasia n. Loss of verbal understanding or expression, owing to brain damage. [greek aphatos speechless]
Aphelion n. (pl. -lia) point in a celestial body’s orbit where it is furthest from the sun. [greek aph’heliou from the sun]
Aphid n. Small insect infesting and damaging plants, e.g. The greenfly.
Antitrades n.pl. Winds blowing in the opposite direction to (and usu. Above) trade winds.
Antiviral adj. Effective against viruses.
Antler n. Branched horn of a stag or other deer. antlered adj. [french]
Antonym n. Word opposite in meaning to another. [greek onoma name]
Antrum n. (pl. Antra) natural cavity in the body, esp. In a bone. [greek, = cave]
Anus n. (pl. Anuses) excretory opening at the end of the alimentary canal. [latin]
Anvil n. Iron block on which metals are worked. [old english]
Anxiety n. (pl. -ies) 1 being anxious. 2 worry or concern. 3 eagerness, troubled desire. [latin anxietas from ango choke]
Anxious adj. 1 mentally troubled. 2 causing or marked by anxiety (anxious moment). 3 eager, uneasily wanting (anxious to please). anxiously adv. [latin anxius]
Any —adj. 1 a one, no matter which, of several (cannot find any answer). B some, no matter how much or many or of what sort (if any books arrive; have you any sugar?). 2 a minimal amount of (hardly any difference). 3 whichever is chosen (any fool knows). 4 an appreciable or significant (did not stay for any length of time; has any amount of money). —pron. 1 any one (did not know any of them). 2 any number or amount (are any of them yours?). —adv. (usu. With neg. Or interrog.) At all (is that any good?). [old english ænig: related to one, -y1]
Anybody n. & pron. 1 any person. 2 person of importance (is he anybody?).
Anyhow adv. 1 anyway. 2 in a disorderly manner or state (does his work anyhow).
Anyone pron. Anybody.
Anyone pron. Anybody.
Usage anyone is written as two words to emphasize a numerical sense, as in any one of us can do it.
Anything pron. Any thing; thing of any sort. anything but not at all.
Anyway adv. 1 in any way or manner. 2 at any rate. 3 to resume (anyway, as i was saying).
Anywhere —adv. In or to any place. —pron. Any place (anywhere will do).
Aob abbr. Any other business.
Aorta n. (pl. -s) main artery, giving rise to the arterial network carrying oxygenated blood to the body from the heart. aortic adj. [greek aeiro raise]
Apace adv. Literary swiftly. [french à pas]
Apache n. Member of a n. American indian tribe. [mexican spanish]
Apart adv. 1 separately, not together (keep your feet apart). 2 into pieces (came apart). 3 to or on one side. 4 to or at a distance. apart from 1 excepting, not considering. 2 in addition to (apart from roses we grow irises). [french à part to
considering. 2 in addition to (apart from roses we grow irises). [french à part to one side]
Apartheid n. (esp. In s. Africa) racial segregation or discrimination. [afrikaans]
Apartment n. 1 (in pl.) Suite of rooms. 2 single room. 3 us flat. [italian a parte, apart]
Apathy n. Lack of interest; indifference. apathetic adj. [greek a-without, *pathos]
Ape —n. 1 tailless monkey-like primate, e.g. The gorilla, chimpanzee, orang-utan, or gibbon. 2 imitator. —v. (-ping) imitate, mimic. [old english]
Apeman n. Extinct primate held to be the forerunner of present-day man.
Aperitif n. Alcoholic drink taken before a meal. [latin aperio open]
Aperture n. Opening or gap, esp. A variable opening in a camera for admitting light. [latin aperio open]
Apex n. (also apex) (often attrib.) System of reduced fares for scheduled flights. [advance purchase excursion]
Apex n. (pl. -es) 1 highest point. 2 tip or pointed end. [latin]
Aphasia n. Loss of verbal understanding or expression, owing to brain damage. [greek aphatos speechless]
Aphelion n. (pl. -lia) point in a celestial body’s orbit where it is furthest from the sun. [greek aph’heliou from the sun]
Aphid n. Small insect infesting and damaging plants, e.g. The greenfly.
Aphis n. (pl. Aphides) aphid. [invented by linnaeus: perhaps a misreading of greek koris bug]
Aphorism n. Short pithy maxim. aphoristic adj. [greek aphorismos definition]
Aphorism n. Short pithy maxim. aphoristic adj. [greek aphorismos definition]
Aphrodisiac —adj. Arousing sexual desire. —n. Aphrodisiac substance. [greek aphrodite goddess of love]
Apiary n. (pl. -ies) place where bees are kept. apiarist n. [latin apis bee]
Apical adj. Of, at, or forming an apex.
Apiculture n. Bee-keeping. apiculturist n. [latin apis bee, *culture]
Apiece adv. For each one; severally (five pounds apiece). [originally a piece]
Apish adj. 1 of or like an ape. 2 foolishly imitating.
Aplomb n. Skilful self-assurance. [french, = straight as a plummet]
Apocalypse n. 1 violent or destructive event. 2 (the apocalypse) revelation, the last book of the new testament. 3 revelation, esp. About the end of the world. apocalyptic adj. [greek apokalupto reveal]
Apocrypha n.pl. 1 books included in the septuagint and vulgate versions of the old testament but not in the hebrew bible. 2 (apocrypha) writings etc. Not considered genuine. [greek apokrupto hide away]
Apocryphal adj. Of doubtful authenticity.
Apogee n. 1 highest point; climax. 2 point in a celestial body’s orbit where it is furthest from the earth. [greek apogeion]
Apolitical adj. Not interested in or concerned with politics.
Apologetic —adj. 1 showing or expressing regret. 2 of apologetics. —n. (usu. In pl.) Reasoned defence, esp. Of christianity. apologetically adv.
Apologia n. Formal defence of opinions or conduct. [greek: see *apology]
Apologist n. Person who defends something by argument.
Apologize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make an apology, express regret.
Apology n. (pl. -ies) 1 statement of regret for an offence or failure. 2 explanation or defence. 3 (foll. By for) poor specimen of. [greek apologia from apologeomai speak in defence]
Apophthegm n. = *aphorism. [latin from greek]
Apoplectic adj. 1 of or causing apoplexy. 2 colloq. Enraged.
Apoplexy n. Sudden paralysis caused by blockage or rupture of a brain artery; stroke. [greek apoplesso disable by stroke]
Apostasy n. (pl. -ies) renunciation of a belief or faith, abandoning of principles, etc. [greek, = defection]
Apostate n. Person who renounces a former belief etc. apostatize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing).
A posteriori —adj. (of reasoning) proceeding from effects to causes; inductive. —adv. Inductively. [latin, = from what comes after]
Apostle n. 1 (apostle) any of the twelve men sent out by christ to preach the gospel. 2 leader, esp. Of a new movement. [greek apostolos messenger]
Apostolate n. 1 position or authority of an apostle. 2 leadership in reform.
Apostolic adj. 1 of the apostles or their teaching. 2 of the pope.
Apostolic succession n. Supposed uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority from the apostles through popes and bishops.
Apostrophe n. 1 punctuation mark (‘) indicating: a omission of letters or numbers (e.g. Can’t; may ‘92). B possessive case (e.g. Harry’s book; boys’ coats). 2 exclamatory passage addressed to (an often absent) person or thing. apostrophize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) (in sense 2). [greek, = turning away]
Apothecaries’ measure n. (also apothecaries’ weight) units formerly used in pharmacy.
Apothecary n. (pl. -ies) archaic dispensing chemist. [greek apotheke storehouse]
Apotheosis n. (pl. -theoses) 1 elevation to divine status, deification. 2 glorification of a thing; sublime example (apotheosis of chivalry). [greek theos god]
Appal v. (-ll-) 1 greatly dismay or horrify. 2 (as appalling adj.) Colloq. Very bad, shocking. [french apalir grow pale: related to *pale1]
Apparatus n. 1 equipment for a particular function, esp. Scientific or technical. 2 political or other complex organization. [latin paro prepare]
Apparel n. Formal clothing, dress. apparelled adj. [romanic, = make fit, from latin par equal]
Apparent adj. 1 readily visible; obvious. 2 seeming. apparently adv. [latin: related to *appear]
Apparent adj. 1 readily visible; obvious. 2 seeming. apparently adv. [latin: related to *appear]
Apparition n. Remarkable or unexpected thing that appears; ghost or phantom.
Appeal —v. 1 request earnestly or formally; plead. 2 (usu. Foll. By to) attract, be of interest. 3 (foll. By to) resort to for support. 4 law a (often foll. By to) apply (to a higher court) for reconsideration of a legal decision. B refer (a case) to a higher court. 5 cricket call on the umpire to declare whether a batsman is out. — n. 1 act of appealing. 2 request for public support, esp. Financial. 3 law referral
n. 1 act of appealing. 2 request for public support, esp. Financial. 3 law referral of a case to a higher court. 4 attractiveness. [latin appello address]
Appear v. 1 become or be visible. 2 seem (appeared unwell). 3 present oneself publicly or formally. 4 be published. [latin appareo]
Appearance n. 1 act of appearing. 2 outward form as perceived (appearance of prosperity). 3 semblance. keep up appearances maintain an impression or pretence of virtue, affluence, etc. Make (or put in) an appearance be present, esp. Briefly.
Appease v. (-sing) 1 make calm or quiet, esp. Conciliate (a potential aggressor) by making concessions. 2 satisfy (an appetite, scruples). appeasement n. [french à to, pais *peace]
Appellant n. Person who appeals to a higher court. [latin appello address]
Appellate attrib. Adj. (esp. Of a court) concerned with appeals.
Appellation n. Formal name or title; nomenclature.
Appellative adj. 1 naming. 2 gram. (of a noun) designating a class, common.
Append v. (usu. Foll. By to) attach, affix, add, esp. To a written document. [latin appendo hang]
Appendage n. Thing attached; addition.
Appendectomy n. (also appendicectomy) (pl. -ies) surgical removal of the appendix. [from appendix, -ectomy]
Appendicitis n. Inflammation of the appendix.
Appendix n. (pl. -dices) 1 tissue forming a tube-shaped sac attached to the large intestine. 2 addition to a book etc. [latin: related to *append]
Appertain v. (foll. By to) relate, belong, or be appropriate. [latin: related to *pertain]
Appetite n. 1 natural craving, esp. For food or sexual activity. 2 (usu. Foll. By for) inclination or desire. [latin peto seek]
Appetizer n. (also -iser) small amount, esp. Of food or drink, to stimulate the appetite.
Appetizing adj. (also -ising) stimulating the appetite, esp. For food; tasty.
Applaud v. 1 express strong approval, esp. By clapping. 2 commend, approve (a person or action). [latin applaudo clap hands]
Applause n. 1 approval shown by clapping the hands. 2 warm approval.
Apple n. 1 roundish firm fruit with crisp flesh. 2 tree bearing this. apple of one’s eye cherished person or thing. [old english]
Apple-pie bed n. Bed made (as a joke) with sheets folded so as to prevent a person lying flat.
Apple-pie order n. Extreme neatness.
Appliance n. Device etc. For a specific task. [related to *apply]
Applicable adj. (often foll. By to) that may be applied; relevant; appropriate. applicability n. [medieval latin: related to *apply]
Applicant n. Person who applies for something, esp. A job.
Application n. 1 formal request. 2 act of applying. 3 substance applied. 4 a relevance. B use (has many applications). 5 diligence.
Applicator n. Device for applying ointment etc.
Applied adj. Practical, not merely theoretical (applied science).
Appliqué —n. Cutting out of fabric patterns and attaching them to another fabric. —v. (-qués, -quéd, -quéing) decorate with appliqué. [french, = applied]
Apply v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foll. By for, to, or to + infin.) Formally request. 2 be relevant. 3 a make use of; employ (apply the rules; apply common sense). B operate (apply the brakes). 4 (often foll. By to) put or spread on. 5 refl. (often foll. By to) devote oneself. [latin applico fasten to]
Apply v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foll. By for, to, or to + infin.) Formally request. 2 be relevant. 3 a make use of; employ (apply the rules; apply common sense). B operate (apply the brakes). 4 (often foll. By to) put or spread on. 5 refl. (often foll. By to) devote oneself. [latin applico fasten to]
Appoint v. 1 assign a job or office to. 2 (often foll. By for) fix (a time, place, etc.). 3 (as appointed adj.) Equipped, furnished (well-appointed). appointee n. [french à point to a point]
Appointment n. 1 appointing or being appointed. 2 arrangement for meeting or consultation. 3 a post or office open to applicants. B person appointed. 4 (usu. In pl.) Furniture, fittings; equipment.
Apportion v. (often foll. By to) share out; assign as a share. apportionment n. [medieval latin: related to *portion]
Apposite adj. (often foll. By to) apt, appropriate; well expressed. [latin appono apply]
Apposition n. Juxtaposition, esp. Gram. Of elements sharing a syntactic function (e.g. William the conqueror; my friend sue).
Appraisal n. Appraising or being appraised.
Appraise v. (-sing) 1 estimate the value or quality of. 2 set a price on (esp. Officially). [earlier apprize, assimilated to *praise]
Appreciable adj. Significant, considerable. [french: related to *appreciate]
Appreciate v. (-ting) 1 a esteem highly; value. B be grateful for. 2 understand, recognize (appreciate the danger). 3 rise or raise in value. appreciative adj. Appreciatory adj. [latin pretium price]
Appreciation n. 1 favourable or grateful recognition. 2 sensitive estimation or judgement. 3 rise in value. [french: related to *appreciate]
Apprentice —n. 1 person learning a trade by working in it for an agreed period at low wages. 2 novice. —v. (-cing) (usu. Foll. By to) engage as an apprentice (apprenticed to a builder). apprenticeship n. [french apprendre learn]
Apprise v. (-sing) formal inform. [french appris(e) learnt, taught]
Appro n. Colloq. on appro = on approval (see *approval). [abbreviation]
Approach —v. 1 come near or nearer (to) in space or time. 2 tentatively propose to. 3 be similar or approximate to (approaching 5 million). 4 set about (a task etc.). —n. 1 act or means of approaching. 2 approximation. 3 technique (try a new approach). 4 golf stroke from the fairway to the green. 5 aeron. Part of a flight before landing. [latin prope near]
Approachable adj. 1 friendly, easy to talk to. 2 able to be approached.
Approbation n. Approval, consent. [latin probo test]
Appropriate —adj. Suitable, proper. —v. (-ting) 1 take, esp. Without authority. 2 devote (money etc.) To special purposes. appropriately adv. Appropriation n. [latin proprius own]
Approval n. 1 approving. 2 consent; favourable opinion. on approval (of goods supplied) returnable if not satisfactory.
Approve v. (-ving) 1 confirm; sanction. 2 (often foll. By of) regard with favour. [latin probo test]
Approx. Abbr. Approximate(ly).
Approximate —adj. Fairly correct, near to the actual (approximate price). —v. (-ting) (often foll. By to) bring or come near (esp. In quality, number, etc.). approximately adv. Approximation n. [latin proximus nearest]
Appurtenance n. (usu. In pl.) Belonging; accessory. [latin pertineo belong to]
Apr abbr. Annual or annualized percentage rate (esp. Of interest on loans or credit).
Apr. Abbr. April.
Après-ski —n. Social activities following a day’s skiing. —attrib. Adj. (of clothes, drinks, etc.) Suitable for these. [french]
Apricot —n. 1 a small juicy soft orange-yellow peachlike fruit. B tree bearing it. 2 its colour. —adj. Orange-yellow. [portuguese and spanish from arabic, ultimately from latin praecox early-ripe]
Apricot —n. 1 a small juicy soft orange-yellow peachlike fruit. B tree bearing it. 2 its colour. —adj. Orange-yellow. [portuguese and spanish from arabic, ultimately from latin praecox early-ripe]
ultimately from latin praecox early-ripe]
April n. Fourth month of the year. [latin]
April fool n. Person successfully tricked on 1 april.
A priori —adj. 1 (of reasoning) from causes to effects; deductive. 2 (of concepts etc.) Logically independent of experience; not derived from experience. 3 assumed without investigation (an a priori conjecture). —adv. 1 deductively. 2 as far as one knows. [latin, = from what is before]
Apron n. 1 garment for covering and protecting the front of the clothes. 2 theatr. Part of a stage in front of the curtain. 3 area on an airfield for manoeuvring or loading. tied to a person’s apron-strings dominated by or dependent on that person (usu. A woman). [originally napron, from french nape tablecloth]
Apropos —adj. 1 appropriate. 2 colloq. (often foll. By of) in respect of. —adv. 1 appropriately. 2 (absol.) Incidentally. [french à propos]
Apse n. Large arched or domed recess, esp. At the end of a church. [related to *apsis]
Apsis n. (pl. Apsides) either of two points on the orbit of a planet etc. Nearest to or furthest from the body round which it moves. [greek (h)apsis arch, vault]
Apt adj. 1 appropriate, suitable. 2 tending (apt to break down). 3 clever; quick to
Apt adj. 1 appropriate, suitable. 2 tending (apt to break down). 3 clever; quick to learn. [latin aptus fitted]
Aptitude n. 1 natural talent. 2 ability or fitness, esp. Specified. [french: related to *apt]
Aqua n. The colour aquamarine. [abbreviation]
Aqua fortis n. Nitric acid. [latin, = strong water]
Aqualung n. Portable breathing-apparatus for divers. [latin aqua water]
Aquamarine —n. 1 bluish-green beryl. 2 its colour. —adj. Bluish-green. [latin aqua marina sea water]
Aquaplane —n. Board for riding on water, pulled by a speedboat. —v. (-ning) 1 ride on this. 2 (of a vehicle) glide uncontrollably on a wet surface. [latin aqua water, *plane1]
Aqua regia n. Highly corrosive mixture of acids, attacking many substances unaffected by other reagents. [latin, = royal water]
Aquarelle n. Painting in thin usu. Transparent water-colours. [french from italian]
Aquarium n. (pl. -s) tank of water for keeping and showing fish etc. [latin aquarius of water]
Aquarius n. (pl. -es) 1 constellation and eleventh sign of the zodiac (the water-carrier). 2 person born when the sun is in this sign. [latin: related to *aquarium]
Aquatic —adj. 1 growing or living in water. 2 (of a sport) played in or on water. —n. 1 aquatic plant or animal. 2 (in pl.) Aquatic sports. [latin aqua water]
Aquatint n. Etched print resembling a water-colour. [italian acqua tinta coloured water]
Aqua vitae n. Strong alcoholic spirit, esp. Brandy. [latin, = water of life]
Aqueduct n. Water channel, esp. A bridge on columns across a valley. [latin aquae ductus conduit]
Aqueous adj. Of or like water. [latin aqua water]
Aqueous humour n. Clear fluid in the eye between the lens and the cornea.
Aquilegia n. (usu. Blue-flowered) columbine. [latin]
Aquiline adj. 1 of or like an eagle. 2 (of a nose) curved. [latin aquila eagle]
Arab —n. 1 member of a semitic people originating in saudi arabia and neighbouring countries, now widespread throughout the middle east. 2 horse of a breed orig. Native to arabia. —adj. Of arabia or the arabs (esp. With ethnic reference). [arabic araps]
Arabesque n. 1 ballet posture with one leg extended horizontally backwards and arms outstretched. 2 design of intertwined leaves, scrolls, etc. 3 mus. Florid piece. [french from italian from arabo arab]
Arabian —adj. Of or relating to arabia (esp. In geographical contexts) (arabian desert). —n. Native of arabia.
Usage in the sense ‘native of arabia’, the usual term is now arab.
Arabian —adj. Of or relating to arabia (esp. In geographical contexts) (arabian desert). —n. Native of arabia.
Usage in the sense ‘native of arabia’, the usual term is now arab.
Arabic —n. Semitic language of the arabs. —adj. Of the arabs (esp. Their language or literature).
Arabic numeral n. Any of the numerals 0-9.
Arable adj. (of land) suitable for crop production. [latin aro to plough]
Arachnid n. Arthropod of a class comprising spiders, scorpions, etc. [greek arakhne spider]
Arak var. Of *arrack.
Araldite n. Propr. Epoxy resin for mending china etc. [origin unknown]
Aramaic —n. Branch of the semitic family of languages, esp. The language of syria used as a lingua franca in the near east from the sixth century bc. —adj. Of or in aramaic. [greek aramaios of aram (hebrew name of syria)]
Arbiter n. 1 arbitrator in a dispute. 2 person influential in a specific field (arbiter of taste). [latin from arbitror to judge]
Arbitration n. Settlement of a dispute by an impartial third party.
Arbitrator n. Person appointed to arbitrate.
Arbor1 n. Axle or spindle. [latin, = tree]
Arbor n. (brit. Arbour) shady garden alcove enclosed by trees etc. [latin herba herb: assimilated to latin arbor tree]
Arboreal adj. Of or living in trees. [latin arbor tree]
Arborescent adj. Treelike in growth or form.
Arboretum n. (pl. -ta) place cultivating and displaying rare trees.
Arboriculture n. Cultivation of trees and shrubs. [latin arbor tree, after agriculture]
Arbor vitae n. Any of various evergreen conifers. [latin, = tree of life]
Arbour n. (us arbor) shady garden alcove enclosed by trees etc. [latin herba herb: assimilated to latin arbor tree]
Arbutus n. Tree or shrub with clusters of flowers and strawberry-like berries. [latin]
Arc —n. 1 part of the circumference of a circle or other curve. 2 electr. Luminous discharge between two electrodes. —v. (arced; arcing) form an arc; move in a curve. [latin arcus bow]
Arcade n. 1 covered walk, esp. Lined with shops. 2 series of arches supporting or set along a wall. [romanic: related to *arc]
Arcadian —n. Idealized country dweller. —adj. Poetically rural. [greek arkadia in the peloponnese]
Arch1 —n. 1 curved structure as an opening, as a support for a bridge, floor, etc., or as an ornament. 2 any arch-shaped curve. —v. 1 provide with or form into an arch. 2 span like an arch. 3 form an arch. [latin arcus arc]
Arch2 adj. Selfconsciously or affectedly playful. archly adv. [from *arch-, originally in arch rogue etc.]
Arch-comb. Form 1 chief, superior (archbishop). 2 pre-eminent, esp. Unfavourably (arch-enemy). [greek arkhos chief]
Archaean (us archean) —adj. Of the earliest geological era. —n. This time. [greek arkhaios ancient]
Archaeology n. (us archeology) study of ancient cultures, esp. By the excavation and analysis of physical remains. archaeological adj. Archaeologist n. [greek arkhaiologia ancient history]
Archaeopteryx n. Fossil bird with teeth, feathers, and a reptilian tail. [greek arkhaios ancient, pterux wing]
Archaic adj. 1 a antiquated. B (of a word etc.) No longer in ordinary use. 2 of an early period of culture. archaically adv. [greek arkhe beginning]
Archaism n. 1 use of the archaic esp. In language or art. 2 archaic word or expression. archaistic adj.
Archangel n. Angel of the highest rank.
Archbishop n. Chief bishop of a province.
Archbishopric n. Office or diocese of an archbishop.
Archbishopric n. Office or diocese of an archbishop.
Archdeacon n. Church dignitary next below a bishop. archdeaconry n. (pl. -ies).
Archdiocese n. Diocese of an archbishop. archdiocesan adj.
Arabian —adj. Of or relating to arabia (esp. In geographical contexts) (arabian desert). —n. Native of arabia.
Usage in the sense ‘native of arabia’, the usual term is now arab.
Arabic —n. Semitic language of the arabs. —adj. Of the arabs (esp. Their language or literature).
Arabic numeral n. Any of the numerals 0-9.
Arable adj. (of land) suitable for crop production. [latin aro to plough]
Arachnid n. Arthropod of a class comprising spiders, scorpions, etc. [greek arakhne spider]
Arak var. Of *arrack.
Araldite n. Propr. Epoxy resin for mending china etc. [origin unknown]
Aramaic —n. Branch of the semitic family of languages, esp. The language of syria used as a lingua franca in the near east from the sixth century bc. —adj. Of or in aramaic. [greek aramaios of aram (hebrew name of syria)]
Arbiter n. 1 arbitrator in a dispute. 2 person influential in a specific field (arbiter of taste). [latin from arbitror to judge]
Arbitration n. Settlement of a dispute by an impartial third party.
Arbitrator n. Person appointed to arbitrate.
Arbor1 n. Axle or spindle. [latin, = tree]
Arbor n. (brit. Arbour) shady garden alcove enclosed by trees etc. [latin herba herb: assimilated to latin arbor tree]
Arboreal adj. Of or living in trees. [latin arbor tree]
Arborescent adj. Treelike in growth or form.
Arboretum n. (pl. -ta) place cultivating and displaying rare trees.
Arboriculture n. Cultivation of trees and shrubs. [latin arbor tree, after agriculture]
Arbor vitae n. Any of various evergreen conifers. [latin, = tree of life]
Arbour n. (us arbor) shady garden alcove enclosed by trees etc. [latin herba herb: assimilated to latin arbor tree]
Arbutus n. Tree or shrub with clusters of flowers and strawberry-like berries. [latin]
Arc —n. 1 part of the circumference of a circle or other curve. 2 electr. Luminous discharge between two electrodes. —v. (arced; arcing) form an arc; move in a curve. [latin arcus bow]
Arcade n. 1 covered walk, esp. Lined with shops. 2 series of arches supporting or set along a wall. [romanic: related to *arc]
Arcadian —n. Idealized country dweller. —adj. Poetically rural. [greek arkadia in the peloponnese]
Arch1 —n. 1 curved structure as an opening, as a support for a bridge, floor, etc., or as an ornament. 2 any arch-shaped curve. —v. 1 provide with or form into an arch. 2 span like an arch. 3 form an arch. [latin arcus arc]
Arch2 adj. Selfconsciously or affectedly playful. archly adv. [from *arch-, originally in arch rogue etc.]
Arch-comb. Form 1 chief, superior (archbishop). 2 pre-eminent, esp. Unfavourably (arch-enemy). [greek arkhos chief]
Archaean (us archean) —adj. Of the earliest geological era. —n. This time. [greek arkhaios ancient]
Archaeology n. (us archeology) study of ancient cultures, esp. By the excavation and analysis of physical remains. archaeological adj. Archaeologist n. [greek arkhaiologia ancient history]
Archaeopteryx n. Fossil bird with teeth, feathers, and a reptilian tail. [greek arkhaios ancient, pterux wing]
Archaic adj. 1 a antiquated. B (of a word etc.) No longer in ordinary use. 2 of an early period of culture. archaically adv. [greek arkhe beginning]
early period of culture. archaically adv. [greek arkhe beginning]
Archaism n. 1 use of the archaic esp. In language or art. 2 archaic word or expression. archaistic adj.
Archangel n. Angel of the highest rank.
Archbishop n. Chief bishop of a province.
Archbishopric n. Office or diocese of an archbishop.
Archdeacon n. Church dignitary next below a bishop. archdeaconry n. (pl. -ies).
Archdiocese n. Diocese of an archbishop. archdiocesan adj.
Archdiocese n. Diocese of an archbishop. archdiocesan adj.
Archduke n. Hist. Chief duke (esp. As the title of a son of the emperor of austria). archduchy n. (pl. -ies). [medieval latin archidux]
Archean (brit. Archaean) —adj. Of the earliest geological era. —n. This time. [greek arkhaios ancient]
Arch-enemy n. (pl. -ies) 1 chief enemy. 2 the devil.
Archeology n. (brit. Archaeology) study of ancient cultures, esp. By the excavation and analysis of physical remains. archeological adj. Archeologist n. [greek arkhaiologia ancient history]
Archer n. 1 person who shoots with a bow and arrows. 2 (the archer) zodiacal sign or constellation sagittarius. [latin arcus bow]
Archery n. Shooting with a bow and arrows, esp. As a sport.
Archetype n. 1 original model; prototype. 2 typical specimen. archetypal adj. [greek tupon stamp]
Archidiaconal adj. Of an archdeacon. [medieval latin]
Archiepiscopal adj. Of an archbishop. [church latin from greek]
Archimandrite n. 1 superior of a large monastery in the orthodox church. 2 honorary title of a monastic priest. [greek arkhi-chief, mandrites monk]
Archipelago n. (pl. -s) 1 group of islands. 2 sea with many islands. [greek arkhi-chief, pelagos sea]
Architect n. 1 designer of buildings etc., supervising their construction. 2 (foll. By of) person who brings about a specified thing (architect of peace). [greek
By of) person who brings about a specified thing (architect of peace). [greek arkhi-chief, tekton builder]
Architectonic adj. 1 of architecture. 2 of the systematization of knowledge.
Architecture n. 1 design and construction of buildings. 2 style of a building. 3 buildings etc. Collectively. architectural adj.
Architrave n. 1 (in classical architecture) main beam resting across the tops of columns. 2 moulded frame around a doorway or window. [italian archi- *arch-, latin trabs beam]
Archive —n. (usu. In pl.) 1 collection of documents or records. 2 store for these. —v. (-ving) 1 place or store in an archive. 2 computing transfer (data) to a less frequently used file. [greek arkheia public records]
Archivist n. Keeper of archives.
Archway n. Arched entrance or passage.
Arc lamp n. (also arc light) light using an electric arc.
Arctic —adj. 1 of the north polar regions. 2 (arctic) colloq. Very cold. —n. Arctic regions. [greek arktos great bear]
Arctic circle n. Parallel of latitude 66° 33´ n, forming an imaginary line round the arctic region.
Arc welding n. Use of an electric arc to melt metals to be welded.
Ardor n. (brit. Ardour) zeal, enthusiasm, passion.
Ardour n. (us ardor) zeal, enthusiasm, passion.
Arduous adj. Hard to accomplish; laborious, strenuous. [latin, = steep]
Are1 2nd sing. Present & 1st, 2nd, 3rd pl. Present of *be.
Are2 n. Metric unit of measure, 100 square metres. [latin: related to *area]
Area n. 1 extent or measure of a surface (over a large area). 2 region (southern area). 3 space for a specific purpose (dining area). 4 scope or range. 5 space in front of the basement of a building. [latin, = vacant space]
Arena n. 1 central part of an amphitheatre etc. 2 scene of conflict; sphere of action. [latin, = sand]
Aren’t contr. 1 are not. 2 (in interrog.) Am not (aren’t i coming too?).
Areola n. (pl. -lae) circular pigmented area, esp. Around a nipple. areolar adj. [latin diminutive of *area]
Arête n. Sharp mountain ridge. [french from latin arista spine]
Argent n. & adj. Heraldry silver; silvery-white. [latin argentum]
Argon n. Inert gaseous element. [greek argos idle]
Argosy n. (pl. -ies) poet. Large merchant ship. [italian ragusea nave ship of ragusa (in dalmatia)]
Argot n. Jargon of a group or class. [french]
Argue v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) 1 (often foll. By with, about, etc.) Exchange views forcefully or contentiously. 2 (often foll. By that) maintain by reasoning; indicate. 3 (foll.
Argue v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) 1 (often foll. By with, about, etc.) Exchange views forcefully or contentiously. 2 (often foll. By that) maintain by reasoning; indicate. 3 (foll. By for, against) reason. 4 treat (a matter) by reasoning. 5 (foll.
indicate. 3 (foll. By for, against) reason. 4 treat (a matter) by reasoning. 5 (foll. By into, out of) persuade. argue the toss colloq. Dispute a choice already made. arguable adj. Arguably adv. [latin arguo make clear, prove]
Argument n. 1 (esp. Contentious) exchange of views; dispute. 2 (often foll. By for, against) reason given; reasoning process. 3 summary of a book etc.
Argumentation n. Methodical reasoning; arguing.
Argumentative adj. Given to arguing.
Argus n. Watchful guardian. [greek argos mythical giant with 100 eyes]
Argy-bargy n. (pl. -ies) joc. Dispute, wrangle. [originally scots]
Aria n. Long accompanied solo song in an opera etc. [italian]
Arid adj. 1 dry, parched. 2 uninteresting. aridity n. [latin areo be dry]
Aries n. (pl. Same) 1 constellation and first sign of the zodiac (the ram). 2 person born when the sun is in this sign. [latin, = ram]
Aright adv. Rightly.
Arise v. (-sing; past arose; past part. Arisen) 1 originate. 2 (usu. Foll. By from, out of) result. 3 come to one’s notice; emerge. 4 rise, esp. From the dead or from kneeling. [old english a-intensive prefix]
Aristocracy n. (pl. -ies) 1 ruling class or élite; nobility. 2 a government by an élite. B state so governed. 3 (often foll. By of) best representatives. [greek aristokratia rule by the best]
Aristocrat n. Member of the aristocracy.
Aristocratic adj. 1 of or like the aristocracy. 2 a distinguished. B grand, stylish.
Aristotelian —n. Disciple or student of aristotle. —adj. Of aristotle or his ideas. [greek aristoteles (4th c. Bc), name of a greek philosopher]
Arithmetic —n. 1 science of numbers. 2 use of numbers; computation. —adj. (also arithmetical) of arithmetic. [greek arithmos number]
Arithmetic mean n. = *average 2.
Arithmetic progression n. Sequence of numbers with constant intervals (e.g. 9, 7, 5, 3, etc.).
Ark n. Ship in which noah escaped the flood with his family and animals. [old
Ark n. Ship in which noah escaped the flood with his family and animals. [old english from latin arca]
Ark of the covenant n. Chest or cupboard containing the tables of jewish law.
Arm1 n. 1 upper limb of the human body from shoulder to hand. 2 forelimb or tentacle of an animal. 3 a sleeve of a garment. B arm support of a chair etc. C thing branching from a main stem (an arm of the sea). D control, means of reaching (arm of the law). arm in arm with arms linked. At arm’s length at a distance. With open arms cordially. armful n. (pl. -s). [old english]
Arm2 —n. 1 (usu. In pl.) Weapon. 2 (in pl.) Military profession. 3 branch of the military (e.g. Infantry, cavalry). 4 (in pl.) Heraldic devices (coat of arms). —v. 1 supply, or equip oneself, with weapons etc., esp. In preparation for war. 2 make (a bomb etc.) Ready. take up arms go to war. Under arms equipped for war. Up in arms (usu. Foll. By against, about) actively resisting, highly indignant. [latin arma arms]
Armada n. Fleet of warships, esp. (armada) that sent by spain against england in 1588. [spanish from romanic]
Armadillo n. (pl. -s) s. American mammal with a plated body and large claws. [spanish armado armed man]
Armageddon n. Huge battle or struggle, esp. Marking the end of the world. [rev. 16:16]
Armament n. 1 (often in pl.) Military equipment. 2 equipping for war. 3 force
Armament n. 1 (often in pl.) Military equipment. 2 equipping for war. 3 force equipped. [latin: related to *arm2]
Armature n. 1 rotating coil or coils of a dynamo or electric motor. 2 iron bar placed across the poles of a horseshoe magnet to preserve its power. 3 metal framework on which a sculpture is moulded. [latin armatura, = armour]
Armband n. Band worn around the upper arm to hold up a shirtsleeve, or as identification, or to aid swimming.
Armchair n. 1 chair with arm supports. 2 (attrib.) Theoretical rather than active (armchair critic).
Armhole n. Each of two holes for arms in a garment.
Armhole n. Each of two holes for arms in a garment.
Armistice n. Truce, esp. Permanent. [latin arma arms, sisto make stand]
Armistice day n. Anniversary of the armistice of 11 nov. 1918.
Armlet n. Ornamental band worn round the arm.
Armor (brit. Armour) —n. 1 protective usu. Metal covering formerly worn in fighting. 2 a (in full armour-plate) protective metal covering for an armed
vehicle, ship, etc. B armed vehicles collectively. 3 protective covering or shell of an animal or plant. 4 heraldic devices. —v. (usu. Asarmoured adj.) Provide with protective covering, and often guns (armoured car; armoured train). [latin armatura: related to *arm2]
Armorial adj. Of heraldry or coats of arms. [related to *armour]
Armour —n. 1 protective usu. Metal covering formerly worn in fighting. 2 a (in full armour-plate) protective metal covering for an armed vehicle, ship, etc. B armed vehicles collectively. 3 protective covering or shell of an animal or plant. 4 heraldic devices. —v. (usu. As armoured adj.) Provide with protective covering, and often guns (armoured car; armoured train). [latin armatura: related to *arm2]
Armourer n. 1 maker of arms or armour. 2 official in charge of arms.
Armoury n. (pl. -ies) arsenal.
Armpit n. Hollow under the arm at the shoulder.
Armrest n. = *arm1 3b.
Arms race n. Competitive accumulation of weapons by nations.
Arm-wrestling n. Trial of strength in which each party tries to force the other’s arm down.
arm down.
Army n. (pl. -ies) 1 organized armed land force. 2 (prec. By the) the military profession. 3 (often foll. By of) very large number (army of locusts). 4 organized civilian body (salvation army). [french: related to *arm2]
Arnica n. 1 plant of the daisy family with yellow flowers. 2 medicine prepared from this. [origin unknown]
Aroma n. 1 esp. Pleasing smell, often of food. 2 subtle pervasive quality. [greek, = spice]
Aromatherapy n. Use of plant extracts and oils in massage. aromatherapist n.
Aromatic —adj. 1 fragrant, spicy. 2 chem. Of organic compounds having an unsaturated ring, esp. Containing a benzene ring. —n. Aromatic substance. [latin: related to *aroma]
Arose past of *arise.
Around —adv. 1 on every side; all round; round about. 2 colloq. A in existence; available. B near at hand. 3 here and there (shop around). —prep. 1 on or along the circuit of. 2 on every side of. 3 here and there in or near (chairs around the room). 4 a round (church around the corner). B at a time near to (came around four o’clock). have been around colloq. Be widely experienced.
Arouse v. (-sing) 1 induce (esp. An emotion). 2 awake from sleep. 3 stir into activity. 4 stimulate sexually. arousal n. [a-intensive prefix]
Arpeggio n. (pl. -s) mus. Notes of a chord played in succession. [italian arpa harp]
Arrack n. (also arak) alcoholic spirit, esp. Made from coco sap or rice. [arabic]
Arraign v. 1 indict, accuse. 2 find fault with; call into question (an action or statement). arraignment n. [latin ratio reason]
Arrange v. (-ging) 1 put into order; classify. 2 plan or provide for; take measures (arranged a meeting; arrange to see him; arranged for a taxi). 3 agree (arranged it with her). 4 mus. Adapt (a composition) for a particular manner of performance. [french: related to *range]
Arrangement n. 1 arranging or being arranged. 2 manner of this. 3 something arranged. 4 (in pl.) Plans, measures (made my own arrangements). 5 mus. Composition adapted for performance in a particular way.
Arrant adj. Literary downright, utter (arrant liar). [var. Of *errant, originally in arrant (= outlawed, roving) thief etc.]
Arras n. Hist. Rich tapestry or wall-hanging. [arras in france]
Array —n. 1 imposing or well-ordered series or display. 2 ordered arrangement,
Array —n. 1 imposing or well-ordered series or display. 2 ordered arrangement, esp. Of troops (battle array). —v. 1 deck, adorn. 2 set in order; marshal (forces). [latin ad-, *ready]
Array —n. 1 imposing or well-ordered series or display. 2 ordered arrangement, esp. Of troops (battle array). —v. 1 deck, adorn. 2 set in order; marshal (forces). [latin ad-, *ready]
Arrears n.pl. Amount (esp. Of work, rent, etc.) Still outstanding or uncompleted. in arrears behind, esp. In payment. [medieval latin adretro behindhand]
Arrest —v. 1 lawfully seize (a suspect etc.). 2 stop or check the progress of. 3 attract (a person’s attention). —n. 1 arresting or being arrested. 2 stoppage (cardiac arrest). [latin resto remain]
Arrester n. Device for slowing an aircraft after landing.
Arrière-pensée n. 1 secret motive. 2 mental reservation. [french]
Arris n. Archit. Sharp edge at the junction of two surfaces. [french areste, = *arête]
Arrival n. 1 arriving; appearance on the scene. 2 person or thing that has arrived.
Arrive v. (-ving) 1 (often foll. By at, in) reach a destination. 2 (foll. By at) reach (a conclusion etc.). 3 colloq. Become successful. 4 colloq. (of a child) be born. 5 (of a time) come. [latin ripa shore]
Arriviste n. Ambitious or ruthless person. [french: related to *arrive]
Arrogant adj. Aggressively assertive or presumptuous. arrogance n. Arrogantly adv. [related to *arrogate]
Arrogate v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By to oneself) claim (power etc.) Without right. 2 (often foll. By to) attribute unjustly (to a person). arrogation n. [latin rogo ask]
Arrow n. 1 pointed slender missile shot from a bow. 2 representation of this, esp. Indicating direction. [old english]
Arrowhead n. 1 pointed tip of an arrow. 2 water-plant with arrow-shaped leaves.
Arrowroot n. 1 nutritious starch. 2 plant yielding this.
Arse n. (us ass) coarse slang buttocks. [old english]
Arsenal n. 1 store, esp. Of weapons. 2 place for the storage and manufacture of weapons and ammunition. [arabic, = workshop]
Arsenic —n. 1 non-scientific name for arsenic trioxide, a highly poisonous white powder used in weed-killers etc. 2 chem. Brittle semi-metallic element. —adj. Of or containing arsenic. [french, ultimately from persian zar gold]
Arson n. Crime of deliberately setting fire to property. arsonist n. [latin ardeo ars-burn]
Art n. 1 a human creative skill or its application. B work showing this. 2 a (in pl.; prec. By the) branches of creative activity concerned with the production of imaginative designs, sounds, or ideas, e.g. Painting, music, writing. B any one of these. 3 creative activity resulting in visual representation (good at music but not art). 4 human skill as opposed to nature (art and nature combined). 5 (often foll. By of) a skill, knack. B cunning; trick, stratagem. 6 (in pl.; usu. Prec. By the) supposedly creative subjects (esp. Languages, literature, and history) as opposed to scientific, technical, or vocational subjects. [latin ars art-]
Art deco n. Decorative art style of 1910–30, with geometric motifs and strong colours.
Artefact n. (also artifact) man-made object, esp. A tool or vessel as an archaeological item. [latin arte by art, facio make]
Arterial adj. 1 of or like an artery. 2 (esp. Of a road) main, important. [french: related to *artery]
Arteriosclerosis n. Loss of elasticity and thickening of artery walls, esp. In old age. [from artery, sclerosis]
Artery n. (pl. -ies) 1 any of the blood-vessels carrying blood from the heart. 2 main road or railway line. [greek, probably from airo raise]
Artesian well n. Well in which water rises to the surface by natural pressure through a vertically drilled hole. [artois, old french province]
Artful adj. Crafty, deceitful. artfully adv.
Arthritis n. Inflammation of a joint or joints. arthritic adj. & n. [greek arthron joint]
Arthropod n. Invertebrate with a segmented body and jointed limbs, e.g. An insect, spider, or crustacean. [greek arthron joint, pous pod-foot]
Arthropod n. Invertebrate with a segmented body and jointed limbs, e.g. An insect, spider, or crustacean. [greek arthron joint, pous pod-foot]
Artichoke n. 1 plant allied to the thistle. 2 (in full globe artichoke) its partly edible flower-head (see also *jerusalem artichoke). [italian from arabic]
Article —n. 1 item or thing. 2 non-fictional journalistic essay. 3 clause or item in an agreement or contract. 4 definite or indefinite article. —v. (-ling) employ under contract as a trainee. [latin articulus from artus joint]
Articled clerk n. Trainee solicitor.
Articular adj. Of a joint or joints. [latin: related to *article]
Articulate —adj. 1 fluent and clear in speech. 2 (of sound or speech) having clearly distinguishable parts. 3 having joints. —v. (-ting) 1 a pronounce distinctly. B speak or express clearly. 2 (usu. In passive) connect by joints. 3 mark with apparent joints. 4 (often foll. By with) form a joint. articulately adv.
Articulated lorry n. One with sections connected by a flexible joint.
Articulation n. 1 a speaking or being spoken. B articulate utterance; speech. 2 a act or mode of jointing. B joint. [latin: related to *articulate]
Artifact var. Of *artefact.
Artifice n. 1 trick or clever device. 2 cunning. 3 skill, ingenuity. [latin ars art-art, facio make]
Artificer n. 1 craftsman. 2 skilled military mechanic.
Artificial adj. 1 not natural (artificial lake). 2 imitating nature (artificial flowers). 3 affected, insincere. artificiality n. Artificially adv. [latin: related to *artifice]
Artificial insemination n. Non-sexual injection of semen into the uterus.
Artificial intelligence n. Use of computers for tasks normally regarded as needing human intelligence.
Artificial respiration n. Manual or mechanical stimulation of breathing.
Artillery n. (pl. -ies) 1 heavy guns used in land warfare. 2 branch of the army using these. artilleryman n. [french artiller equip]
Artisan n. Skilled manual worker or craftsman. [latin artio instruct in the arts]
Artist n. 1 practitioner of any of the arts, esp. Painting. 2 artiste. 3 person using skill or taste. artistry n. [french artiste from italian]
Artiste n. Professional performer, esp. A singer or dancer.
Artistic adj. 1 having natural skill in art. 2 skilfully or tastefully done. 3 of art or artists. artistically adv.
Art nouveau n. Art style of the late 19th century, with flowing lines.
Artwork n. 1 illustrative material in printed matter. 2 works of art collectively (exhibition of children’s artwork).
Arty adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Pretentiously or affectedly artistic.
Arum n. Plant with arrow-shaped leaves. [greek aron]
-ary suffix forming adjectives (contrary; primary). [french -aire, latin -ari(u)s]
Aryan —n. 1 speaker of any of the languages of the indo-european family. 2 improperly (in nazi ideology) non-jewish caucasian. —adj. Of aryans. [sanskrit]
As symb. Arsenic.
As1 —adv. & conj. (adv. As antecedent in main sentence; conj. In relative clause expressed or implied) to the extent to which … is or does etc. (am as tall as he; am as tall as he is; (colloq.) Am as tall as him; as recently as last week). —conj. (with relative clause expressed or implied) 1 (with antecedent so) expressing result or purpose (came early so as to meet us). 2 (with antecedent adverb omitted) although (good as it is = although it is good). 3 (without antecedent adverb) a in the manner in which (do as you like; rose as one man). B in the capacity or form of (i speak as your friend; olivier as hamlet). C while (arrived as i was eating). D since, seeing that (as you are here, we can talk). E for instance (cathedral cities, as york). —rel. Pron.
As2 n. (pl. Asses) roman copper coin. [latin]
Asafetida n. (brit. Asafoetida) resinous pungent plant gum used in cooking and
Asafetida n. (brit. Asafoetida) resinous pungent plant gum used in cooking and formerly in medicine. [persian aza mastic: related to *fetid]
Asafoetida n. (us asafetida) resinous pungent plant gum used in cooking and formerly in medicine. [persian aza mastic: related to *fetid]
A.s.a.p. Abbr. As soon as possible.
Asbestos n. 1 fibrous silicate mineral. 2 this as a heat-resistant or insulating material. [greek, = unquenchable]
Ascend v. 1 move or slope upwards, rise. 2 climb; go up. ascend the throne become king or queen. [latin scando climb]
Ascendancy n. (often foll. By over) dominant power or control.
Ascendant —adj. 1 rising. 2 astron. Rising towards the zenith. 3 astrol. Just above the eastern horizon. 4 predominant. —n. Astrol. Ascendant point of the sun’s apparent path. in the ascendant gaining or having power or authority.
Ascension n. 1 ascent. 2 (ascension) ascent of christ into heaven.
Ascent n. 1 ascending, rising, or progressing. 2 upward slope or path etc.
Ascertain v. Find out for certain. ascertainment n. [french: related to *certain]
Ascii abbr. Computing american standard code for information interchange.
Ascorbic acid n. Vitamin c, which prevents scurvy. [from a-, scorbutic]
Ascribe v. (-bing) (usu. Foll. By to) 1 attribute (ascribes his health to exercise). 2 regard as belonging. ascription n. [latin scribo write]
Asepsis n. 1 absence of sepsis or harmful micro-organisms. 2 method of achieving asepsis in surgery. aseptic adj.
Asexual adj. 1 without sex, sexual organs, or sexuality. 2 (of reproduction) not involving the fusion of gametes. asexually adv.
Ash1 n. 1 (often in pl.) Powdery residue left after burning. 2 (pl.) Human remains after cremation. 3 (the ashes) cricket trophy competed for by australia and england. [old english]
Ash2 n. 1 tree with silver-grey bark. 2 its hard, pale wood. [old english]
Ashamed adj. (usu. Predic.) 1 embarrassed by shame (ashamed of myself). 2 (foll. By to + infin.) Hesitant, reluctant out of shame (am ashamed to say). [old english a-intensive prefix]
Ashcan n. Us dustbin.
Ashcan n. Us dustbin.
Ashen adj. Like ashes, esp. Grey or pale.
Ashkenazi n. (pl. -zim) east european jew. [hebrew]
Ashlar n. 1 large square-cut stone used in building; masonry made of these. 2 thin slabs of masonry used for facing walls. [latin axis board]
Ashore adv. Towards or on the shore or land.
Ashram n. Place of religious retreat for hindus. [sanskrit]
Ashtray n. Small receptacle for cigarette ash, stubs, etc.
Asian —n. 1 native of asia. 2 person of asian descent. —adj. Of asia. [latin from
Asian —n. 1 native of asia. 2 person of asian descent. —adj. Of asia. [latin from greek]
Asiatic —n. Offens. Asian. —adj. Asian. [latin from greek]
Aside —adv. To or on one side; away, apart. —n. Words spoken aside, esp. Confidentially to the audience by an actor.
Asinine adj. Like an ass, esp. Stupid or stubborn. asininity n. [latin asinus ass]
Ask v. 1 call for an answer to or about (ask her about it; ask him his name). 2 seek to obtain from someone (ask a favour of). 3 (usu. Foll. By out, in, or over, or to (a function etc.)) Invite (must ask them over; asked her to dinner). 4 (foll. By for) seek to obtain, meet, or be directed to (ask for help; asking for you; ask for the bar). ask after inquire about (esp. A person). Ask for it slang invite trouble. [old english]
Askance adv. Sideways or squinting. look askance at regard suspiciously. [origin unknown]
Aslant —adv. Obliquely or at a slant. —prep. Obliquely across.
Asleep predic. Adj. & adv. 1 a in or into a state of sleep. B inactive, inattentive. 2 (of a limb etc.) Numb. 3 euphem. Dead.
2 (of a limb etc.) Numb. 3 euphem. Dead.
Asp n. Small venomous snake of north africa or southern europe. [greek aspis]
Asparagus n. 1 plant of the lily family. 2 edible shoots of this. [latin from greek]
Aspect n. 1 viewpoint, feature, etc. To be considered (one aspect of the problem). 2 appearance or look (cheerful aspect). 3 side of a building or location facing a particular direction (southern aspect). [latin adspicio look at]
Aspen n. Poplar with very tremulous leaves. [old english: originally adj.]
Asperity n. (pl. -ies) 1 sharpness of temper or tone. 2 roughness; rough excrescence. [latin asper rough]
Aspersion n. cast aspersions on attack the reputation of. [latin aspergo besprinkle]
Asphalt —n. 1 dark bituminous pitch. 2 mixture of this with sand, gravel, etc., for surfacing roads etc. —v. Surface with asphalt. [latin from greek]
Asphodel n. 1 plant of the lily family. 2 poet. Immortal flower growing in elysium. [latin from greek]
Asphyxia n. Lack of oxygen in the blood, causing unconsciousness or death;
Asphyxia n. Lack of oxygen in the blood, causing unconsciousness or death; suffocation. asphyxiant adj. & n. [greek a-not, sphuxis pulse]
Asphyxiate v. (-ting) suffocate. asphyxiation n.
Aspic n. Savoury jelly used esp. To contain game, eggs, etc. [french, = *asp, suggested by the colours of the jelly]
Aspidistra n. House-plant with broad tapering leaves. [greek aspis shield]
Aspirant —adj. Aspiring. —n. Person who aspires. [latin: related to *aspire]
Aspirate —adj. Pronounced with an exhalation of breath; blended with the sound of h. —n. Sound of h; consonant pronounced in this way. —v. (-ting) 1 pronounce with breath or with initial h. 2 draw (fluid) by suction from a cavity etc.
Aspiration n. 1 ambition or desire. 2 drawing breath or phonet. Aspirating.
Aspirator n. Apparatus for aspirating fluid. [latin: related to *aspire]
Aspire v. (-ring) (usu. Foll. By to or after, or to + infin.) Have ambition or a strong desire. [latin aspiro breathe upon]
Aspirin n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 white powder, acetylsalicylic acid, used to reduce pain and fever. 2 tablet of this. [german]
Ass1 n. 1 a four-legged long-eared mammal related to the horse. B donkey. 2 stupid person. [old english from latin]
Ass n. (brit. Arse) coarse slang buttocks. [old english]
Assagai var. Of *assegai.
Assagai var. Of *assegai.
Assail v. 1 attack physically or verbally. 2 tackle (a task) resolutely. assailant n. [latin salio leap]
Assassin n. Killer, esp. Of a political or religious leader. [arabic, = hashish-eater]
Assassinate v. (-ting) kill for political or religious motives. assassination n.
Assault —n. 1 violent physical or verbal attack. 2 law threat or display of violence against a person. —v. Make an assault on. assault and battery law threatening act resulting in physical harm to a person. [latin: related to *assail]
Assay —n. Testing of a metal or ore to determine its ingredients and quality. — v. Make an assay of (a metal or ore). [french, var. Of essai *essay]
Assegai n. (also assagai) light iron-tipped s. African spear. [arabic, = the spear]
Assemblage n. 1 assembling. 2 assembled group.
Assemble v. (-ling) 1 gather together; collect. 2 esp. Mech. Fit together (components, a whole). [latin ad to, simul together]
Assembler n. 1 person who assembles a machine etc. 2 computing a program for converting instructions written in low-level symbolic code into machine code. B the low-level symbolic code itself.
Assembly n. (pl. -ies) 1 assembling. 2 assembled group, esp. As a deliberative body. 3 assembling of components.
Assembly line n. Machinery arranged so that a product can be progressively assembled.
Assent —v. (usu. Foll. By to) 1 express agreement. 2 consent. —n. Consent or approval, esp. Official. assenter n. [latin sentio think]
Assert v. 1 declare, state clearly. 2 refl. Insist on one’s rights. 3 enforce a claim to (assert one’s rights). [latin assero -sert-]
Assertion n. Declaration, forthright statement.
Assertion n. Declaration, forthright statement.
Assertive adj. Tending to assert oneself; forthright, positive. assertively adv. Assertiveness n.
Assess v. 1 estimate the size or quality of. 2 estimate the value of (property etc.) For taxation. assessment n. [latin assideo -sess-sit by]
Assessor n. 1 person who assesses (esp. For tax or insurance). 2 legal adviser on technical questions.
Asset n. 1 useful or valuable person or thing. 2 (usu. In pl.) Property and possessions, esp. That can be set against debts etc. [french asez from latin ad satis to enough]
Asset-stripping n. The taking over of a company and selling off of its assets to make a profit.
Asseverate v. (-ting) declare solemnly. asseveration n. [latin severus serious]
Assiduous adj. 1 persevering, hard-working. 2 attending closely. assiduity n. Assiduously adv. [latin: related to *assess]
Assign —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By to) a allot as a share or responsibility. B appoint to a position, task, etc. 2 fix (a time, place, etc.). 3 (foll. By to) ascribe to (a reason, date, etc.) (assigned the manuscript to 1832). 4 (foll. By to) law transfer formally (esp. Property) to (another). —n. Assignee. assigner n. Assignor n. Law. [latin assigno mark out]
Assignation n. 1 appointment to meet, esp. By lovers in secret. 2 assigning or being assigned.
Assignee n. Law person to whom a right or property is assigned.
Assignment n. 1 task or mission. 2 assigning or being assigned. 3 legal transfer.
Assimilate v. (-ting) 1 absorb or be absorbed, either physically or mentally. 2 (usu. Foll. By to, with) make like; cause to resemble. assimilable adj. Assimilation n. Assimilative adj. Assimilator n. [latin similis like]
Assist v. (often foll. By in + verbal noun) help. assistance n. [latin assisto stand by]
Assistant n. 1 (often attrib.) Person who helps, esp. As a subordinate. 2 = *shop assistant.
Assizes n.pl. Hist. Court periodically administering the civil and criminal law. [french: related to *assess]
Usage in 1972 the civil jurisdiction of assizes in england and wales was transferred to the high court and the criminal jurisdiction to the crown court.
Assoc. Abbr. Association.
Associate —v. (-ting) 1 connect mentally (associate holly with christmas). 2 join or combine, esp. For a common purpose. 3 refl. Declare oneself or be in agreement. 4 (usu. Foll. By with) meet frequently or deal. —n. 1 partner, colleague. 2 friend, companion. 3 subordinate member of a society etc. —adj. 1 joined or allied. 2 of lower status (associate member). associative adj. [latin socius allied]
Association n. 1 group organized for a joint purpose; society. 2 associating or being associated. 3 companionship. 4 mental connection of ideas. [medieval latin: related to *associate]
Association football n. Football played with a round ball which may not be handled except by the goalkeepers.
Assonance n. Partial resemblance of sound between two syllables e.g. Sonnet, porridge, and killed, cold, culled. assonant adj. [latin sonus sound]
Assort v. 1 classify or arrange in sorts. 2 (usu. Foll. By with) suit or harmonize with. [french: related to *sort]
Assorted adj. 1 of various sorts, mixed. 2 classified. 3 matched (ill-assorted pair).
pair).
Assortment n. Diverse group or mixture.
Assuage v. (-ging) 1 calm or soothe. 2 appease (an appetite). assuagement n. [latin suavis sweet]
Assume v. (-ming) 1 (usu. Foll. By that) take to be true. 2 simulate (ignorance etc.). 3 undertake (an office etc.). 4 take or put on (an aspect, attribute, etc.) (assumed immense importance). [latin sumo take]
Assuming adj. Arrogant, presumptuous.
Assumption n. 1 assuming. 2 thing assumed. 3 (assumption) reception of the virgin mary bodily into heaven.
Assurance n. 1 emphatic declaration; guarantee. 2 insurance, esp. Life insurance. 3 certainty. 4 self-confidence; assertiveness.
Assure v. (-ring) 1 (often foll. By of) a convince. B tell (a person) confidently (assured him all was well). 2 ensure; guarantee (a result etc.). 3 insure (esp. A life). 4 (as assured adj.) A guaranteed. B self-confident. [latin securus safe]
Assuredly adv. Certainly.
Ast abbr. Atlantic standard time.
Astatine n. Radioactive element, the heaviest of the halogens. [greek astatos unstable]
Aster n. Plant with bright daisy-like flowers. [greek, = star]
Asterisk —n. Symbol (*) used to mark words or to indicate omission etc. —v. Mark with an asterisk. [greek, = little star]
Astern adv. (often foll. By of) 1 in or to the rear of a ship or aircraft. 2 backwards.
Asteroid n. 1 any of the minor planets orbiting the sun, mainly between the orbits of mars and jupiter. 2 starfish. [greek: related to *aster]
Asthma n. Respiratory condition marked by wheezing. [greek azo breathe hard]
Asthmatic —adj. Of or suffering from asthma. —n. Asthmatic person.
Astigmatism n. Eye or lens defect resulting in distorted images. astigmatic adj. [from a-, stigma]
Astir predic. Adj. & adv. 1 in motion. 2 out of bed.
Astir predic. Adj. & adv. 1 in motion. 2 out of bed.
Astonish v. Surprise greatly, amaze. astonishment n. [latin ex-forth, tono thunder]
Astound v. Astonish greatly.
Astraddle adv. Astride.
Astrakhan n. 1 dark curly fleece of young astrakhan lambs. 2 cloth imitating this. [astrakhan in russia]
Astral adj. Of the stars; starry. [latin astrum star]
Astray adv. & predic.adj. Out of the right way, erring. go astray be missing. [latin extra away, vagor wander]
Astride —adv. 1 (often foll. By of) with a leg on each side. 2 with legs apart. — prep. Astride of; extending across.
Astringent —adj. 1 checking bleeding by contracting body tissues. 2 severe, austere. —n. Astringent substance. astringency n. [latin astringo draw tight]
Astrolabe n. Instrument formerly used to measure the altitude of stars etc. [greek, = star-taking]
Astrology n. Study of supposed planetary influence on human affairs. astrologer n. Astrological adj. Astrologist n. [greek astron star]
Astronaut n. Crew member of a spacecraft. [greek astron star, nautes sailor]
Astronaut n. Crew member of a spacecraft. [greek astron star, nautes sailor]
Astronautics n.pl. (treated as sing.) Science of space travel. astronautical adj.
Astronomy n. The scientific study of celestial bodies. astronomer n. [greek astron star, nemo arrange]
Astrophysics n.pl. (treated as sing.) The study of the physics and chemistry of celestial bodies. astrophysical adj. Astrophysicist n. [greek astron star]
Astute adj. Shrewd. astutely adv. Astuteness n. [latin astus craft]
Asunder adv. Literary apart.
Asylum n. 1 sanctuary; protection, esp. For fugitives from the law (seek asylum). 2 hist. Institution for the mentally ill or destitute. [greek a-not, sulon right of seizure]
Asymmetry n. Lack of symmetry. asymmetric adj. Asymmetrical adj. [greek]
At symb. Astatine.
At prep. 1 expressing position (wait at the corner; at school). 2 expressing a point in time (at dawn). 3 expressing a point in a scale (at his best). 4 expressing engagement in an activity etc. (at war). 5 expressing a value or rate (sell at £10 each). 6 a with or with reference to (annoyed at losing; came at a run). B by means of (starts at a touch). 7 expressing motion or aim towards (aim at the target; laughed at us). at all see *all. At hand see hand. At home see home. At it engaged in an activity; working hard. At once see once. At that 1 moreover (a good one at that). 2 then (at that he left). At times see time. [old english]
Atavism n. 1 reappearance of a remote ancestral characteristic, throwback. 2 reversion to an earlier type. atavistic adj. [latin atavus ancestor]
Ataxia n. Med. Imperfect control of bodily movements. [greek a-without, taxis order]
Ate past of *eat.
-ate1 suffix forming nouns denoting status, function, or office (doctorate;
Athlete n. Person who engages in athletics, exercise, etc. [greek athlon prize]
Athlete’s foot n. Fungal foot condition.
Athletic adj. 1 of athletes or athletics. 2 physically strong or agile. athletically adv. Athleticism n. [latin: related to *athlete]
Athletics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Physical exercises, esp. Track and field
Athletics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Physical exercises, esp. Track and field events.
At-home n. Social reception in a person’s home.
-ation suffix 1 forming nouns denoting an action or an instance of it (flirtation; hesitation). 2 forming nouns denoting a result or product of action (plantation; starvation). [latin -atio]
Atlantic adj. Of or adjoining the ocean between europe and africa to the east and america to the west. [greek: related to *atlas]
Atlas n. Book of maps or charts. [greek atlas, the titan who held up the universe]
Atmosphere n. 1 a gases enveloping the earth, any other planet, etc. B air in a room etc., esp. If fetid. 2 pervading tone or mood of a place, situation, or work of art. 3 unit of pressure equal to mean atmospheric pressure at sea level, 101,325 pascals. atmospheric adj. [greek atmos vapour, *sphere]
Atmospherics n.pl. 1 electrical atmospheric disturbance, esp. Caused by lightning. 2 interference with telecommunications caused by this.
Atoll n. Ring-shaped coral reef enclosing a lagoon. [maldive]
Atom n. 1 a smallest particle of a chemical element that can take part in a chemical reaction. B this as a source of nuclear energy. 2 minute portion or thing
chemical reaction. B this as a source of nuclear energy. 2 minute portion or thing (atom of pity). [greek atomos indivisible]
Atom n. 1 a smallest particle of a chemical element that can take part in a chemical reaction. B this as a source of nuclear energy. 2 minute portion or thing (atom of pity). [greek atomos indivisible]
Atom bomb n. Bomb in which energy is released by nuclear fission.
Atomic adj. 1 of or using atomic energy or atomic bombs. 2 of atoms.
Atomic bomb n. = *atom bomb.
Atomic energy n. Nuclear energy.
Atomic mass n. Mass of an atom measured in atomic mass units.
Atomic mass unit n. Unit of mass used to express atomic and molecular weights, equal to one-twelfth of the mass of an atom of carbon-12.
Atomic number n. Number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
Atomic theory n. Theory that all matter consists of atoms.
Atomic weight n. = *relative atomic mass.
Atomic weight n. = *relative atomic mass.
Atomize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) reduce to atoms or fine particles.
Atomizer n. (also -iser) = *aerosol 1.
Atonal adj. Mus. Not written in any key or mode. atonality n.
Atone v. (-ning) (usu. Foll. By for) make amends (for a wrong). [from *atonement]
Atonement n. 1 atoning. 2 (the atonement) expiation by christ of mankind’s sins. [at one + *-ment]
Atrium n. (pl. -s or atria) 1 a central court of an ancient roman house. B (usu. Skylit) central court rising through several storeys. 2 each of the two upper cavities of the heart. [latin]
Atrocious adj. 1 very bad or unpleasant (atrocious manners). 2 wicked (atrocious cruelty). atrociously adv. [latin atrox cruel]
Atrocity n. (pl. -ies) 1 wicked or cruel act. 2 extreme wickedness. [latin: related to *atrocious]
Atrophy —n. Wasting away, esp. Through disuse; emaciation. —v. (-ies, -ied) suffer atrophy or cause atrophy in. [greek a-without, trophe food]
Atropine n. Poisonous alkaloid in deadly nightshade. [greek atropos, the fate who cut the thread of life]
Attach v. 1 fasten, affix, join. 2 (in passive; foll. By to) be very fond of. 3 attribute or be attributable; assign (can’t attach a name to it; no blame attaches to us). 4 accompany; form part of (no conditions are attached). 5 refl. (usu. Foll. By to) take part in; join (attached himself to the team). 6 seize by legal authority. [french from germanic]
Attaché n. Specialist member of an ambassador’s staff.
Attaché case n. Small rectangular document case.
Attachment n. 1 thing attached, esp. For a purpose. 2 affection, devotion. 3 attaching or being attached. 4 legal seizure. 5 temporary position in an organization.
Attack —v. 1 try to hurt or defeat using force. 2 criticize adversely. 3 act harmfully upon (rust attacks metal). 4 vigorously apply oneself to. 5 sport try to gain ground or score (against). —n. 1 act of attacking. 2 offensive operation. 3 sudden onset of an illness. attacker n. [french from italian]
Attain v. 1 reach, gain, accomplish (a goal etc.). 2 (foll. By to) arrive at by effort or development. [latin attingo reach]
or development. [latin attingo reach]
Attainment n. 1 (often in pl.) Accomplishment or achievement. 2 attaining.
Attar n. Perfume made from rose-petals. [persian]
Attempt —v. 1 (often foll. By to + infin.) Try to do or achieve (attempted to explain). 2 try to conquer (a mountain etc.). —n. (often foll. By at, on, or to + infin.) Attempting; endeavour (attempt at winning; attempt on his life). [latin tempto try]
Attend v. 1 a be present (at) (attended the meeting). B go regularly to (attends church). 2 escort. 3 a (often foll. By to) turn or apply one’s mind. B (foll. By to) deal with (attend to the matter). [latin tendo stretch]
Attendance n. 1 attending or being present. 2 number present (high attendance).
Attendant —n. Person escorting or providing a service (cloakroom attendant). — adj. 1 accompanying (attendant costs). 2 (often foll. By on) waiting (attendant on the queen).
Attendee n. Person who attends (a meeting etc.).
Attendee n. Person who attends (a meeting etc.).
Attention n. 1 act or faculty of applying one’s mind; notice (attention wandered; attract his attention). 2 consideration, care. 3 (in pl.) A courtesies. B sexual
attract his attention). 2 consideration, care. 3 (in pl.) A courtesies. B sexual advances. 4 erect esp. Military attitude of readiness.
Attenuate v. (-ting) 1 make thin. 2 reduce in force, value, etc. attenuation n. [latin tenuis thin]
Attest v. 1 certify the validity of. 2 (foll. By to) bear witness to. attestation n. [latin testis witness]
Attic —adj. Of ancient athens or attica, or the form of greek used there. —n. Greek as used by the ancient athenians. [greek attikos]
Attic n. Space or room at the top of a house, usu. Under the roof. [from *attic, with ref. To an architectural feature]
Attire formal —n. Clothes, esp. Formal. —v. (-ring) (usu. As attired adj.) Dress, esp. Formally. [french à tire in order]
Attitude n. 1 opinion or way of thinking; behaviour reflecting this (don’t like his attitude). 2 bodily posture; pose. 3 position of an aircraft etc. Relative to given points. [latin aptus fitted]
Attitudinize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) adopt (esp. Affected) attitudes; pose.
Attitudinize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) adopt (esp. Affected) attitudes; pose.
Attorney n. (pl. -s) 1 lawyer etc. Appointed to act for another in business or legal matters. 2 us qualified lawyer. [french atorner assign]
Attorney-general n. (pl. Attorneys-general) chief legal officer in some countries.
Attract v. 1 (also absol.) (of a magnet etc.) Draw to itself or oneself. 2 arouse interest or admiration in. [latin traho draw]
Attraction n. 1 a attracting or being attracted. B attractive quality (can’t see the attraction in it). C person or thing that attracts. 2 physics tendency of bodies to attract each other.
Attribute —v. (-ting) (usu. Foll. By to) 1 regard as belonging to, written or said by, etc. (a poem attributed to milton). 2 ascribe to (a cause) (delays attributed to snow). —n. 1 esp. Characteristic quality ascribed to a person or thing. 2 object symbolizing or appropriate to a person, office, or status. attributable adj. Attribution n. [latin tribuo allot]
Attributive adj. Gram. (of an adjective or noun) preceding the word described, as old in the old dog.
Attrition n. 1 gradual wearing down (war of attrition). 2 abrasion, friction. [latin tero trit-rub]
Attune v. (-ning) 1 (usu. Foll. By to) adjust to a situation etc. 2 mus. Tune. [related to *tune]
Atypical adj. Not typical. atypically adv.
Au symb. Gold. [latin aurum]
Aubergine n. Plant with white or purple egg-shaped fruit used as a vegetable; eggplant. [french, ultimately from sanskrit]
Aubrietia n. (also aubretia) dwarf perennial rock-plant with purple or pink flowers. [aubriet, name of an artist]
Auburn adj. Reddish-brown (usu. Of hair). [originally = yellowish white: from latin albus white]
Auction —n. Sale in which articles are sold to the highest bidder. —v. Sell by auction. [latin augeo auct-increase]
Auction bridge n. Game in which players bid for the right to name trumps.
Auctioneer n. Person who conducts auctions, esp. For a living.
Audible adj. Able to be heard. audibility n. Audibly adv. [latin audio hear]
Audience n. 1 a assembled listeners or spectators, esp. At a play, concert, etc. B people addressed by a film, book, etc. 2 formal interview with a superior. [latin: related to *audible]
Audio n. (usu. Attrib.) Sound or its reproduction. [latin audio hear]
Audio-comb. Form hearing or sound.
Audio frequency n. Frequency able to be perceived by the human ear.
Audiotape n. (also audio tape) 1 a magnetic tape for recording sound. B a length of this. 2 a sound recording on tape.
Audiotape n. (also audio tape) 1 a magnetic tape for recording sound. B a length of this. 2 a sound recording on tape.
Audio typist n. Person who types from a tape-recording.
Audiovisual adj. (of teaching methods etc.) Using both sight and sound.
Audit —n. Official scrutiny of accounts. —v. (-t-) conduct an audit of.
Audition —n. Test of a performer’s suitability or ability. —v. Assess or be assessed at an audition. [latin audio hear]
Auditor n. Person who audits accounts. [french from latin]
Auditorium n. (pl. -s) part of a theatre etc. For the audience. [latin]
Auditory adj. Of hearing.
Au fait predic. Adj. (usu. Foll. By with) conversant (au fait with the rules). [french]
Aug. Abbr. August.
Augean adj. Filthy. [greek augeas, a mythical king: his filthy stables were cleaned by hercules diverting a river through them]
Auger n. Tool with a screw point for boring in wood. [old english]
Aught n. Archaic anything. [old english]
Augment v. Make or become greater; increase. augmentation n. [latin: related to *auction]
Augmentative adj. Augmenting.
Au gratin adj. Cooked with a crust of breadcrumbs or melted cheese. [french]
Augur —v. Portend, serve as an omen (augur well or ill). —n. Hist. Roman religious official interpreting natural phenomena in order to pronounce on proposed actions. [latin]
Augury n. (pl. -ies) 1 omen. 2 interpretation of omens.
August n. Eighth month of the year. [latin augustus, first roman emperor]
August adj. Venerable, imposing. [latin]
Augustan adj. 1 of the reign of augustus, esp. As a flourishing literary period. 2 (of literature) refined and classical in style. [latin: see *august]
Auk n. Black and white sea bird with short wings, e.g. The guillemot, puffin, etc. [old norse]
Auld lang syne n. Times long past. [scots, = old long since]
Aunt n. 1 sister of one’s father or mother. 2 uncle’s wife. 3 colloq. (form of address by a child to) parent’s female friend. [latin amita]
Auntie n. (also aunty) (pl. -ies) colloq. = *aunt.
Aunt sally n. 1 game in which sticks or balls are thrown at a wooden dummy. 2 target of general abuse.
Au pair n. Young foreigner, esp. A woman, helping with housework etc. In exchange for board and lodging. [french]
Aura n. (pl. -s) 1 distinctive atmosphere. 2 subtle emanation. [greek, = breeze]
Aural adj. Of the ear or hearing. aurally adv. [latin auris ear]
Aureole n. (also aureola) 1 halo or circle of light, esp. In a religious painting. 2 corona round the sun or moon. [latin, = golden (crown)]
corona round the sun or moon. [latin, = golden (crown)]
Au revoir int. & n. Goodbye (until we meet again). [french]
Auricle n. 1 each atrium of the heart. 2 external ear of animals. auricular adj. [related to *auricula]
Auricula n. (pl. -s) primula with ear-shaped leaves. [latin, diminutive of auris ear]
Auriferous adj. Yielding gold. [latin aurifer from aurum gold]
Aurochs n. (pl. Same) extinct wild ox. [german]
Aurora n. (pl. -s or aurorae) luminous phenomenon, usu. Of streamers of light in the night sky above the northern (aurora borealis) or southern (aurora australis) magnetic pole. [latin, = dawn, goddess of dawn]
Auscultation n. Listening, esp. To sounds from the heart, lungs, etc., for purposes of diagnosis. [latin ausculto listen]
Auspice n. 1 (in pl.) Patronage (esp. Under the auspices of). 2 omen, premonition. [originally ‘observation of bird-flight’: latin avis bird]
Austral adj. 1 southern. 2 (austral) of australia or australasia. [latin auster south]
Austral adj. 1 southern. 2 (austral) of australia or australasia. [latin auster south]
Australasian adj. Of australasia, including australia and the islands of the sw pacific.
Australian —n. 1 native or national of australia. 2 person of australian descent. —adj. Of australia.
Autarchy n. Absolute rule; despotism. [greek autos self, arkhe rule]
Autarky n. Self-sufficiency, esp. Economic. [greek autos self, arkeo suffice]
Authentic adj. 1 of undisputed origin; genuine. 2 reliable, trustworthy.
Authentic adj. 1 of undisputed origin; genuine. 2 reliable, trustworthy. authentically adv. Authenticity n. [greek authentikos]
Authenticate v. (-ting) establish as true, genuine, or valid. authentication n.
Author n. (fem. Authoress) 1 writer, esp. Of books. 2 originator of an idea, event, etc. [latin auctor]
Authoritarian —adj. Favouring or enforcing strict obedience to authority. —n. Authoritarian person.
Authoritative adj. 1 reliable, esp. Having authority. 2 official.
Authority n. (pl. -ies) 1 a power or right to enforce obedience. B (often foll. By for, or to + infin.) Delegated power. 2 (esp. In pl.) Body having authority. 3 influence based on recognized knowledge or expertise. 4 expert. [latin auctoritas]
Authorize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 officially approve, sanction. 2 (foll. By to + infin.) Give authority to (a person to do a thing). authorization n.
Authorized version n. English translation of the bible made in 1611.
Authorship n. 1 origin of a book etc. 2 profession of an author.
Autism n. Condition characterized by self-absorption and social withdrawal. autistic adj. [related to *auto-]
Auto n. (pl. -s) us colloq. Car. [abbreviation of *automobile]
Auto-comb. Form 1 self. 2 one’s own. 3 of or by oneself or itself. [greek autos]
Autobahn n. (pl. -s) german, austrian, or swiss motorway. [german]
Autobiography n. (pl. -ies) 1 written account of one’s own life. 2 this as a literary genre. autobiographer n. Autobiographical adj.
Autoclave n. Sterilizer using high-pressure steam. [latin clavus nail or clavis key]
Autocracy n. (pl. -ies) 1 rule by an autocrat. 2 dictatorship. [greek kratos power]
Autocross n. Motor racing across country or on unmade roads.
Autocue n. Propr. Screen etc. From which a speaker reads a television script.
Auto-da-fé n. (pl. Autos-da-fé) 1 hist. Ceremonial judgement of heretics by the spanish inquisition. 2 public burning of heretics. [portuguese, = act of the faith]
Autograph —n. Signature, esp. That of a celebrity. —v. Sign or write on in one’s own hand. [greek grapho write]
Autoimmune adj. (of a disease) caused by antibodies produced against substances naturally present in the body.
Automat n. Us 1 slot-machine. 2 cafeteria dispensing food and drink from slot-machines. [french: related to *automaton]
Automate v. (-ting) convert to or operate by automation.
Automatic —adj. 1 working by itself, without direct human intervention. 2 a done spontaneously (automatic reaction). B following inevitably (automatic penalty). 3 (of a firearm) able to be loaded and fired continuously. 4 (of a vehicle or its transmission) using gears that change automatically. —n. 1 automatic machine, firearm, or tool. 2 vehicle with automatic transmission. automatically adv. [related to *automaton]
Automatic pilot n. Device for keeping an aircraft or ship on a set course.
Automation n. 1 use of automatic equipment in place of manual labour. 2 production of goods etc. By this.
Automatism n. 1 involuntary action. 2 unthinking routine. [french: related to *automaton]
Automaton n. (pl. -mata or -s) 1 machine controlled automatically; robot. 2 person acting like a robot. [greek, = acting of itself]
Automobile n. Us motor car. [french]
Automotive adj. Of motor vehicles.
Automotive adj. Of motor vehicles.
Autonomous adj. 1 having self-government. 2 acting or free to act independently. [greek nomos law]
Autonomy n. 1 self-government. 2 personal freedom.
Autopilot n. = *automatic pilot.
Autopsy n. (pl. -ies) post-mortem. [greek autoptes eyewitness]
Autoroute n. French motorway. [french]
Autostrada n. (pl. -s or -strade) italian motorway. [italian]
Auto-suggestion n. Hypnotic or subconscious suggestion made to oneself.
Autumn n. 1 (often attrib.) Season between summer and winter. 2 time of incipient decline. autumnal adj. [latin autumnus]
Autumn equinox n. (also autumnal equinox) equinox about 22 sept.
Auxiliary —adj. 1 subsidiary, additional. 2 giving help. —n. (pl. -ies) 1 auxiliary person or thing. 2 (in pl.) Foreign or allied troops in the service of a nation at war. 3 verb used to form tenses or moods of other verbs (e.g. Have in i have seen). [latin auxilium help]
Auxin n. Plant hormone that regulates growth.
Av abbr. Authorized version.
Avail —v. 1 help; be of use. 2 refl. (foll. By of) make use of, profit by. —n. Use, profit (of no avail). [latin valeo be strong]
Available adj. 1 at one’s disposal, obtainable. 2 a (of a person) free, not
Available adj. 1 at one’s disposal, obtainable. 2 a (of a person) free, not committed. B able to be contacted. availability n.
Avalanche n. 1 rapidly sliding mass of snow and ice on a mountain. 2 sudden abundance (avalanche of work). [french]
Avarice n. Extreme greed for wealth. avaricious adj. [latin avarus greedy]
Avatar n. (in hindu mythology) descent of a deity etc. To earth in bodily form. [sanskrit, = descent]
Ave n. (in full ave maria) prayer to the virgin mary (luke 1:28). [latin]
Ave. Abbr. Avenue.
Avenge v. (-ging) 1 inflict retribution on behalf of. 2 take vengeance for (an injury). be avenged avenge oneself. [latin vindico]
Avenue n. 1 a broad esp. Tree-lined road or street. B tree-lined path etc. 2 approach (explored every avenue). [french avenir come to]
Aver v. (-rr-) formal assert, affirm. averment n. [latin verus true]
Average —n. 1 usual amount, extent, or rate. 2 amount obtained by adding two or more numbers and dividing by how many there are. 3 (with ref. To speed etc.) Ratio obtained by subtracting the inital from the final value of each element of the ratio (average of 50 miles per hour). 4 law damage to or loss of a ship or cargo. —adj. 1 a usual, ordinary. B mediocre. 2 constituting an average (the average age is 72). —v. (-ging) 1 amount on average to. 2 do on average. 3 estimate the average of. average out (at) result in an average (of). Law of averages principle that if one of two extremes occurs the other will also. On (or on an) average as an average rate or estimate. [arabic, = damaged goods]
Avionics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Electronics as applied to aviation. [from *aviation, *electronics]
Avocado n. (pl. -s) 1 (in full avocado pear) dark green edible pear-shaped fruit with yellowish-green creamy flesh. 2 tree bearing it. [spanish from aztec]
Avocet n. Long-legged wading bird with an upward-curved bill. [french from italian]
Avocet n. Long-legged wading bird with an upward-curved bill. [french from italian]
Avoid v. 1 keep away or refrain from. 2 escape; evade. 3 law quash, annul. avoidable adj. Avoidance n. [french]
Avoirdupois n. (in full avoirdupois weight) system of weights based on a pound of 16 ounces or 7,000 grains. [french, = goods of weight]
Avow v. Formal declare, confess. avowal n. Avowedly adv. [latin voco call]
Avuncular adj. Like or of an uncle, esp. In manner. [latin avunculus uncle]
Await v. 1 wait for. 2 be in store for. [french: related to *wait]
Awake —v. (-king; past awoke; past part. Awoken) 1 cease to sleep or arouse from sleep. 2 (often foll. By to) become or make alert, aware, or active. — predic. Adj. 1 not asleep. 2 (often foll. By to) alert, aware. [old english: related to *a2]
Awaken v. = *awake v.
Usage awake and awaken are interchangeable but awaken is much rarer than awake as an intransitive verb.
Award —v. Give or order to be given as a payment or prize. —n. 1 thing or amount awarded. 2 judicial decision. [french]
Aware predic. Adj. 1 (often foll. By of or that) conscious; having knowledge. 2 well-informed. awareness n. [old english]
Usage aware is also found used attributively in sense 2, as in ‘a very aware person’, but this should be avoided in formal contexts.
Awash predic. Adj. 1 level with the surface of, and just covered by, water. 2 (foll. By with) overflowing, abounding.
Away —adv. 1 to or at a distance from the place, person, or thing in question (go, give, look, away; 5 miles away). 2 into non-existence (explain, fade, away). 3 constantly, persistently (work away). 4 without delay (ask away). —attrib. Adj. Sport not played on one’s own ground (away match). —n. Sport away match or win. [old english: related to a2, way]
Awe —n. Reverential fear or wonder. —v. (awing) inspire with awe. [old norse]
Aweigh predic. Adj. (of an anchor) clear of the bottom.
Awe-inspiring adj. Awesome; magnificent.
Awesome adj. Inspiring awe; dreaded.
Awful adj. 1 colloq. Very bad or unpleasant (has awful writing; awful weather). 2 (attrib.) As an intensifier (awful lot of money). 3 poet. Inspiring awe.
Ax (brit. Axe) —n. 1 chopping-tool with a handle and heavy blade. 2 (the ax) dismissal (of employees); abandonment of a project etc. —v. (axing) cut (esp. Costs or staff) drastically; abandon (a project). an ax to grind private ends to serve. [old english]
Axe (us ax) —n. 1 chopping-tool with a handle and heavy blade. 2 (the axe) dismissal (of employees); abandonment of a project etc. —v. (axing) cut (esp. Costs or staff) drastically; abandon (a project). an axe to grind private ends to serve. [old english]
Axial adj. Of, forming, or placed round an axis.
Axil n. Upper angle between a leaf and stem. [latin axilla armpit]
Axiom n. 1 established or accepted principle. 2 self-evident truth. axiomatic adj. [greek axios worthy]
Axis n. (pl. Axes) 1 a imaginary line about which a body rotates. B line which divides a regular figure symmetrically. 2 fixed reference line for the measurement of coordinates etc. 3 (the axis) alliance of germany, italy, and later japan, in the war of 1939–45. [latin, = axle]
Axis n. (pl. Axes) 1 a imaginary line about which a body rotates. B line which divides a regular figure symmetrically. 2 fixed reference line for the measurement of coordinates etc. 3 (the axis) alliance of germany, italy, and later japan, in the war of 1939–45. [latin, = axle]
Axle n. Spindle on which a wheel is fixed or turns. [old norse]
Axolotl n. Newtlike salamander, which in natural conditions retains its larval form of life. [nahuatl, = water-servant]
Ayatollah n. Shiite religious leader in iran. [persian from arabic, = token of god]
Ayatollah n. Shiite religious leader in iran. [persian from arabic, = token of god]
Aye —adv. Archaic or dial. Yes. —n. Affirmative answer or vote. [probably from i, expressing assent]
Azalea n. A kind of rhododendron. [greek azaleos dry]
Azimuth n. Angular distance from a north or south point of the horizon to the intersection with the horizon of a vertical circle passing through a given celestial body. azimuthal adj. [french from arabic]
Azt abbr. Drug intended for use against the aids virus. [from the chemical name]
Aztec —n. 1 member of the native mexican people overthrown by the spanish in 1519. 2 language of this people. —adj. Of the aztecs or their language. [nahuatl, = men of the north]
Azure —n. 1 deep sky-blue colour. 2 poet. Clear sky. —adj. Deep sky-blue. [arabic]
B
B1 n. (pl. Bs or b’s) 1 (also b) second letter of the alphabet. 2 mus. Seventh note of the diatonic scale of c major. 3 second hypothetical person or example. 4 second highest category (of roads, academic marks, etc.). 5 (usu. B) algebra second known quantity.
Babble —v. (-ling) 1 a talk, chatter, or say incoherently or excessively. B (of a stream etc.) Murmur. 2 repeat or divulge foolishly. —n. 1 babbling. 2 murmur of voices, water, etc. [imitative]
Babe n. 1 literary baby. 2 innocent or helpless person. 3 us slang young woman. [as *baby]
Babel n. 1 confused noise, esp. Of voices. 2 scene of confusion. [hebrew, = babylon (gen. 11)]
Baboon n. Large long-nosed african and arabian monkey. [french or medieval latin]
Baby —n. (pl. -ies) 1 very young child. 2 childish person. 3 youngest member of a family etc. 4 (often attrib.) A very young animal. B small specimen. 5 slang sweetheart. 6 one’s special concern etc. —v. (-ies, -ied) treat like a baby; pamper. babyhood n. Babyish adj. [imitative of child’s ba ba]
Baby boom n. Colloq. Temporary increase in the birthrate.
Baby buggy n. Propr. A kind of child’s pushchair.
Baby carriage n. Us pram.
Baby grand n. Small grand piano.
Babygro n. (pl. -s) propr. Stretchy all-in-one baby suit.
Babysit v. (-tt-; past and past part. -sat) look after a child while its parents are out. babysitter n.
Baccalaureate n. Final secondary school examination in france and many international schools. [medieval latin baccalaureus bachelor]
Baccarat n. Gambling card-game. [french]
Bacchanal —n. 1 drunken revelry or reveller. 2 priest or follower of bacchus. — adj. 1 of or like bacchus. 2 drunkenly riotous. [latin bacchus from greek, god of wine]
Bacchanalia n.pl. 1 roman festival of bacchus. 2 (bacchanalia) drunken revelry.
Bacchant —n. (fem. Bacchante) 1 priest or follower of bacchus. 2 drunken reveller. —adj. 1 of or like bacchus or his rites. 2 drunkenly riotous, roistering.
Bacchic adj. = *bacchanal adj.
Baccy n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Tobacco. [abbreviation]
Bachelor n. 1 unmarried man. 2 person with a university first degree. bachelorhood n. [related to *baccalaureate]
Bachelor girl n. Independent young single woman.
Bacillus n. (pl. Bacilli) rod-shaped bacterium, esp. One causing disease. bacillary adj. [latin, diminutive of baculus stick]
Back —n. 1 a rear surface of the human body from shoulder to hip. B upper surface of an animal’s body. C spine (broke his back). D keel of a ship. 2 backlike surface (back of the head, chair, shirt). 3 reverse or more distant part (back of the room; sat in the back; write it on the back). 4 defensive player in football etc. —adv. 1 to the rear (go back a bit; looked back). 2 in or into a previous state, place, or time (came back; put it back; back in june). 3 at a distance (stand back). 4 in return (pay back). 5 in check (hold him back). —v. 1 a give moral or financial support to. B bet on (a horse etc.). 2 (often foll. By up) move backwards. 3 a put or serve as a back, background, or support to. B mus. Accompany. 4 lie at the back of (beach backed by cliffs). 5 (of the wind) move anticlockwise. —adj. 1 situated to the rear; remote, subsidiary (back teeth). 2 past; not current (back pay; back issue). 3 reversed (back flow). back and forth to and fro. Back down withdraw from confrontation. The back of beyond very remote place. Back off 1 draw back, retreat. 2 = back down. Back on to have its back adjoining (backs on to a field). Back out (often foll. By of) withdraw from a commitment. Back-pedal reverse one’s action or opinion. Back to back with backs adjacent and facing each other (stood back to back). Back up 1 give (esp. Moral) support to. 2 computing make a backup of (data, a disk, etc.). Get (or put) a person’s back up annoy a person. Get off a person’s back stop troubling a person. Turn one’s back on abandon; ignore. backer n. (in sense 1 of v.). Backless adj. [old english]
Backache n. Ache in the back.
Back-bencher n. Mp not holding a senior office.
Backbiting n. Malicious talk. backbite v.
Back-boiler n. Boiler behind a domestic fire.
Backbone n. 1 spine. 2 chief support. 3 firmness of character.
Back-breaking adj. (esp. Of manual work) extremely hard.
Back-burner n. on the back-burner receiving little attention.
Backchat n. Colloq. Verbal insolence.
Backcloth n. 1 painted cloth at the back of a stage. 2 background to a scene or situation.
Backcomb v. Comb (the hair) towards the scalp to give it fullness.
Back-crawl n. = *backstroke.
Backdate v. (-ting) 1 make retrospectively valid. 2 put an earlier date to than the actual one.
Back door n. Secret or ingenious means.
Backdrop n. = *backcloth.
Backfire v. (-ring) 1 (of an engine or vehicle) ignite or explode too early in the cylinder or exhaust. 2 (of a plan etc.) Rebound adversely on its originator.
Back-formation n. 1 formation of a word from its seeming derivative (e.g. Laze from lazy). 2 word so formed.
Backgammon n. Board-game with pieces moved according to throws of the dice. [from *back + obsolete form of *game1]
Background n. 1 part of a scene or picture furthest from the observer. 2 (often attrib.) Inconspicuous position (kept in the background; background music). 3 person’s education, social circumstances, etc. 4 explanatory or contributory information or events.
Backhand —attrib. Adj. (of a stroke) made with the hand across one’s body. — n. Such a stroke.
Backhanded adj. 1 made with the back of the hand. 2 indirect; ambiguous (backhanded compliment).
Backhander n. 1 a backhand stroke. B backhanded blow. 2 slang bribe.
Backing n. 1 a support, esp. Financial or moral. B material used for a thing’s back or support. 2 musical accompaniment, esp. To a pop singer.
back or support. 2 musical accompaniment, esp. To a pop singer.
Backing track n. Recorded musical accompaniment.
Backlash n. 1 violent, usu. Hostile, reaction. 2 sudden recoil in a mechanism.
Backlist n. Publisher’s list of books still in print.
Backlog n. Arrears of work.
Back number n. 1 out-of-date issue of a periodical. 2 slang out-of-date person or thing.
Backpack —n. Rucksack. —v. Travel or hike with this. backpacker n.
Back passage n. Colloq. Rectum.
Backrest n. Support for the back.
Back room n. (often, with hyphen, attrib.) Place where secret work is done.
Back seat n. Less prominent or important position.
Back seat n. Less prominent or important position.
Back-seat driver n. Person eager to advise without taking responsibility.
Backside n. Colloq. Buttocks.
Back slang n. Slang using words spelt backwards (e.g. Yob).
Backslide v. (-ding; past -slid; past part. -slid or -slidden) return to bad habits etc.
Backspace v. (-cing) move a typewriter carriage etc. Back one or more spaces.
Backspin n. Backward spin making a ball bounce erratically.
Backstage adv. & adj. Behind the scenes.
Backstairs —n.pl. Rear or side stairs of a building. —attrib. Adj. (also backstair) underhand; secret.
Backstitch n. Sewing with each stitch starting behind the end of the previous one.
Back-stop n. 1 cricket etc. A position directly behind the wicket-keeper. B fielder in this position. 2 last resort.
Back-to-back adj. (of houses) with a party wall at the rear.
Back to front adj. 1 with back and front reversed. 2 in disorder.
Back-to-nature attrib. Adj. Seeking a simpler way of life.
Backtrack v. 1 retrace one’s steps. 2 reverse one’s policy or opinion.
Backup n. (often attrib.) 1 support; reserve (back-up team). 2 computing a making of spare copies of data for safety. B copy so made.
Backward —adv. = *backwards. —adj. 1 towards the rear or starting-point (backward look). 2 reversed (backward roll). 3 slow to develop or progress. 4 hesitant, shy.
Backwards adv. 1 away from one’s front (lean backwards). 2 a with the back
Backwards adv. 1 away from one’s front (lean backwards). 2 a with the back foremost (walk backwards). B in reverse of the usual way (count backwards). 3 a into a worse state. B into the past. C (of motion) back towards the starting-point (roll backwards). backwards and forwards to and fro. Bend (or fall or lean) over backwards colloq. Make every effort, esp. To be fair or helpful.
Backwash n. 1 receding waves made by a ship etc. 2 repercussions.
Backwater n. 1 peaceful, secluded, or dull place. 2 stagnant water fed from a stream.
Bacon n. Cured meat from the back or sides of a pig. [french from germanic]
Bacteriology n. The study of bacteria.
Bacterium n. (pl. -ria) unicellular micro-organism lacking an organized nucleus, esp. Of a kind causing disease. bacterial adj. [greek, = little stick]
Bad —adj. (worse, worst) 1 inadequate, defective (bad work, light). 2 unpleasant (bad weather). 3 harmful (is bad for you). 4 (of food) decayed. 5 colloq. Ill, injured (feeling bad today; a bad leg). 6 colloq. Regretful, guilty (feels bad about it). 7 serious, severe (a bad headache, mistake). 8 a morally unacceptable (bad man; bad language). B naughty. 9 not valid (a bad cheque). 10 (badder, baddest)
man; bad language). B naughty. 9 not valid (a bad cheque). 10 (badder, baddest) esp. Us slang excellent. —n. Ill fortune; ruin. —adv. Us colloq. Badly. not (or not so) bad colloq. Fairly good. Too bad colloq. Regrettable. [old english]
Bad blood n. Ill feeling.
Bad books see *book.
Bad breath n. Unpleasant-smelling breath.
Bad debt n. Debt that is not recoverable.
Baddy n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Villain in a story, film, etc.
Bade see *bid.
Bad egg see *egg1.
Bad faith n. Intent to deceive.
Badge n. 1 small flat emblem worn to signify office, membership, etc., or as decoration. 2 thing that reveals a condition or quality. [origin unknown]
Badger —n. Nocturnal burrowing mammal with a black and white striped head. —v. Pester, harass. [origin uncertain]
Badinage n. Playful ridicule. [french]
Bad lot n. Person of bad character.
Badly adv. (worse, worst) 1 in a bad manner. 2 colloq. Very much (wants it badly). 3 severely (badly defeated).
Badminton n. Game with rackets and a shuttlecock. [badminton in s. England]
Bad-mouth v. Esp. Us slang abuse verbally, put down.
Bad news n. Colloq. Unpleasant or troublesome person or thing.
Bad-tempered adj. Irritable.
Baffle —v. (-ling) 1 perplex. 2 frustrate, hinder. —n. Device that checks flow esp. Of fluid or sound waves. bafflement n. [origin uncertain]
Bafta abbr. British association of film and television arts.
Bag —n. 1 soft open-topped receptacle. 2 a piece of luggage. B woman’s handbag. 3 (in pl.; usu. Foll. By of) colloq. Large amount (bags of time). 4 slang derog. Woman. 5 animal’s sac. 6 amount of game shot by one person. 7 (usu. In pl.) Baggy skin under the eyes. 8 slang particular interest (folk music is not my bag). —v. (-gg-) 1 colloq. A secure (bagged the best seat). B (often in phr. Bags i) colloq. Claim as being the first (bags i go next). 2 put in a bag. 3 (cause to) hang loosely; bulge. in the bag colloq. Achieved, secured. bagful n. (pl. -s). [origin unknown]
Bagatelle n. 1 game in which small balls are struck into holes on a board. 2 mere trifle. 3 short piece of esp. Piano music. [french from italian]
Bagel n. Ring-shaped bread roll. [yiddish]
Baggage n. 1 luggage. 2 portable army equipment. 3 joc. Or derog. Girl or woman. 4 mental encumbrances. [french]
Baggy adj. (-ier, -iest) hanging loosely. baggily adv. Bagginess n.
Bagpipe n. (usu. In pl.) Musical instrument consisting of a windbag connected to reeded pipes.
Baguette n. Long thin french loaf. [french]
Bah int. Expressing contempt or disbelief. [french]
Baha’i n. (pl. -s) member of a monotheistic religion emphasizing religious unity and world peace. [persian bahá splendour]
Bail1 —n. 1 money etc. Pledged against the temporary release of an untried prisoner. 2 person(s) giving this. —v. (usu. Foll. By out) 1 release or secure the release of (a prisoner) on payment of bail. 2 release from a difficulty; rescue. on bail released after payment of bail. [latin bajulus carrier]
Bail2 n. 1 cricket either of two crosspieces bridging the stumps. 2 bar holding the paper against a typewriter platen. 3 bar separating horses in an open stable. [french]
Bail3 v. (also bale) 1 (usu. Foll. By out) scoop water out of (a boat etc.). 2 scoop (water etc.) Out. bail out var. Of bale out 1 (see *bale1). [french]
Bail2 n. 1 cricket either of two crosspieces bridging the stumps. 2 bar holding the paper against a typewriter platen. 3 bar separating horses in an open stable. [french]
Bail3 v. (also bale) 1 (usu. Foll. By out) scoop water out of (a boat etc.). 2 scoop (water etc.) Out. bail out var. Of bale out 1 (see *bale1). [french]
Bailey n. (pl. -s) 1 outer wall of a castle. 2 court enclosed by it. [french: related to *bail2]
Bailey bridge n. Prefabricated military bridge for rapid assembly. [sir d. Bailey, name of its designer]
name of its designer]
Bailiff n. 1 sheriff’s officer who executes writs and carries out distraints. 2 landlord’s agent or steward. [french: related to *bail1]
Bailiwick n. 1 law district of a bailiff. 2 joc. Person’s particular interest. [as *bailiff, obsolete wick district]
Bain-marie n. (pl. Bains-marie pronunc. Same) pan of hot water holding a pan containing sauce etc. For slow heating. [french, translation of medieval latin balneum mariae bath of maria (a supposed alchemist)]
Bairn n. Scot. & n.engl. Child. [old english: related to *bear1]
Bait —n. 1 food used to entice prey. 2 allurement. —v. 1 harass, torment, or annoy (a person or chained animal). 2 put bait on (a hook, trap, etc.). [old norse]
Baize n. Usu. Green woollen felted material, used for coverings. [french pl. Baies chestnut-coloured]
Bake v. (-king) 1 cook or become cooked by dry heat, esp. In an oven. 2 colloq. (usu. As be baking) (of weather, a person, etc.) Be very hot. 3 harden by heat. [old english]
Bakelite n. Propr. Plastic made from formaldehyde and phenol, used formerly for buttons, plates, etc. [german from baekeland, name of its inventor]
Baker n. Person who bakes and sells bread, cakes, etc., esp. For a living.
Baker day n. Colloq. Day set aside for in-service training of teachers. [baker, name of the education secretary responsible for introducing them]
Baker’s dozen n. Thirteen.
Bakery n. (pl. -ies) place where bread and cakes are made or sold.
Bakewell tart n. Open pastry case lined with jam and filled with almond paste. [bakewell in derbyshire]
Baking-powder n. Mixture of sodium bicarbonate, cream of tartar, etc., as a raising agent.
Baking-soda n. Sodium bicarbonate.
Baklava n. Rich sweetmeat of flaky pastry, honey, and nuts. [turkish]
Baksheesh n. Gratuity, tip. [persian]
Balaclava n. (in full balaclava helmet) usu. Woollen covering for the whole head and neck, except for the face. [balaclava in the crimea, the site of a battle in 1854]
Balalaika n. Guitar-like stringed instrument with a triangular body. [russian]
Balance —n. 1 a even distribution of weight or amount. B stability of body or mind. 2 apparatus for weighing, esp. One with a central pivot, beam, and two scales. 3 a counteracting weight or force. B (in full balance-wheel) regulating device in a clock etc. 4 decisive weight or amount (balance of opinion). 5 a agreement or difference between credits and debits in an account. B amount still owing or outstanding (will pay the balance). C amount left over. 6 a art harmony and proportion. B mus. Relative volume of sources of sound. 7 (the balance) zodiacal sign or constellation libra. —v. (-cing) 1 bring into, keep, or be in equilibrium (balanced a book on her head; balanced on one leg). 2 (often foll. By with, against) offset or compare (one thing) with another (balance the pros and cons). 3 counteract, equal, or neutralize the weight or importance of. 4 (usu. As balanced adj.) Make well-proportioned and harmonious (balanced diet; balanced opinion). 5 a compare and esp
Balance of payments n. Difference in value between payments into and out of a country.
Balance of power n. 1 situation of roughly equal power among the chief states of the world. 2 power held by a small group when larger groups are of equal strength.
Balance of trade n. Difference in value between imports and exports.
Balance sheet n. Statement giving the balance of an account.
Balcony n. (pl. -ies) 1 usu. Balustraded platform on the outside of a building with access from an upper floor. 2 upper tier of seats in a theatre etc. balconied adj. [italian]
Bald adj. 1 lacking some or all hair on the scalp. 2 lacking the usual hair, feathers, leaves, etc. 3 colloq. With a worn surface (bald tyre). 4 plain, direct (bald statement, style). balding adj. (in senses 1–3). Baldly adv. (in sense 4). Baldness n. [old english]
Balderdash n. Nonsense. [origin unknown]
Bale1 —n. Tightly bound bundle of merchandise or hay. —v. (-ling) make up into bales. bale out 1 (also bail out) (of an airman) make an emergency parachute descent. 2 var. Of *bail1 v. 2. [dutch: related to *ball1]
Bale2 var. Of *bail3.
Baleen n. Whalebone. [latin balaena whale]
Baleful adj. 1 menacing in look, manner, etc. 2 malignant, destructive. balefully adv. [archaic bale evil]
Balk var. Of *baulk.
Balkan adj. 1 of the region of se europe bounded by the adriatic, aegean, and black sea. 2 of its peoples or countries. [turkish]
Ball1 —n. 1 sphere, esp. For use in a game. 2 a ball-shaped object; material in the shape of a ball (ball of snow, wool). B rounded part of the body (ball of the foot). 3 cannon-ball. 4 single delivery or pass of a ball in cricket, baseball, football, etc. 5 (in pl.) Coarse slang a testicles. B (usu. As int.) Nonsense. C = *balls-up. D courage, ‘guts’. —v. Form into a ball. balls up coarse slang bungle; make a mess of. On the ball colloq. Alert. [old norse]
Ball2 n. 1 formal social gathering for dancing. 2 slang enjoyable time (esp. Have a ball). [greek ballo throw]
Ballad n. 1 poem or song narrating a popular story. 2 slow sentimental song. [provençal: related to *ball2]
Balladry n. Ballad poetry.
Ball-and-socket joint n. Joint in which a rounded end lies in a concave socket.
Ballast —n. 1 heavy material stabilizing a ship, the car of a balloon, etc. 2 coarse stone etc. As the bed of a railway track or road. 3 mixture of coarse and fine aggregate for making concrete. —v. Provide with ballast. [low german or scandinavian]
Ball-bearing n. 1 bearing in which the two halves are separated by a ring of small balls. 2 one of these balls.
Ballboy n. (fem. Ballgirl) (in tennis) boy or girl who retrieves balls.
Ballcock n. Floating ball on a hinged arm controlling the water level in a cistern.
Ballerina n. Female ballet-dancer. [italian: related to *ball2]
Ballet n. 1 dramatic or representational style of dancing to music. 2 particular piece or performance of ballet. balletic adj. [french: related to *ball2]
Ballet-dancer n. Dancer of ballet.
Ball game n. 1 a game played with a ball. B us baseball game. 2 esp. Us colloq. Affair; matter (a whole new ball game).
Ballista n. (pl. -stae) (in ancient warfare) catapult for hurling large stones etc. [latin from greek ballo throw]
Ballistic adj. Of projectiles.
Ballistic missile n. Missile that is powered and guided but falls by gravity.
Ballistics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Science of projectiles and firearms.
Ballocking var. Of *bollocking.
Ballocks var. Of *bollocks.
Balloon —n. 1 small inflatable rubber toy or decoration. 2 large usu. Round inflatable flying bag, often carrying a basket for passengers. 3 colloq. Balloon shape enclosing dialogue etc. In a comic strip or cartoon. —v. 1 (cause to) swell out like a balloon. 2 travel by balloon. balloonist n. [french or italian, = large ball]
Ballot —n. 1 occasion or system of voting, in writing and usu. Secret. 2 total of such votes. 3 paper etc. Used in voting. —v. (-t-) 1 (usu. Foll. By for) a hold a ballot; give a vote. B draw lots for precedence etc. 2 take a ballot of (balloted the members). [italian ballotta: related to *balloon]
Ballot-box n. Sealed box for completed ballot-papers.
Ballot-paper n. = *ballot n. 3.
Ballpark n. Us 1 baseball ground. 2 colloq. Sphere of activity, etc. 3 (attrib.) Colloq. Approximate. in the right ballpark colloq. Approximately correct.
Ball-point n. (in full ball-point pen) pen with a tiny ball as its writing point.
Ballroom n. Large room for dancing.
Ballroom dancing n. Formal social dancing.
Balls-up n. Coarse slang bungle, mess.
Bally adj. & adv. Slang mild form of bloody (see *bloody adj. 3). [alteration of *bloody]
Ballyhoo n. 1 loud noise or fuss. 2 noisy publicity. [origin unknown]
Balm n. 1 aromatic ointment. 2 fragrant oil or resin exuded from certain trees and plants. 3 thing that heals or soothes. 4 aromatic herb. [latin: related to *balsam]
Balmy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 mild and fragrant; soothing. 2 slang = *barmy. balmily adv. Balminess n.
Baloney var. Of *boloney.
Balsa n. 1 (in full balsa-wood) tough lightweight wood used for making models
etc. 2 tropical american tree yielding it. [spanish, = raft]
Balsam n. 1 resin exuded from various trees and shrubs. 2 ointment, esp. Containing oil or turpentine. 3 tree or shrub yielding balsam. 4 any of several flowering plants. balsamic adj. [latin balsamum]
Baluster n. Short post or pillar supporting a rail. [greek balaustion wild-pomegranate flower]
Usage baluster is often confused with banister. A baluster is usually part of a balustrade whereas a banister supports a stair handrail.
Balustrade n. Railing supported by balusters, esp. On a balcony. balustraded adj.
Bamboo n. 1 tropical giant woody grass. 2 its stem, used for canes, furniture, etc. [dutch from malay]
Bamboo shoot n. Young shoot of bamboo, eaten as a vegetable.
Bamboozle v. (-ling) colloq. Cheat; mystify. bamboozlement n. [origin unknown]
Ban —v. (-nn-) forbid, prohibit, esp. Formally. —n. Formal prohibition (ban on smoking). [old english, = summon]
Banal adj. Trite, commonplace. banality n. (pl. -ies). Banally adv. [french, related to *ban: originally = compulsory, hence = common]
Banana n. 1 long curved soft fruit with a yellow skin. 2 treelike plant bearing it. go bananas slang go mad. [portuguese or spanish, from an african name]
Banana republic n. Derog. Small state, esp. In central america, dependent on foreign capital.
Band —n. 1 flat, thin strip or loop of paper, metal, cloth, etc., put round something esp. To hold or decorate it. 2 a strip of material on a garment. B stripe. 3 group of esp. Non-classical musicians. 4 organized group of criminals etc. 5 range of frequencies, wavelengths, or values. 6 belt connecting wheels or pulleys. —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By together) unite. 2 put a band on. 3 mark with stripes. [old norse (related to *bind) and french]
Bandage —n. Strip of material used to bind a wound etc. —v. (-ging) bind with a bandage. [french: related to *band]
Bandanna n. Large patterned handkerchief or neckerchief. [portuguese from hindi]
B. & b. Abbr. Bed and breakfast.
Bandbox n. Hatbox.
Bandeau n. (pl. -x) narrow headband. [french]
Banderole n. 1 long narrow flag with a cleft end. 2 ribbon-like inscribed scroll. [italian: related to *banner]
Bandicoot n. 1 catlike australian marsupial. 2 (in full bandicoot rat) destructive rat in india. [telugu, = pig-rat]
Bandit n. Robber or outlaw, esp. One attacking travellers etc. banditry n. [italian]
Bandmaster n. Conductor of a band.
Bandog n. Fighting-dog bred for its strength and ferocity. [from band, dog]
Bandolier n. (also bandoleer) shoulder belt with loops or pockets for cartridges. [dutch or french]
Band-saw n. Mechanical saw with a blade formed by an endless toothed band.
Bandsman n. Player in a band.
Bandstand n. Outdoor platform for musicians.
Bandwagon n. climb (or jump) on the bandwagon join a popular or successful cause etc.
Bandwidth n. Range of frequencies within a given band.
Bandy1 adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of the legs) curved so as to be wide apart at the knees. 2 (also bandy-legged) having bandy legs. [perhaps from obsolete bandy curved stick]
Bandy2 v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foll. By about) a pass (a story, rumour, etc.) To and fro. B discuss disparagingly (bandied her name about). 2 (often foll. By with) exchange (blows, insults, etc.). [perhaps from french]
Bane n. 1 cause of ruin or trouble. 2 poet. Ruin. 3 archaic (except in comb.) Poison (ratsbane). baneful adj. [old english]
Bang —n. 1 loud short sound. 2 sharp blow. 3 coarse slang act of sexual intercourse. 4 us fringe cut straight across the forehead. —v. 1 strike or shut noisily (banged the door). 2 (cause to) make a bang. 3 coarse slang have sexual intercourse (with). —adv. 1 with a bang. 2 colloq. Exactly (bang in the middle). bang on colloq. Exactly right. Go bang 1 shut noisily. 2 explode. 3 (as bang goes etc.) Colloq. Be suddenly lost (bang go my hopes). [imitative]
Banger n. 1 slang sausage. 2 slang noisy old car. 3 firework designed to go bang.
Bangle n. Rigid bracelet or anklet. [hindi bangri]
Bangle n. Rigid bracelet or anklet. [hindi bangri]
Banian var. Of *banyan.
Banish v. 1 condemn to exile. 2 dismiss (esp. From one’s mind). banishment n. [germanic: related to *ban]
Banister n. (also bannister) (usu. In pl.) Uprights and handrail beside a staircase. [corruption of *baluster]
Usage see note at baluster.
Banjo n. (pl. -s or -es) guitar-like stringed instrument with a circular body. banjoist n. [us southern corruption of bandore from greek pandoura lute]
Bank1 —n. 1 sloping ground beside a river. 2 raised area, esp. In the sea; slope. 3 mass of cloud, fog, snow, etc. —v. 1 (often foll. By up) heap or rise into banks. 2 pack (a fire) tightly for slow burning. 3 a (of a vehicle, aircraft, etc.) Round a curve with one side higher than the other. B cause to do this. [old norse: related to *bench]
Bank2 —n. 1 establishment for depositing, withdrawing, and borrowing money. 2 kitty in some gambling games. 3 storage place (blood bank). —v. 1 deposit (money etc.) In a bank. 2 (often foll. By at, with) keep money (at a bank). bank on colloq. Rely on (i’m banking on you). [french banque or italian banca: related to *bank1]
Banknote n. Piece of paper money.
Banknote n. Piece of paper money.
Bankrupt —adj. 1 legally declared insolvent. 2 (often foll. By of) exhausted or drained (of emotion etc.). —n. Insolvent person, esp. One whose assets are used to repay creditors. —v. Make bankrupt. bankruptcy n. (pl. -ies). [italian banca rotta broken bench: related to *bank2]
Banksia n. Australian evergreen flowering shrub. [banks, name of a naturalist]
Banner n. 1 large sign bearing a slogan or design, esp. In a demonstration or procession; flag. 2 slogan, esp. Political. [latin bandum standard]
Banner headline n. Large, esp. Front-page, newspaper headline.
Bantu —n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 often offens. Member of a large group of central and southern african blacks. 2 group of languages spoken by them. —adj. Of these peoples or languages. [bantu, = people]
Bantustan n. S.afr. Often offens. = *homeland 2.
Banyan n. (also banian) indian fig tree with self-rooting branches. [portuguese from sanskrit, = trader]
Baobab n. African tree with a massive trunk and large pulpy fruit. [probably african dial.]
Bap n. Soft flattish bread roll. [origin unknown]
Baptism n. Symbolic admission to the christian church, with water and usu. Name-giving. baptismal adj. [greek baptizo baptize]
Baptism of fire n. 1 initiation into battle. 2 painful initiation into an activity.
Baptist n. 1 person who baptizes, esp. John the baptist. 2 (baptist) christian advocating baptism by total immersion.
Baptistery n. (pl. -ies) 1 a part of a church used for baptism. B hist. Separate building used for baptism. 2 (in a baptist chapel) receptacle used for immersion.
Baptize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 administer baptism to. 2 give a name or nickname to.
Bar1 —n. 1 long piece of rigid material, esp. Used to confine or obstruct. 2 a something of similar form (bar of soap; bar of chocolate). B band of colour or light. C heating element of an electric fire. D metal strip below the clasp of a medal, awarded as an extra distinction. E heraldry narrow horizontal stripe across a shield. 3 a counter for serving alcohol etc. On. B room or building containing it. C small shop or stall serving refreshments (snack bar). D counter for a special service (heel bar). 4 a barrier. B restriction (colour bar; bar to promotion). 5 prisoner’s enclosure in a lawcourt. 6 any of the sections into which a piece of music is divided by vertical lines. 7 (the bar) law a barristers collectively. B profession of barrister. —v. (-rr-) 1 a fasten with a bar or bars. B
(usu. Foll. By in, out) shut or keep in or out. 2 obstruct, prevent. 3 (usu. Foll. By from) prohibit, exclude. 4 mark with stripes. —prep. Except. be called to the bar be admitted as barrister. Behind bars in prison. [french]
Bar2 n. Esp. Meteorol. Unit of pressure, 105 newtons per square metre, approx. One atmosphere. [greek baros weight]
Barathea n. Fine wool cloth. [origin unknown]
Barb —n. 1 secondary backward-facing projection from an arrow, fish-hook, etc. 2 hurtful remark. 3 fleshy filament at the mouth of some fish. —v. 1 fit with a barb. 2 (as barbed adj.) (of a remark etc.) Deliberately hurtful. [latin barba beard]
Barbarian —n. 1 uncultured or brutish person. 2 member of a primitive tribe etc. —adj. 1 rough and uncultured. 2 uncivilized. [greek barbaros foreign]
Barbarism n. 1 barbaric state or act. 2 non-standard word or expression.
Barbarity n. (pl. -ies) 1 savage cruelty. 2 brutal act.
Barbarous adj. = *barbaric 1.
Barbecue —n. 1 a meal cooked over charcoal etc. Out of doors. B party for this.
2 grill etc. Used for this. —v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) cook on a barbecue. [spanish from haitian]
Barbed wire n. Wire with interwoven sharp spikes, used in fences and barriers.
Barbel n. 1 freshwater fish with barbs. 2 = barb n. 3. [latin: related to barb]
Barbell n. Iron bar with removable weights at each end, used for weightlifting.
Barber n. Person who cuts men’s hair etc. By profession. [medieval latin barba beard]
Barberry n. (pl. -ies) 1 shrub with yellow flowers and red berries. 2 its berry. [french berberis]
Barber-shop n. Colloq. Close harmony singing for four male voices.
Barber’s pole n. Pole with spiral red and white stripes as a barber’s sign.
Barbican n. Outer defence, esp. A double tower above a gate or drawbridge. [french]
Barbie n. Austral. Slang barbecue. [abbreviation]
Bar billiards n.pl. Form of billiards with holes in the table.
Barbiturate n. Soporific or sedative drug from barbituric acid. [german, from the name barbara]
Barbituric acid n. Organic acid from which barbiturates are derived.
Barbour n. Propr. Type of green waxed jacket. [barbour, name of a draper]
Barcarole n. 1 gondoliers’ song. 2 music imitating this. [italian barca boat]
Bar code n. Machine-readable striped code on packaging etc.
Bard n. 1 poet. Poet. 2 a hist. Celtic minstrel. B prizewinner at an eisteddfod. bardic adj. [celtic]
Bare —adj. 1 unclothed or uncovered. 2 leafless; unfurnished; empty. 3 plain, unadorned (the bare truth; bare facts). 4 (attrib.) Scanty, just sufficient (a bare majority; bare necessities). —v. (-ring) uncover, reveal (bared his teeth; bared his soul). [old english]
Bareback adj. & adv. Without a saddle.
Barefaced adj. Shameless, impudent.
Barefoot adj. & adv. (also barefooted) wearing nothing on the feet.
Bareheaded adj. & adv. Wearing nothing on the head.
Bargain —n. 1 a agreement on the terms of a sale etc. B this from the buyer’s viewpoint (a bad bargain). 2 cheap thing. —v. (often foll. By with, for) discuss the terms of a sale etc. (bargained with me; bargain for the table). bargain for (or colloq. On) be prepared for; expect. Bargain on rely on. Into the bargain moreover. [french from germanic]
Barge —n. 1 long flat-bottomed cargo boat on a canal or river. 2 long ornamental pleasure boat. —v. (-ging) 1 (foll. By in, into) a intrude rudely or awkwardly (barged in on him). B collide with (barged into her). 2 (often foll. By around) move clumsily about. [french: related to *barque]
Bargeboard n. Board fixed to the gable-end of a roof to hide the ends of the roof timbers. [perhaps from medieval latin bargus gallows]
Bargee n. Person sailing a barge.
Bargepole n. would not touch with a bargepole refuse to be associated or concerned with.
Baritone n. 1 a second-lowest adult male singing voice. B singer with this voice. 2 instrument pitched second-lowest in its family. [greek barus heavy, tonos tone]
Barium n. White soft metallic element. [from *baryta]
Barium meal n. Mixture swallowed to reveal the abdomen in x-rays.
Bark1 —n. 1 sharp explosive cry of a dog, fox, etc. 2 sound like this. —v. 1 (of a dog etc.) Give a bark. 2 speak or utter sharply or brusquely. 3 colloq. Cough harshly. bark up the wrong tree make false assumptions. [old english]
Bark2 —n. Tough outer skin of tree-trunks, branches, etc. —v. 1 graze (one’s shin etc.). 2 strip bark from. [scandinavian]
Barker n. Tout at an auction, sideshow, etc. [from *bark1]
Barley n. 1 cereal used as food and in spirits. 2 (also barleycorn) its grain. [old english]
Barley sugar n. Sweet made from sugar, usu. In twisted sticks.
Barley water n. Drink made from a boiled barley mixture.
Barm n. Froth on fermenting malt liquor. [old english]
Barmaid n. Woman serving in a pub etc.
Barman n. Man serving in a pub etc.
Bar mitzvah n. 1 religious initiation ceremony of a jewish boy at 13. 2 boy undergoing this. [hebrew, = son of the commandment]
Barn n. Large farm building for storing grain etc. [old english, = barley house]
Barnacle n. 1 marine crustacean clinging to rocks, ships’ bottoms, etc. 2 tenacious attendant or follower. [french or medieval latin]
Barnacle goose n. Arctic goose.
Barn dance n. 1 informal gathering for country dancing. 2 a kind of country dance.
Barney n. (pl. -s) colloq. Noisy quarrel. [perhaps dial.]
Barn-owl n. A kind of owl frequenting barns.
Barnstorm v. Tour rural areas as an actor or political campaigner. barnstormer n.
Barnyard n. Area around a barn.
Barograph n. Barometer equipped to record its readings. [greek baros weight]
Barometer n. 1 instrument measuring atmospheric pressure, used in meteorology. 2 anything which reflects change. barometric adj. [related to *barograph]
Baron n. 1 member of the lowest order of the british or foreign nobility. 2 powerful businessman, entrepreneur, etc. 3 hist. Person holding lands from the sovereign. baronial adj. [medieval latin, = man]
Baroness n. 1 woman holding the rank of baron. 2 baron’s wife or widow.
Baronet n. Member of the lowest hereditary titled british order. baronetcy n. (pl. -ies).
Baron of beef n. Double sirloin.
Barony n. (pl. -ies) domain or rank of a baron.
Baroque —adj. 1 highly ornate and extravagant in style, esp. Of european art etc. Of the 17th and 18th c. 2 of this period. —n. Baroque style or art. [portuguese, originally = misshapen pearl]
Bar person n. Barmaid or barman.
Barque n. 1 sailing-ship with the rear mast fore-and-aft rigged and other masts square-rigged. 2 poet. Boat. [provençal from latin barca]
Barrack1 —n. (usu. In pl., often treated as sing.) 1 housing for soldiers. 2 large bleak building. —v. Lodge (soldiers etc.) In barracks. [italian or spanish]
Barrack2 v. 1 shout or jeer at (players, a speaker, etc.). 2 (foll. By for) cheer for, encourage (a team etc.). [perhaps from australian slang borak banter]
Barracouta n. (pl. Same or -s) long slender fish of southern oceans. [var. Of *barracuda]
Barracuda n. (pl. Same or -s) large tropical marine fish. [spanish]
Barrage n. 1 concentrated artillery bombardment. 2 rapid succession of questions or criticisms. 3 artificial barrier in a river etc. [french barrer *bar1]
Barrage balloon n. Large anchored balloon used as a defence against lowflying aircraft.
Barratry n. Fraud or gross negligence by a ship’s master or crew. [french barat deceit]
Barre n. Horizontal bar at waist level, used in dance exercises. [french]
Barré n. Method of playing a chord on the guitar etc. With a finger laid across the strings at a particular fret. [french barrer bar]
Barrel —n. 1 cylindrical usu. Convex container. 2 its contents. 3 measure of capacity (30 to 40 gallons). 4 cylindrical tube forming part of an object, e.g. A gun or a pen. —v.
Barrel-organ n. Mechanical musical instrument with a rotating pin-studded cylinder.
Barren adj. (-er, -est) 1 a unable to bear young. B (of land, a tree, etc.) Unproductive. 2 unprofitable, dull. barrenness n. [french]
Barricade —n. Barrier, esp. Improvised. —v. (-ding) block or defend with this. [french barrique cask]
Barrier n. 1 fence etc. That bars advance or access. 2 obstacle (class barriers). [romanic: related to *bar1]
Barrier cream n. Protective skin cream.
Barrier reef n. Coral reef separated from the shore by a channel.
Barring prep. Except, not including.
Barrister n. Advocate entitled to practise in the higher courts. [from bar1: cf. minister]
Barrow1 n. 1 two-wheeled handcart. 2 = wheelbarrow. [old english: related to bear1]
Barrow2 n. Ancient grave-mound. [old english]
Bar sinister n. = *bend sinister.
Bartender n. Person serving in a pub etc.
Barter —v. 1 trade in goods without using money. 2 exchange (goods). —n. Trade by bartering. [perhaps from french]
Baryon n. Heavy elementary particle (i.e. A nucleon or a hyperon). [greek barus heavy]
Baryta n. Barium oxide or hydroxide. [from *barytes]
Barytes n. Mineral form of barium sulphate. [greek barus heavy]
Basal adj. Of, at, or forming a base.
Basalt n. A dark volcanic rock. basaltic adj. [latin basaltes from greek]
Base1 —n. 1 a part supporting from beneath or serving as a foundation. B notional support or foundation (power base). 2 principle or starting-point. 3 esp. Mil. Headquarters. 4 main or important ingredient. 5 number in terms of which other numbers or logarithms are expressed. 6 substance capable of combining with an acid to form a salt. 7 baseball etc. Each of the four stations on a pitch. — v. (-sing) 1 (usu. Foll. By on, upon) found or establish (a theory, hope, etc.). 2 station (troops based in malta). [greek basis stepping]
Base2 adj. 1 cowardly, despicable. 2 menial. 3 alloyed (base coin). 4 (of a metal) low in value. [latin bassus]
Baseball n. 1 game played esp. In the us with a circuit of four bases which batsmen must complete. 2 ball used in this.
Baseless adj. Unfounded, groundless.
Baseline n. 1 line used as a base or starting-point. 2 line marking each end of a tennis-court.
Basement n. Floor of a building below ground level.
Base rate n. Interest rate set by the bank of england, used as the basis for other banks’ rates.
Bases pl. Of base1, basis.
Bash —v. 1 a strike bluntly or heavily. B (often foll. By up) colloq. Attack violently. C (often foll. By down, in, etc.) Damage or break by striking forcibly. 2 (foll. By into) collide with. —n. 1 heavy blow. 2 slang attempt. [imitative]
Basic n. Computer programming language using familiar english words. [beginner’s all-purpose symbolic instruction code]
Basic —adj. 1 serving as a base; fundamental. 2 a simplest or lowest in level (basic pay, needs). B vulgar (basic humour). —n. (usu. In pl.) Fundamental facts or principles. basically adv.
Basic slag n. Fertilizer containing phosphates formed as a by-product in steel manufacture.
Basil n. Aromatic herb used as flavouring. [greek basilikos royal]
Basilica n. 1 ancient roman hall with an apse and colonnades, used as a lawcourt etc. 2 similar building as a christian church. [greek basilike (stoa) royal (portico)]
Basilisk n. 1 mythical reptile with lethal breath and glance. 2 small american crested lizard. [greek, diminutive of basileus king]
Basin n. 1 round open vessel for holding liquids or preparing food in. 2 = *wash-basin. 3 hollow depression. 4 sheltered mooring area. 5 round valley. 6 area drained by a river. basinful n. (pl. -s). [medieval latin ba(s)cinus]
Basis n. (pl. Bases) 1 foundation or support. 2 main principle or ingredient (on a friendly basis). 3 starting-point for a discussion etc. [greek: related to *base1]
Bask v. 1 relax in warmth and light. 2 (foll. By in) revel in (basking in glory). [old norse: related to *bathe]
Basket n. 1 container made of interwoven cane, reed, wire, etc. 2 amount held by this. 3 the goal in basketball, or a goal scored. 4 econ. Group or range (of currencies). [french]
Basketball n. 1 game in which goals are scored by putting the ball through high nets. 2 ball used in this.
Basketry n. 1 art of weaving cane etc. 2 work so produced.
Basket weave n. Weave like wickerwork.
Basketwork n. = *basketry.
Basking shark n. Large shark which lies near the surface of the sea.
Basque —n. 1 member of a people of the western pyrenees. 2 their language. — adj. Of the basques or their language. [latin vasco]
Bas-relief n. Sculpture or carving with figures projecting slightly from the background. [french and italian]
Bass1 —n. 1 a lowest adult male singing voice. B singer with this voice. 2 instrument pitched lowest in its family. 3 colloq. Bass guitar or double-bass. 4
low-frequency output of a radio, record-player, etc. —adj. 1 lowest in musical pitch. 2 deep-sounding. bassist n. (in sense 3). [from *base2 altered after italian basso]
Bass2 n. (pl. Same or -es) 1 common perch. 2 other spiny-finned fish of the perch family. [old english]
Bass clef n. Clef placing f below middle c on the second highest line of the staff.
Basset n. (in full basset-hound) sturdy hunting-dog with a long body and short legs. [french diminutive of bas low]
Bass guitar n. Electric guitar tuned as a double-bass.
Bassinet n. Child’s wicker cradle, usu. Hooded. [french diminutive of bassin *basin]
Basso n. (pl. -s) singer with a bass voice. [italian, = *bass1]
Bassoon n. Bass instrument of the oboe family. bassoonist n. [italian: related to *bass1]
Bast n. Fibre from the inner bark of a tree (esp. The lime). [old english]
Bastard often offens. —n. 1 person born of an unmarried mother. 2 slang a unpleasant or despicable person. B person of a specified kind (poor, lucky, bastard). 3 slang difficult or awkward thing. —attrib. Adj. 1 illegitimate by birth. 2 unauthorized, counterfeit, hybrid. bastardy n. (in sense 1 of n.). [french from medieval latin]
Bastardize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 corrupt, debase. 2 declare (a person) illegitimate.
Baste1 v. (-ting) 1 moisten (meat) with fat etc. During cooking. 2 beat, thrash. [origin unknown]
Baste2 v. (-ting) sew with large loose stitches, tack. [french from germanic]
Bastinado —n. Beating with a stick on the soles of the feet. —v. (-es, -ed) punish in this way. [spanish baston stick]
Bastion n. 1 projecting part of a fortification. 2 thing regarded as protecting (bastion of freedom). [italian bastire build]
Bat1 —n. 1 implement with a handle, used for hitting balls in games. 2 turn with this. 3 batsman. —v. (-tt-) 1 hit with or as with a bat. 2 take a turn at batting. off one’s own bat unprompted, unaided. [old english from french]
Bat2 n. Mouselike nocturnal flying mammal. [scandinavian]
Bat3 v. (-tt-) not (or never) bat an eyelid colloq. Show no reaction or emotion. [var. Of obsolete bate flutter]
Batch —n. 1 group of things or persons considered or dealt with together; instalment. 2 loaves produced at one baking. 3 computing group of records processed as one unit. —v. Arrange or deal with in batches. [related to *bake]
Bated adj. with bated breath very anxiously. [as *abate]
Bath —n. (pl. -s) 1 a (usu. Plumbed-in) container for sitting in and washing the body. B its contents. 2 act of washing in it (have a bath). 3 (usu. In pl.) Public building with baths or a swimming-pool. 4 a vessel containing liquid for immersing something, e.g. A film for developing. B its contents. —v. 1 wash (esp. A baby) in a bath. 2 take a bath. [old english]
Bath bun n. Round spiced bun with currants, often iced. [bath in s. England]
Bath chair n. Wheelchair for invalids.
Bath cube n. Cube of soluble substance for scenting or softening bath-water.
Bathe —v. (-thing) 1 immerse oneself in water, esp. To swim or wash oneself. 2 immerse in, wash, or treat with liquid. 3 (of sunlight etc.) Envelop. —n. Swim. [old english]
Bathhouse n. Public building with baths.
Bathhouse n. Public building with baths.
Bathing-costume n. (also bathing-suit) garment worn for swimming.
Bathos n. Lapse in mood from the sublime to the absurd or trivial; anticlimax. bathetic adj. Bathotic adj. [greek, = depth]
Bathrobe n. Esp. Us dressing-gown, esp. Of towelling.
Bathroom n. 1 room with a bath, wash-basin, etc. 2 us room with a lavatory.
Bath salts n.pl. Soluble powder or crystals for scenting or softening bath-water.
Bathyscaphe n. Manned vessel for deep-sea diving. [greek bathus deep, skaphos ship]
Bathysphere n. Vessel for deep-sea observation. [greek bathus deep, *sphere]
Batik n. 1 method of dyeing textiles by applying wax to parts to be left uncoloured. 2 cloth so treated. [javanese, = painted]
Batiste n. Fine linen or cotton cloth. [french from baptiste, name of the first maker]
Batman n. Army officer’s servant. [bat pack-saddle, from french]
Baton n. 1 thin stick for conducting an orchestra etc. 2 short stick passed on in a relay race. 3 stick carried by a drum major. 4 staff of office. [french from latin]
Baton round n. Rubber or plastic bullet.
Batrachian —n. Amphibian that discards its gills and tail, esp. A frog or toad. — adj. Of batrachians. [greek batrakhos frog]
Bats predic. Adj. Slang crazy. [originally pl. Of *bat2]
Batsman n. Person who bats, esp. In cricket.
Battalion n. 1 army unit usu. Of 300–1000 men. 2 large group with a common aim. [italian battaglia *battle]
Batten1 —n. 1 a long flat strip of squared timber. B horizontal strip of wood to which laths, tiles, etc., are fastened. 2 strip for securing tarpaulin over a ship’s hatchway. —v. Strengthen or (often foll. By down) fasten with battens. [french: related to *batter1]
Batten2 v. (foll. By on) thrive at the expense of (another). [old norse]
Battenberg n. Oblong sponge cake, usu. Of two colours and covered with marzipan. [battenberg in germany]
Batter1 v. 1 a strike hard and repeatedly. B (often foll. By against, at, etc.) Pound insistently (batter at the door). 2 (often in passive) a subject to long-term violence (battered baby, wife). B criticize severely. batterer n. [french battre beat: related to *battle]
Batter2 n. Mixture of flour, egg, and milk or water, used for pancakes etc. [french: related to *batter1]
Battered adj. Coated in batter and deep-fried.
Battering-ram n. Hist. Beam used in breaching fortifications.
Battery n. (pl. -ies) 1 usu. Portable container of an electrically charged cell or cells as a source of current. 2 (often attrib.) Series of cages for the intensive breeding and rearing of poultry or cattle. 3 set of similar units of equipment; series, sequence. 4 emplacement for heavy guns. 5 law unlawful physical violence against a person. [latin: related to *battle]
Battle —n. 1 prolonged fight between armed forces. 2 difficult struggle; contest (battle for supremacy; battle of wits). —v. (-ling) engage in battle; fight. half the battle key to the success of an undertaking. [latin battuo beat]
Battleaxe n. 1 large axe used in ancient warfare. 2 colloq. Formidable older
Battleaxe n. 1 large axe used in ancient warfare. 2 colloq. Formidable older woman.
Battlebus n. Colloq. Bus used by a politician during an election campaign as a mobile centre of operations.
Battle-cruiser n. Hist. Warship of higher speed and lighter armour than a battleship.
Battle-cry n. Cry or slogan used in a battle or contest.
Battledore n. Hist. 1 (in full battledore and shuttlecock) game played with a shuttlecock and rackets. 2 racket used in this. [perhaps from provençal batedor beater]
Battledress n. Everyday uniform of a soldier.
Battlefield n. (also battleground) scene of a battle.
Battlement n. (usu. In pl.) Recessed parapet along the top of a wall, as part of a fortification. [french batailler fortify]
Battle royal n. 1 battle of many combatants; free fight. 2 heated argument.
Batwing attrib. Adj. (esp. Of a sleeve) shaped like a bat’s wing.
Bauble n. Showy worthless trinket or toy. [french ba(u)bel toy]
Baulk (also balk) —v. 1 (often foll. By at) jib, hesitate. 2 a thwart, hinder. B disappoint. 3 miss, let slip (a chance etc.). —n. 1 hindrance; stumbling-block. 2 roughly-squared timber beam. [old english]
Bauxite n. Claylike mineral, the chief source of aluminium. [french from les baux in s. France]
Bawdy —adj. (-ier, -iest) humorously indecent. —n. Such talk or writing. [bawd brothel-keeper from french baudetrot]
Bawdy-house n. Brothel.
Bawl v. 1 speak or shout noisily. 2 weep loudly. bawl out colloq. Reprimand angrily. [imitative]
Bay1 n. Broad curving inlet of the sea. [spanish bahia]
Bay1 n. Broad curving inlet of the sea. [spanish bahia]
Bay2 n. 1 laurel with deep green leaves. 2 (in pl.) Bay wreath, for a victor or poet. [latin baca berry]
Bay3 n. 1 recess; alcove in a wall. 2 compartment (bomb bay). 3 area specially allocated (loading bay). [french baer gape]
Bay4 —adj. (esp. Of a horse) dark reddish-brown. —n. Bay horse. [latin badius]
Bay5 —v. Bark or howl loudly and plaintively. —n. Sound of this, esp. Of hounds in close pursuit. at bay cornered, unable to escape. Keep at bay hold off (a pursuer). [french bayer to bark]
Bayberry n. (pl. -ies) fragrant n. American tree.
Bay-leaf n. Leaf of the bay-tree, used for flavouring.
Bayonet —n. 1 stabbing blade attachable to the muzzle of a rifle. 2 electrical fitting pushed into a socket and twisted. —v. (-t-) stab with bayonet. [french, perhaps from bayonne in sw france]
Bay rum n. Perfume distilled orig. From bayberry leaves in rum.
Bay window n. Window projecting outwards from a wall.
Bazaar n. 1 oriental market. 2 fund-raising sale of goods, esp. For charity. [persian]
Bazooka n. Anti-tank rocket-launcher. [origin unknown]
Bb abbr. Double-black (pencil-lead).
Bbc abbr. British broadcasting corporation.
Bc abbr. British columbia.
Bc abbr. Before christ.
Bcg abbr. Bacillus calmette-guérin, an anti-tuberculosis vaccine.
Bd abbr. Bachelor of divinity.
Bdellium n. 1 tree yielding resin. 2 this used in perfumes. [latin from greek]
Be symb. Beryllium.
Be symb. Beryllium.
Be v. (sing. Present am; are; is; past was; were; pres. Part. Being; past part. Been) 1 exist, live (i think, therefore i am; there is no god). 2 a occur; take place (dinner is at eight).
Bevel —n. 1 slope from the horizontal or vertical in carpentry etc.; sloping surface or edge. 2 tool for marking angles. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 reduce (a square edge) to a sloping edge. 2 slope at an angle. [french]
Bevel gear n. Gear working another at an angle to it.
Beverage n. Formal drink. [latin bibo drink]
Bevy n. (pl. -ies) company (of quails, larks, women, etc.). [origin unknown]
Bewail v. Lament; wail over.
Beware v. (only in imper. Or infin.; often foll. By of) be cautious (of) (beware of the dog; beware the ides of march). [from *be, ware cautious]
Bewilder v. Perplex, confuse. bewildering adj. Bewilderment n. [from *be-, obsolete wilder lose one’s way]
Bewitch v. 1 enchant. 2 cast a spell on.
Bewitch v. 1 enchant. 2 cast a spell on.
Beyond —prep. 1 at or to the further side of. 2 outside the scope or understanding of (beyond repair; it is beyond me). 3 more than. —adv. 1 at or to the further side. 2 further on. —n. (prec. By the) the unknown after death. [old english: related to *by, *yon]
Bezel n. 1 sloped edge of a chisel. 2 oblique faces of a cut gem. 3 groove holding a watch-glass or gem. [french]
Bhang n. Indian hemp used as a narcotic. [portuguese from sanskrit]
B.h.p. Abbr. Brake horsepower.
Bi symb. Bismuth.
Bi-comb. Form forming nouns, adjectives, and verbs, meaning: 1 division into two (biplane; bisect). 2 a occurring twice in every one or once in every two (bi-weekly). B lasting for two (biennial). 3 chem. Substance having a double proportion of what is indicated by the simple word (bicarbonate). 4 bot. & zool. Having divided parts which are themselves similarly divided (bipinnate). [latin]
Biannual adj. Occurring etc. Twice a year.
Bias —n. 1 (often foll. By towards, against) predisposition or prejudice. 2 statistics distortion of a statistical result due to a neglected factor. 3 edge cut obliquely across the weave of a fabric. 4 sport a irregular shape given to a bowl. B oblique course this causes it to run. —v. (-s-or -ss-) 1 (esp. As biased adj.) Influence (usu. Unfairly); prejudice. 2 give a bias to. on the bias obliquely, diagonally. [french]
Bias binding n. Strip of fabric cut obliquely and used to bind edges.
Biathlon n. Athletic contest in skiing and shooting or cycling and running. [from *bi-, after *pentathlon]
Bib n. 1 piece of cloth etc. Fastened round a child’s neck while eating. 2 top front part of an apron, dungarees, etc. [origin uncertain]
Bib-cock n. Tap with a bent nozzle. [perhaps from *bib]
Bible n. 1 a (prec. By the) christian scriptures of old and new testaments. B (bible) copy of these. 2 (bible) colloq. Authoritative book. biblical adj. [greek biblia books]
Bible-bashing n. (also bible-thumping) slang aggressive fundamentalist preaching. bible-basher n. (also -thumper).
Bibliography n. (pl. -ies) 1 list of books on a specific subject, by a particular author, etc.; book containing this. 2 the study of books, their authorship, editions, etc. bibliographer n. Bibliographical adj. [greek: related to *bible]
Bibliophile n. Lover or collector of books.
Bibulous adj. Tending to drink alcohol. [latin bibo drink]
Bicameral adj. (of a legislative body) having two chambers. [from *bi-, latin camera chamber]
Bicarb n. Colloq. = *bicarbonate 2. [abbreviation]
Bicarbonate n. 1 any acid salt of carbonic acid. 2 (in full bicarbonate of soda) sodium bicarbonate used as an antacid or in baking-powder.
Bicentenary n. (pl. -ies) 1 two-hundredth anniversary. 2 celebration of this.
Bicentennial esp. Us —n. Bicentenary. —adj. Occurring every two hundred years.
Biceps n. (pl. Same) muscle with two heads or attachments, esp. That bending the elbow. [latin caput head]
Bicker v. Argue pettily. [origin unknown]
Bicuspid —adj. Having two cusps. —n. The premolar tooth in humans. [from bi-, cusp]
Bid —v. (-dd-; past bid, archaic bade; past part. Bid, archaic bidden) 1 (past and past part. Bid) a (esp. At an auction) make an offer (of) (bid for the vase; bid £20). B offer a service for a stated price. 2 literary command; invite (bid the soldiers shoot; bade her start). 3 literary utter (a greeting or farewell) to (i bade him welcome). 4 (past and past part. Bid) cards state before play how many tricks one intends to make. —n. 1 act of bidding. 2 amount bid. 3 colloq. Attempt; effort (bid for power). bidder n. [old english]
Biddable adj. Obedient.
Bidding n. 1 command, request, or invitation. 2 bids at an auction or in a card-game.
Biddy n. (pl. -ies) slang woman (esp. Old biddy). [a form of the name bridget]
Bide v. (-ding) bide one’s time wait for a good opportunity. [old english]
Bidet n. Low basin for sitting on to wash the genital area. [french, = pony]
Biennial —adj. Lasting, or recurring every, two years. —n. Plant that grows from seed one year and flowers and dies the following. [latin annus year]
Bier n. Movable frame on which a coffin or corpse rests. [old english]
Biff slang —n. Sharp blow. —v. Strike (a person). [imitative]
Bifid adj. Divided by a deep cleft into two parts. [latin findo cleave]
Bifocal —adj. Having two focuses, esp. Of a lens with a part for distant and a part for near vision. —n. (in pl.) Bifocal spectacles.
Big —adj. (bigger, biggest) 1 a of considerable size, amount, intensity, etc. B of a large or the largest size (big toe). 2 important (my big day). 3 adult, elder (big sister). 4 colloq. A boastful (big words). B often iron. Generous (big of him). C ambitious (big ideas). 5 (usu. Foll. By with) advanced in pregnancy (big with child). —adv. Colloq. Impressively or grandly (think big). in a big way colloq. With great enthusiasm, display, etc. biggish adj. [origin unknown]
Bigamy n. (pl. -ies) crime of marrying while still married to another person. bigamist n. Bigamous adj. [greek gamos marriage]
Big apple n. Us slang new york city.
Big bang theory n. Theory that the universe began with the explosion of dense matter.
Big brother n. Supposedly benevolent watchful dictator.
Big end n. (in a vehicle) end of the connecting-rod, encircling the crankpin.
Big-head n. Colloq. Conceited person. big-headed adj.
Big-hearted adj. Generous.
Bight n. 1 bay, inlet, etc. 2 loop of rope. [old english]
Big money n. Large amounts of money.
Big noise n. (also big shot) colloq. = *bigwig.
Bigot n. Obstinate believer who is intolerant of others. bigoted adj. Bigotry n. [french]
Big stick n. Colloq. Display of force.
Big time n. (prec. By the) slang success, esp. In show business. big-timer n.
Big top n. Main tent in a circus.
Big wheel n. Ferris wheel.
Bigwig n. Colloq. Important person.
Bijou —n. (pl. -x pronunc. Same) jewel; trinket. —attrib. Adj. (bijou) small and elegant. [french]
Bike colloq. —n. Bicycle or motor cycle. —v. (-king) ride a bike. biker n. [abbreviation]
Bikini n. (pl. -s) two-piece swimsuit for women. [bikini, pacific atoll]
Bilateral adj. 1 of, on, or with two sides. 2 affecting or between two parties, countries, etc. bilaterally adv.
Bilberry n. (pl. -ies) 1 hardy n. European shrub of heaths and mountains. 2 its small dark-blue edible berry. [scandinavian]
Bile n. 1 bitter digestive fluid secreted by the liver. 2 bad temper; peevish anger. [latin bilis]
Bilge n. 1 a the almost flat part of a ship’s bottom. B (in full bilge-water) filthy water that collects there. 2 slang nonsense. [probably var. Of *bulge]
Bilharzia n. Chronic tropical disease caused by a parasitic flatworm. [bilharz, name of a physician]
Biliary adj. Of the bile. [french: related to *bile]
Bilingual —adj. 1 able to speak two languages. 2 spoken or written in two languages. —n. Bilingual person. bilingualism n. [latin lingua tongue]
Bilious adj. 1 affected by a disorder of the bile. 2 bad-tempered. [latin: related to *bile]
Bilk v. Slang 1 cheat. 2 elude. 3 avoid paying (a creditor or debt). [origin uncertain]
Bill n. Slang = *old bill. [diminutive of william]
Bill1 —n. 1 statement of charges for goods or services. 2 draft of a proposed law. 3 poster, placard. 4 programme of entertainment. 5 us banknote. —v. 1 send a statement of charges to. 2 put in the programme; announce. 3 (foll. By as) advertise as. [medieval latin bulla seal]
Bill3 n. 1 hist. Weapon with a hooked blade. 2 = *billhook. [old english]
Billabong n. (in australia) backwater of a river. [aboriginal]
Billboard n. Large outdoor advertising hoarding.
Billet1 —n. 1 a place where troops etc. Are lodged. B order to provide this. 2 colloq. Job. —v. (-t-) (usu. Foll. By on, in, at) quarter (soldiers etc.). [anglo-french diminutive of *bill1]
Billet2 n. 1 thick piece of firewood. 2 small metal bar. [french diminutive of bille tree-trunk]
Billet-doux n. (pl. Billets-doux) often joc. Love-letter. [french, = sweet note]
Billhook n. Pruning tool with a hooked blade.
Billhook n. Pruning tool with a hooked blade.
Billiards n. 1 game played on a table, with three balls struck with cues. 2 (billiard) (in comb.) Used in billiards (billiard-ball). [french: related to *billet2]
Billion adj. & n. (pl. Same or (in sense 3) -s) 1 a thousand million (109). 2 (now less often) a million million (1012). 3 (in pl.) Colloq. A very large number (billions of years). billionth adj. & n. [french]
Billionaire n. Person who has over a billion pounds, dollars, etc. [after *millionaire]
Bill of exchange n. Written order to pay a sum of money on a given date to the drawer or to a named payee.
Bill of fare n. Menu.
Bill of lading n. Detailed list of a ship’s cargo.
Billow —n. 1 wave. 2 any large mass. —v. Rise, fill, or surge in billows. billowy adj. [old norse]
Billposter n. (also billsticker) person who pastes up advertisements on hoardings.
Billy1 n. (pl. -ies) (in full billycan) austral. Tin or enamel outdoor cooking-pot. [perhaps from aboriginal billa water]
Billy2 n. (pl. -ies) (in full billy-goat) male goat. [from the name billy]
Bimbo n. (pl. -s or -es) slang usu. Derog. Attractive but unintelligent young woman. [italian, = little child]
Bimetallic adj. Using or made of two metals. [french]
Bin n. Large receptacle for rubbish or storage. [old english]
Binary —adj. 1 of two parts, dual. 2 of the binary system. —n. (pl. -ies) 1 something having two parts. 2 binary number. [latin bini two together]
Binary star n. System of two stars orbiting each other.
Binary system n. System using the digits 0 and 1 to code information, esp. In computing.
Binaural adj. 1 of or used with both ears. 2 (of sound) recorded using two microphones and usu. Transmitted separately to the two ears. [from bi-, aural]
Bind —v. (past and past part. Bound) 1 tie or fasten tightly. 2 restrain forcibly. 3 (cause to) cohere. 4 compel; impose a duty on. 5 a edge with braid etc. B fasten (the pages of a book) in a cover. 6 constipate. 7 ratify (a bargain, agreement, etc.). 8 (often foll. By up) bandage. —n. Colloq. Nuisance; restriction. bind over law order (a person) to do something, esp. Keep the peace. [old english]
Binder n. 1 cover for loose papers etc. 2 substance that binds things together. 3 hist. Reaping-machine that binds grain into sheaves. 4 bookbinder.
Bindery n. (pl. -ies) bookbinder’s workshop.
Binding —n. Thing that binds, esp. The covers, glue, etc., of a book. —adj. Obligatory.
Bindweed n. 1 convolvulus. 2 honeysuckle or other climber.
Bine n. 1 twisting stem of a climbing plant, esp. The hop. 2 flexible shoot. [dial. Form of *bind]
Bin end n. One of the last bottles from a bin of wine, usu. Sold at a reduced price.
Binge slang —n. Bout of excessive eating, drinking, etc.; spree. —v. (-ging) indulge in a binge. [probably dial., = soak]
Bingo n. Gambling game in which each player has a card with numbers to be
Bingo n. Gambling game in which each player has a card with numbers to be marked off as they are called. [origin uncertain]
Bin-liner n. Bag for lining a rubbish bin.
Binman n. Colloq. Dustman.
Binnacle n. Case for a ship’s compass. [latin habitaculum dwelling]
Binocular adj. For both eyes. [latin bini two together, oculus eye]
Binoculars n.pl. Instrument with a lens for each eye, for viewing distant objects.
Binomial —n. Algebraic expression of the sum or the difference of two terms. —adj. Of two terms. [greek nomos part]
Binomial theorem n. Formula for finding any power of a binomial.
Bint n. Slang, usu. Offens. Girl or woman. [arabic]
Bio-comb. Form 1 life (biography). 2 biological; of living things. [greek bios life]
Biochemistry n. The study of the chemistry of living organisms. biochemical adj. Biochemist n.
Biodegradable adj. Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
Bioengineering n. 1 the application of engineering techniques to biological processes. 2 the use of artificial tissues, organs, etc. To replace parts of the body, e.g. Artificial limbs, pacemakers, etc.
Biogenesis n. 1 hypothesis that a living organism arises only from a similar living organism. 2 synthesis of substances by living organisms.
Biography n. (pl. -ies) 1 account of a person’s life, written usu. By another. 2 these as a literary genre. biographer n. Biographical adj. [french: related to *bio-]
Biological adj. Of biology or living organisms. biologically adv.
Biological clock n. Innate mechanism controlling an organism’s rhythmic physiological activities.
Biological warfare n. Use of toxins or micro-organisms against an enemy.
Biology n. The study of living organisms. biologist n. [german: related to *bio-]
Bionic adj. Having electronically operated body parts or the resulting superhuman powers. [from *bio-after *electronic]
Bionics n.pl. (treated as sing.) The study of mechanical systems that function like living organisms.
Biophysics n.pl. (treated as sing.) Science of the application of the laws of physics to biological phenomena. biophysical adj. Biophysicist n.
Biopsy n. (pl. -ies) examination of severed tissue for diagnosis. [greek bios life, opsis sight]
Biorhythm n. Any recurring biological cycle thought to affect one’s physical or mental state.
Biosphere n. Regions of the earth’s crust and atmosphere occupied by living things. [german: related to *bio-]
Biosynthesis n. Production of organic molecules by living organisms. biosynthetic adj.
Biotechnology n. Branch of technology exploiting biological processes, esp. Using micro-organisms, in industry, medicine, etc.
Biotin n. Vitamin of the b complex, found in egg-yolk, liver, and yeast. [greek bios life]
Bipartisan adj. Of or involving two parties.
Bipartite adj. 1 of two parts. 2 shared by or involving two parties. [latin bipartio divide in two]
Biplane n. Aeroplane with two sets of wings, one above the other.
Bipolar adj. Having two poles or extremities.
Birch —n. 1 tree with pale hard wood and thin peeling bark, bearing catkins. 2 bundle of birch twigs used for flogging. —v. Beat with a birch. [old english]
Bird n. 1 two-legged feathered winged vertebrate, egg-laying and usu. Able to fly. 2 slang young woman. 3 slang person. 4 slang prison; prison sentence. a bird in the hand something secured or certain. The birds and the bees euphem. Sexual activity and reproduction. Birds of a feather similar people. For the birds colloq. Trivial, uninteresting. Get the bird slang be rejected, esp. By an audience. [old english]
Bird-bath n. Basin with water for birds to bathe in.
Birdbrain n. Colloq. Stupid or flighty person. birdbrained adj.
Birdcage n. Cage for birds.
Birdie n. 1 colloq. Little bird. 2 golf hole played in one under par.
Birdlime n. Sticky substance spread to trap birds.
Bird-nesting n. Hunting for birds’ eggs.
Bird of paradise n. Bird, the male of which has brilliant plumage.
Bird of passage n. 1 migrant. 2 habitual traveller.
Bird of prey n. Bird which hunts animals for food.
Birdseed n. Blend of seeds for caged birds.
Bird’s-eye view n. Detached view from above.
Birdsong n. Musical cry of birds.
Bird table n. Platform on which food for birds is placed.
Bird-watcher n. Person who observes wild birds as a hobby. bird-watching n.
Biretta n. Square usu. Black cap worn by roman catholic priests. [latin birrus cape]
Biro n. (pl. -s) propr. A kind of ball-point pen. [biró, name of its inventor]
Birth n. 1 emergence of a baby or young from its mother’s body. 2 beginning (birth of civilization). 3 a ancestry (of noble birth). B high or noble birth; inherited position. give birth to 1 produce (young). 2 be the cause of. [old norse]
Birth certificate n. Official document detailing a person’s birth.
Birth control n. Contraception.
Birthday n. 1 day on which one was born. 2 anniversary of this.
Birthing pool n. Large bath for giving birth in.
Birthmark n. Unusual coloured mark on one’s body at or from birth.
Birthplace n. Place where one was born.
Birth rate n. Number of live births per thousand of population per year.
Birthright n. Inherited, esp. Property, rights.
Birthstone n. Gem popularly associated with the month of one’s birth.
Biscuit n. 1 flat thin unleavened cake, usu. Crisp and sweet. 2 fired unglazed pottery. 3 light brown colour. [latin bis twice, coquo cook]
Bisect v. Divide into two (strictly, equal) parts. bisection n. Bisector n. [from *bi-, latin seco sect-cut]
Bisexual —adj. 1 feeling or involving sexual attraction to people of both sexes. 2 hermaphrodite. —n. Bisexual person. bisexuality n.
Bishop n. 1 senior clergyman in charge of a diocese. 2 mitre-shaped chess piece.
Bishop n. 1 senior clergyman in charge of a diocese. 2 mitre-shaped chess piece. [greek episkopos overseer]
Bishopric n. Office or diocese of a bishop.
Bismuth n. 1 reddish-white metallic element used in alloys etc. 2 compound of it used medicinally. [german]
Bison n. (pl. Same) wild humpbacked ox of europe or n. America. [latin from germanic]
Bisque1 n. Rich soup, esp. Of lobster. [french]
Bisque2 n. Advantage of one free point or stroke in certain games. [french]
Bisque3 n. = *biscuit 2.
Bister n. (brit. Bistre) brownish pigment from wood soot. [french]
Bistre n. (us bister) brownish pigment from wood soot. [french]
Bistro n. (pl. -s) small informal restaurant. [french]
Bit1 n. 1 small piece or quantity. 2 (prec. By a) fair amount (sold quite a bit). 3 often colloq. Short or small time, distance, or amount (wait a bit; move up a bit;
often colloq. Short or small time, distance, or amount (wait a bit; move up a bit; a bit tired; a bit of an idiot). bit by bit gradually. Do one’s bit colloq. Make a useful contribution. [old english]
Bit2 past of *bite.
Bit3 n. 1 metal mouthpiece of a bridle. 2 tool or piece for boring or drilling. 3 cutting or gripping part of a plane, pincers, etc. [old english]
Bit4 n. Computing unit of information expressed as a choice between two possibilities. [binary digit]
Bitch —n. 1 female dog or other canine animal. 2 slang offens. Spiteful woman. 3 slang unpleasant or difficult thing. —v. 1 speak scathingly or spitefully. 2 complain. [old english]
Bitchy adj. (-ier, -iest) slang spiteful. bitchily adv. Bitchiness n.
Bite —v. (-ting; past bit; past part. Bitten) 1 cut or puncture with the teeth. 2 (foll. By off, away, etc.) Detach thus. 3 (of an insect etc.) Sting. 4 (of a wheel etc.) Grip, penetrate. 5 accept bait or an inducement. 6 be harsh in effect, esp. Intentionally. 7 (in passive) a swindle. B (foll. By by, with, etc.) Be infected by (enthusiasm etc.). 8 colloq. Worry, perturb. 9 cause smarting pain (biting wind). 10 be sharp or effective (biting wit). 11 (foll. By at) snap at. —n. 1 act of biting. 2 wound etc. Made by biting. 3 a mouthful of food. B snack. 4 taking of bait by a fish. 5 pungency (esp. Of flavour). 6 incisiveness, sharpness. 7 position of the teeth when the jaws are closed. bite the dust slang die. Bite a person’s head off colloq. Respond angrily. Bite one’s lip repress emotion etc. [old english]
Bit on the side n. Slang sexual relationship involving infidelity.
Bit part n. Minor role.
Bitter —adj. 1 having a sharp pungent taste; not sweet. 2 causing, showing, or feeling mental pain or resentment (bitter memories). 3 a harsh; virulent (bitter animosity). B piercingly cold. —n. 1 beer flavoured with hops and tasting slightly bitter. 2 (in pl.) Liquor flavoured esp. With wormwood, used in cocktails. to the bitter end to the very end in spite of difficulties. bitterly adv. Bitterness n. [old english]
Bittern n. Wading bird of the heron family. [french butor from latin butio]
Bitter-sweet —adj. Sweet with a bitter aftertaste. —n. 1 such sweetness. 2 = *woody nightshade.
Bitty adj. (-ier, -iest) made up of bits; scrappy.
Bitumen n. Tarlike mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. [latin]
Bituminous adj. Of or like bitumen.
Bituminous coal n. Coal burning with a smoky flame.
Bivalve —n. Aquatic mollusc with a hinged double shell, e.g. The oyster and mussel. —adj. With such a shell.
Bivouac —n. Temporary open encampment without tents. —v. (-ck-) make, or camp in, a bivouac. [french, probably from german]
Blab v. (-bb-) 1 talk foolishly or indiscreetly. 2 reveal (a secret etc.); confess. [imitative]
Blabber —n. (also blabbermouth) person who blabs. —v. (often foll. By on) talk foolishly or inconsequentially.
Black —adj. 1 reflecting no light, colourless from lack of light (like coal or soot); completely dark. 2 (black) of the human group with dark-coloured skin, esp. African. 3 (of the sky etc.) Heavily overcast. 4 angry; gloomy (black look,
mood). 5 implying disgrace etc. (in his black books). 6 wicked, sinister, deadly. 7 portending trouble (things look black). 8 comic but sinister (black comedy). 9 (of tea or coffee) without milk. 10 (of industrial labour or its products) boycotted, esp. By a trade union, in a strike etc. —n. 1 black colour or pigment. 2 black clothes or material (dressed in black). 3 a (in a game) black piece, ball, etc. B player of this. 4 credit side of an account (in the black).
Black —adj. 1 reflecting no light, colourless from lack of light (like coal or soot); completely dark. 2 (black) of the human group with dark-coloured skin, esp. African. 3 (of the sky etc.) Heavily overcast. 4 angry; gloomy (black look, mood). 5 implying disgrace etc. (in his black books). 6 wicked, sinister, deadly. 7 portending trouble (things look black). 8 comic but sinister (black comedy). 9 (of tea or coffee) without milk. 10 (of industrial labour or its products) boycotted, esp. By a trade union, in a strike etc. —n. 1 black colour or pigment. 2 black clothes or material (dressed in black). 3 a (in a game) black piece, ball, etc. B player of this. 4 credit side of an account (in the black). 5 (black) member of a dark-skinned race, esp. An african. —v. 1 make black (blacked his boots). 2 declare (goods etc.) ‘black’. black out 1 effect a blackout on. 2 undergo a blackout. [old english]
Black and blue adj. Bruised.
Black and white —n. Writing or printing (in black and white). —adj. 1 (of a film etc.) Monochrome. 2 consisting of extremes only, oversimplified.
Black art n. = *black magic.
Blackball v. Reject (a candidate) in a ballot.
Black beetle n. The common cockroach.
Black belt n. 1 highest grade of proficiency in judo, karate, etc. 2 holder of this grade, entitled to wear a black belt.
Blackberry n. (pl. -ies) black fleshy edible fruit of the bramble.
Blackbird n. Common thrush of which the male is black with an orange beak.
Blackboard n. Board with a smooth dark surface for writing on with chalk.
Black box n. Flight-recorder.
Blackcap n. Small warbler, the male of which has a black-topped head.
Black country n. (prec. By the) industrial area of the midlands.
Blackcurrant n. 1 cultivated flowering shrub. 2 its small dark edible berry.
Black death n. (prec. By the) 14th-c. Plague in europe.
Black economy n. Unofficial and untaxed trade.
Black economy n. Unofficial and untaxed trade.
Blacken v. 1 make or become black or dark. 2 defame, slander.
Black eye n. Bruised skin around the eye.
Black flag n. Flag of piracy.
Blackfly n. 1 dark coloured thrips or aphid. 2 these collectively.
Black forest gateau n. Chocolate sponge with cherries and whipped cream.
Black friar n. Dominican friar.
Blackguard n. Villain, scoundrel. blackguardly adj. [originally = menial]
Blackhead n. Black-topped pimple on the skin.
Black hole n. Region of space from which matter and radiation cannot escape.
Black ice n. Thin hard transparent ice on a road etc.
Blacking n. Black polish, esp. For shoes.
Blackjack n. = *pontoon1.
Blacklead n. Graphite.
Blackleg —n. Derog. Person refusing to join a strike etc. —v. (-gg-) act as a blackleg.
Blacklist —n. List of people in disfavour etc. —v. Put on a blacklist.
Black magic n. Magic supposed to invoke evil spirits.
Blackmail —n. 1 a extortion of payment in return for silence. B payment so extorted. 2 use of threats or moral pressure. —v. 1 (try to) extort money etc. From by blackmail. 2 threaten, coerce. blackmailer n. [obsolete mail rent]
Black maria n. Slang police van.
Black mark n. Mark of discredit.
Black market n. Illicit trade in rationed, prohibited, or scarce commodities. black
Black market n. Illicit trade in rationed, prohibited, or scarce commodities. black marketeer n.
Black mass n. Travesty of the mass, in worship of satan.
Blackout n. 1 temporary loss of consciousness or memory. 2 loss of electric power, radio reception, etc. 3 compulsory darkness as a precaution against air raids. 4 temporary suppression of news. 5 sudden darkening of a theatre stage.
Black pepper n. Pepper made by grinding the whole dried pepper berry including the outer husk.
Black power n. Movement for black rights and political power.
Black pudding n. Sausage of pork, dried pig’s blood, suet, etc.
Black rod n. Principal usher of the house of lords etc.
Black sheep n. Colloq. Member of a family, group, etc. Regarded as a disgrace or failure.
Blackshirt n. Hist.member of a fascist organization.
Blacksmith n. Smith who works in iron.
Black spot n. 1 place of danger or trouble. 2 plant disease producing black spots.
Black tea n. Tea that is fully fermented before drying.
Blackthorn n. Thorny shrub bearing white blossom and sloes.
Black tie n. 1 black bow-tie worn with a dinner jacket. 2 colloq. Man’s formal evening dress.
Black velvet n. Mixture of stout and champagne.
Black watch n. (prec. By the) royal highland regiment.
Black widow n. Venomous spider of which the female devours the male.
Bladder n. 1 a sac in some animals, esp. That holding urine. B this adapted for various uses. 2 inflated blister in seaweed etc. [old english]
Bladderwrack n. Brown seaweed with air bladders.
Blade n. 1 cutting part of a knife etc. 2 flattened part of an oar, propeller, etc. 3 a flat narrow leaf of grass etc. B broad thin part of a leaf. 4 flat bone, e.g. In the shoulder. [old english]
Blame —v. (-ming) 1 assign fault or responsibility to. 2 (foll. By on) fix responsibility for (an error etc.) On (blamed it on his brother). —n. 1 responsibility for an error etc. 2 blaming or attributing of responsibility (got all the blame). be to blame be responsible; deserve censure. blameable adj. Blameless adj. Blameworthy adj. [french: related to *blaspheme]
Blanch v. 1 make or become white or pale. 2 a peel (almonds etc.) By scalding. B immerse (vegetables etc.) Briefly in boiling water. 3 whiten (a plant) by depriving it of light. [french: related to *blank]
Blancmange n. Sweet opaque jelly of flavoured cornflour and milk. [french, = white food]
Bland adj. 1 a mild, not irritating. B tasteless; insipid. 2 gentle in manner; suave. blandly adv. Blandness n. [latin blandus smooth]
Blandish v. Flatter; coax. blandishment n. (usu. In pl.). [latin: related to *bland]
Blank —adj. 1 a (of paper) not written or printed on. B (of a document) with spaces left for a signature or details. 2 a empty (blank space). B unrelieved (blank wall). 3 a without interest, result, or expression (blank face). B having (temporarily) no knowledge etc. (mind went blank). 4 complete (a blank refusal; blank despair). —n. 1 a unfilled space, esp. In a document. B document having blank spaces. 2 (in full blank cartridge) cartridge containing gunpowder but no bullet. 3 dash written instead of a word or letter. —v. (usu. Foll. By off, out) screen, obscure. draw a blank get no response; fail. blankly adv. Blankness n. [french blanc white, from germanic]
Blank cheque n. 1 cheque left for the payee to fill in. 2 colloq. Unlimited freedom of action.
Blanket —n. 1 large esp. Woollen sheet used as a bed-covering etc. 2 thick covering mass or layer. —attrib. Adj. Covering everything; inclusive. —v. (-t-) 1 cover. 2 stifle, suppress. [french: related to *blank]
Blanket bath n. Body wash given to a bedridden patient.
Blanket stitch n. Stitch used to finish the edges of a blanket etc.
Blank verse n. Unrhymed verse, esp. Iambic pentameters.
Blare —v. (-ring) 1 sound or utter loudly. 2 make the sound of a trumpet. —n. Blaring sound. [low german or dutch, imitative]
Blasé adj. Bored or indifferent through over-familiarity. [french]
Blaspheme v. (-ming) 1 use religious names irreverently; treat a religious or sacred subject irreverently. 2 talk irreverently about; use blasphemy against. [greek blasphemeo]
[greek blasphemeo]
Blasphemy n. (pl. -ies) 1 irreverent talk or treatment of a religious or sacred thing. 2 instance of this. blasphemous adj.
Blast —n. 1 strong gust of air. 2 a explosion. B destructive wave of air from this. 3 loud note from a wind instrument, car horn, etc. 4 colloq. Severe reprimand. — v. 1 blow up with explosives. 2 wither, blight (blasted oak; blasted her hopes). 3 (cause to) make a loud noise. —int. Expressing annoyance. at full blast colloq. At maximum volume, speed, etc. Blast off take off from a launching site. [old english]
Blaze1 —n. 1 bright flame or fire. 2 violent outburst (of passion etc.). 3 brilliant display (blaze of scarlet, of glory). —v. (-zing) 1 burn or shine brightly or fiercely. 2 be consumed with anger, excitement, etc. blaze away (often foll. By at) 1 shoot continuously. 2 work vigorously. [old english, = torch]
Blaze2 —n. 1 white mark on an animal’s face. 2 mark cut on a tree, esp. To show a route. —v. (-zing) mark (a tree or a path) with blazes. blaze a trail show the way for others. [origin uncertain]
Blazer n. Jacket without matching trousers, esp. Lightweight and often part of a uniform. [from *blaze1]
Blazon —v. 1 proclaim (esp. Blazon abroad). 2 heraldry describe or paint (arms). —n. Heraldry shield or coat of arms. blazonment n. Blazonry n. [french, originally = shield]
Bleach —v. Whiten in sunlight or by a chemical process. —n. Bleaching substance or process. [old english]
Bleat —v. 1 (of a sheep, goat, or calf) make a wavering cry. 2 (often foll. By out) speak or say plaintively. —n. Bleating cry. [old english]
Bleed —v. (past and past part. Bled) 1 emit blood. 2 draw blood from surgically.
Bleed —v. (past and past part. Bled) 1 emit blood. 2 draw blood from surgically. 3 colloq. Extort money from. 4 (often foll. By for) suffer wounds or violent death. 5 a emit sap. B (of dye) come out in water. 6 empty (a system) of excess air or fluid. —n. Act of bleeding. one’s heart bleeds usu. Iron. One is very sorrowful. [old english]
Bleeder n. Coarse slang unpleasant or contemptible person.
Bleeding adj. & adv. Coarse slang expressing annoyance or antipathy.
Bleep —n. Intermittent high-pitched electronic sound. —v. 1 make a bleep. 2 summon with a bleeper. [imitative]
Bleeper n. Small electronic device bleeping to contact the carrier.
Blemish —n. Flaw, defect, or stain. —v. Spoil, mark, or stain. [french]
Blench v. Flinch, quail. [old english]
Blend —v. 1 mix together as required. 2 become one. 3 (often foll. By with, in) mingle; mix thoroughly. 4 (esp. Of colours) merge imperceptibly; harmonize. — n. Mixture. [old norse]
Blender n. Machine for liquidizing, chopping, or puréeing food.
Blenny n. (pl. -ies) small spiny-finned scaleless marine fish. [greek blennos mucus]
Bless v. (past and past part. Blessed, poet. Blest) 1 ask god to look favourably on, esp. By making the sign of the cross over. 2 consecrate (food etc.). 3 glorify (god). 4 attribute one’s good luck to (stars etc.); thank. 5 (usu. In passive) make happy or successful (blessed with children). bless me (or my soul) exclamation of surprise etc. Bless you! Exclamation of endearment, gratitude, etc., or to a person who has just sneezed. [old english]
Blessing n. 1 invocation of (esp. Divine) favour. 2 grace said at a meal. 3 benefit.
Blether var. Of *blather.
Blew past of *blow1.
Blether var. Of *blather.
Blew past of *blow1.
Blight —n. 1 plant disease caused by insects etc. 2 such an insect etc. 3 harmful or destructive force. 4 ugly urban area. —v. 1 affect with blight. 2 harm, destroy.
3 spoil. [origin unknown]
Blighter n. Colloq. Contemptible or annoying person.
Blighty n. Mil. Slang england; home. [hindustani, = foreign]
Blimey int. Coarse slang expression of surprise, contempt, etc. [(god) blind me!]
Blimp n. 1 (also (colonel) blimp) reactionary person. 2 small non-rigid airship. 3 soundproof cover for a cine-camera. [origin uncertain]
Blind —adj. 1 lacking the power of sight. 2 a without adequate foresight, discernment, or information (blind effort). B (often foll. By to) unwilling or unable to appreciate a factor etc. (blind to argument). 3 not governed by purpose or reason (blind forces). 4 reckless (blind hitting). 5 a concealed (blind ditch). B closed at one end. 6 (of flying) using instruments only. 7 cookery (of a flan case etc.) Baked without a filling. —v. 1 deprive of sight. 2 rob of judgement; deceive; overawe. 3 slang go recklessly. —n. 1 screen for a window; awning. 2 thing used to hide the truth. 3 obstruction to sight or light. —adv. Blindly. blindly adv. Blindness n. [old english]
Blind alley n. 1 alley closed at one end. 2 futile course.
Blind date n. Colloq. Date between two people who have not previously met.
Blind drunk adj. Colloq. Extremely drunk.
Blind drunk adj. Colloq. Extremely drunk.
Blindfold —v. Cover the eyes of (a person) with a tied cloth etc. —n. Cloth etc. So used. —adj. & adv. 1 with eyes covered. 2 without due care. [originally blindfelled = struck blind]
Blind man’s buff n. Game in which a blindfold player tries to catch others.
Blind spot n. 1 point on the retina insensitive to light. 2 area where vision or understanding is lacking.
Blindworm n. = *slow-worm.
Blink —v. 1 shut and open the eyes quickly. 2 (often foll. By back) prevent (tears) by blinking. 3 shine unsteadily, flicker. —n. 1 act of blinking. 2 momentary gleam or glimpse. blink at 1 look at while blinking. 2 ignore, shirk. On the blink slang not working properly; out of order. [dutch, var. Of *blench]
Blinker —n. 1 (usu. In pl.) Each of two screens on a bridle preventing lateral vision. 2 device that blinks. —v. 1 obscure with blinkers. 2 (as blinkered adj.) Having narrow and prejudiced views.
Blip —n. 1 minor deviation or error. 2 quick popping sound. 3 small image on a radar screen. —v. (-pp-) make a blip. [imitative]
radar screen. —v. (-pp-) make a blip. [imitative]
Bliss n. 1 perfect joy. 2 being in heaven. blissful adj. Blissfully adv. [old english]
Blister —n. 1 small bubble on the skin filled with watery fluid and caused by heat or friction. 2 similar swelling on plastic, wood, etc. —v. 1 come up in blisters. 2 raise a blister on. 3 attack sharply. [origin uncertain]
Blithering attrib. Adj. Colloq. Hopeless; contemptible (esp. In blithering idiot). [blither, var. Of *blather]
Blitt. Abbr. Bachelor of letters. [latin baccalaureus litterarum]
Blitz colloq. —n. 1 a intensive or sudden (esp. Aerial) attack. B intensive period of work etc. (must have a blitz on this room). 2 (the blitz) german air raids on london in 1940. —v. Inflict a blitz on. [abbreviation of *blitzkrieg]
Blitzkrieg n. Intense military campaign intended to bring about a swift victory. [german, = lightning war]
Blizzard n. Severe snowstorm. [origin unknown]
Bloat v. 1 inflate, swell. 2 (as bloated adj.) Inflated with pride, wealth, or food. 3 cure (a herring) by salting and smoking lightly. [old norse]
Bloater n. Bloated herring.
Blob n. Small drop or spot. [imitative]
Bloc n. Group of governments etc. Sharing a common purpose. [french: related to *block]
Block —n. 1 solid piece of hard material, esp. Stone or wood. 2 this as a base for chopping etc., as a stand, or for mounting a horse from. 3 a large building, esp. When subdivided. B group of buildings between streets. 4 obstruction. 5 two or more pulleys mounted in a case. 6 piece of wood or metal engraved for printing. 7 slang head. 8 (often attrib.) Number of things as a unit, e.g. Shares, theatre seats (block booking). 9 sheets of paper glued along one edge. —v. 1 a (often foll. By up) obstruct. B impede. 2 restrict the use of. 3 cricket stop (a ball) with a bat defensively. block in 1 sketch roughly; plan. 2 confine. Block out 1 shut out (light, noise, a memory, view, etc.). 2 sketch roughly; plan. Block up confine; enclose. [low german or dutch]
Blockade —n. Surrounding or blocking of a place by an enemy to prevent entry and exit. —v. (-ding) subject to a blockade.
Blockage n. Obstruction.
Block and tackle n. System of pulleys and ropes, esp. For lifting.
Blockbuster n. Slang 1 thing of great power, esp. A very successful film, book, etc. 2 highly destructive bomb.
Block capitals n.pl. (also block letters) letters printed without serifs, or written with each letter separate and in capitals.
Blockhead n. Stupid person.
Blockhouse n. 1 reinforced concrete shelter. 2 hist. Small fort of timber.
Block vote n. Vote proportional in power to the number of people a delegate represents.
Bloke n. Slang man, fellow. [shelta]
Blond (of a woman usu. Blonde) —adj. (of a person, hair, or complexion) light-coloured, fair. —n. Blond person. [latin blondus yellow]
Blood —n. 1 usu. Red fluid circulating in the arteries and veins of animals. 2 bloodshed, esp. Killing. 3 passion, temperament. 4 race, descent, parentage (of the same blood). 5 relationship; relations (blood is thicker than water). 6 dandy. —v. 1 give (a hound) a first taste of blood. 2 initiate (a person). in one’s blood inherent in one’s character. [old english]
Blood bank n. Store of blood for transfusion.
Blood bath n. Massacre.
Blood count n. Number of corpuscles in a specific amount of blood.
Blood-curdling adj. Horrifying.
Blood donor n. Person giving blood for transfusion.
Blood group n. Any of the types of human blood.
Blood-heat n. Normal human temperature, about 37 °c or 98.4 °f.
Bloodhound n. Large keen-scented dog used in tracking.
Bloodless adj. 1 without blood or bloodshed. 2 unemotional. 3 pale. 4 feeble.
Blood-letting n. Surgical removal of blood.
Blood-money n. 1 money paid as compensation for a death. 2 money paid to a killer.
killer.
Blood orange n. Red-fleshed orange.
Blood-poisoning n. Diseased condition caused by micro-organisms in the blood.
Blood pressure n. Pressure of the blood in the arteries etc., measured for diagnosis.
Blood relation n. (also blood relative) relative by birth.
Bloodshed n. Killing.
Bloodshot adj. (of an eyeball) inflamed.
Blood sport n. Sport involving the killing or wounding of animals.
Bloodstain n. Stain caused by blood. bloodstained adj.
Bloodstream n. Blood in circulation.
Bloodsucker n. 1 leech. 2 extortioner. bloodsucking adj.
Blood sugar n. Amount of glucose in the blood.
Blood test n. Examination of blood, esp. For diagnosis.
Bloodthirsty adj. (-ier, -iest) eager for bloodshed.
Blood-vessel n. Vein, artery, or capillary carrying blood.
Bloody —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of, like, running with, or smeared with blood. 2 a involving bloodshed. B bloodthirsty, cruel. 3 coarse slang expressing annoyance or antipathy, or as an intensifier (bloody fool; a bloody sight better). 4 red. — adv. Coarse slang as an intensifier (bloody awful). —v. (-ies, -ied) stain with blood.
Bloom —n. 1 a flower, esp. Cultivated. B state of flowering (in bloom). 2 one’s prime (in full bloom). 3 a healthy glow of the complexion. B fine powder on fresh fruit and leaves. —v. 1 bear flowers; be in flower. 2 be in one’s prime; flourish. [old norse]
Bloomer1 n. 1 slang blunder. 2 plant that blooms in a specified way.
Bloomer2 n. Long loaf with diagonal marks. [origin uncertain]
Bloomers n.pl. 1 women’s long loose knickers. 2 hist. Women’s loose knee-length trousers. [mrs a. Bloomer, name of the originator]
Blooming —adj. 1 flourishing; healthy. 2 slang an intensifier (blooming miracle). —adv. Slang an intensifier (blooming difficult).
Blossom —n. 1 flower or mass of flowers, esp. Of a fruit-tree. 2 promising stage (blossom of youth). —v. 1 open into flower. 2 mature, thrive. [old english]
Blot —n. 1 spot or stain of ink etc. 2 disgraceful act or quality. 3 blemish. —v. (-tt-) 1 make a blot on, stain. 2 dry with blotting-paper. blot one’s copybook damage one’s reputation. Blot out 1 obliterate. 2 obscure (a view, sound, etc.). [probably scandinavian]
Blotch —n. 1 discoloured or inflamed patch on the skin. 2 irregular patch of colour. —v. Cover with blotches. blotchy adj. (-ier, -iest). [obsolete plotch, *blot]
Blotter n. Pad of blotting-paper.
Blotting-paper n. Absorbent paper for drying wet ink.
Blotto adj. Slang very drunk. [origin uncertain]
Blouse —n. 1 woman’s garment like a shirt. 2 upper part of a military uniform. —v. (-sing) make (a bodice etc.) Full like a blouse. [french]
Blouson n. Short blouse-shaped jacket. [french]
Blow1 —v. (past blew; past part. Blown) 1 direct a current of air (at) esp. From the mouth. 2 drive or be driven by blowing (blew the door open). 3 (esp. Of the wind) move rapidly. 4 expel by breathing (blew smoke). 5 sound or be sounded by blowing. 6 (past part. Blowed) slang (esp. In imper.) Curse, confound (i’m blowed if i know; blow it!). 7 clear (the nose) by blowing. 8 puff, pant. 9 slang depart suddenly (from). 10 shatter etc. By an explosion. 11 make or shape (glass or a bubble) by blowing. 12 a melt from overloading (the fuse has blown). B break or burst suddenly. 13 (of a whale) eject air and water. 14 break into with explosives. 15 slang a squander (blew £20). B bungle (an opportunity etc.). C reveal (a secret etc.). —n. 1 act of blowing. 2 a gust of wind or air. B exposure to fresh air. be blowed if one will colloq. Be unwilling to. Blow a gasket slang lose one’s temper. Blow hot and cold colloq. Vacillate. Blow in 1 break inwards by an explosion. 2 colloq. Arrive unexpectedly. Blow a person’s mind slang cause to have hallucinations etc.; astound. Blow off 1 escape or allow (steam etc.) To escape forcibly. 2 slang break wind noisily. Blow out 1 extinguish by blowing. 2 send outwards by an explosion. Blow over (of trouble etc.) Fade away. Blow one’s top colloq. Explode in rage. Blow up 1 explode. 2 colloq. Rebuke strongly. 3 inflate (a tyre etc.). 4 colloq. A enlarge (a photograph). B exaggerate. 5 colloq. Arise, happen. 6 colloq. Lose one’s temper. [old english]
Blow2 n. 1 hard stroke with a hand or weapon. 2 sudden shock or misfortune. [origin unknown]
Blow-by-blow attrib. Adj. (of a narrative etc.) Detailed.
Blow-by-blow attrib. Adj. (of a narrative etc.) Detailed.
Blow-dry —v. Arrange (the hair) while drying it. —n. Act of doing this.
Blower n. 1 device for blowing. 2 colloq. Telephone.
Blowfly n. Bluebottle.
Blow-hole n. 1 nostril of a whale. 2 hole (esp. In ice) for breathing or fishing through. 3 vent for air, smoke, etc.
Blow-job n. Coarse slang instance of fellatio or cunnilingus.
Blowlamp n. Device with a very hot flame for burning off paint, plumbing, etc.
Blown past part. Of *blow1.
Blow-out n. Colloq. 1 burst tyre. 2 melted fuse. 3 huge meal.
Blowpipe n. 1 tube for blowing air through, esp. To intensify a flame or to blow glass. 2 tube for propelling poisoned darts etc. By blowing.
Blowtorch n. Us = *blowlamp.
Blow-up n. 1 colloq. Enlargement (of a photograph etc.). 2 explosion.
Blub v. (-bb-) slang sob. [shortening of *blubber]
Blubber —n. Whale fat. —v. 1 sob loudly. 2 sob out (words). —adj. Swollen, thick. [probably imitative]
Bludgeon —n. Heavy club. —v. 1 beat with this. 2 coerce. [origin unknown]
Blue —adj. (bluer, bluest) 1 having the colour of a clear sky. 2 sad, depressed. 3 pornographic (a blue film). 4 politically conservative. —n. 1 blue colour or pigment. 2 blue clothes or material (dressed in blue). 3 person who represents a university in a sport, esp. Oxford or cambridge. 4 conservative party supporter. —v. (blues, blued, bluing or blueing) 1 make blue. 2 slang squander. once in a blue moon very rarely. Out of the blue unexpectedly. [french from germanic]
Blue baby n. Baby with a blue complexion due to a congenital heart defect.
Bluebell n. Woodland plant with bell-shaped blue flowers.
Bluebell n. Woodland plant with bell-shaped blue flowers.
Blueberry n. (pl. -ies) small blue-black edible fruit of various plants.
Blue blood n. Noble birth.
Blue book n. Report issued by parliament or the privy council.
Bluebottle n. Large buzzing fly; blowfly.
Blue cheese n. Cheese with veins of blue mould.
Blue-collar attrib. Adj. (of a worker or work) manual; industrial.
Blue-eyed boy n. Colloq. Favourite.
Blue funk n. Colloq. Terror or panic.
Bluegrass n. A kind of instrumental country-and-western music.
Blue-pencil v. Censor or cut (a manuscript, film, etc.).
Blue peter n. Blue flag with a white square flown by a ship about to leave port.
Blueprint n. 1 photographic print of plans in white on a blue background. 2 detailed plan.
Blue rinse n. Bluish dye for grey hair.
Blues n.pl. 1 (prec. By the) bout of depression. 2 a (prec. By the; often treated as sing.) Melancholic music of black american origin, usu. In a twelve-bar sequence. B (pl. Same) (as sing.) Piece of such music (played a blues).
Bluestocking n. Usu. Derog. Intellectual or literary woman. [18th-c. Blue stocking society]
Blue tit n. Common tit with a blue crest.
Blue whale n. Rorqual, the largest known living mammal.
Bluff1 —v. Pretend strength, confidence, etc. —n. Act of bluffing. call a person’s bluff challenge a person to prove a claim. [dutch bluffen brag]
Bluff2 —adj. 1 blunt, frank, hearty. 2 vertical or steep and broad in front. —n. Steep cliff or headland. [origin unknown]
Bluish adj. Fairly blue.
Blunder —n. Serious or foolish mistake. —v. 1 make a blunder. 2 move clumsily; stumble. [probably scandinavian]
Blunderbuss n. Hist. Short large-bored gun. [dutch donderbus thunder gun]
Blunt —adj. 1 not sharp or pointed. 2 direct, outspoken. —v. Make blunt or less sharp. bluntly adv. (in sense 2 of adj.). Bluntness n. [probably scandinavian]
Blur —v. (-rr-) make or become unclear or less distinct; smear. —n. Blurred object, sound, memory, etc. [perhaps related to *bleary]
Blurb n. Promotional description, esp. Of a book. [coined by g. Burgess 1907]
Blurt v. (usu. Foll. By out) utter abruptly, thoughtlessly, or tactlessly. [imitative]
Blush —v. 1 a become pink in the face from embarrassment or shame. B (of the face) redden thus. 2 feel embarrassed or ashamed. 3 redden. —n. 1 act of blushing. 2 pink tinge. [old english]
Bm abbr. 1 british museum. 2 bachelor of medicine.
Bma abbr. British medical association.
B.mus. Abbr. Bachelor of music.
Bmx n. 1 organized bicycle-racing on a dirt-track. 2 bicycle used for this. [abbreviation of bicycle moto-cross]
Bo abbr. Colloq. Body odour.
Boa n. 1 large snake which kills by crushing and suffocating. 2 long stole of feathers or fur. [latin]
Boa constrictor n. Species of boa.
Boar n. 1 male wild pig. 2 uncastrated male pig. [old english]
Board —n. 1 a flat thin piece of sawn timber, usu. Long and narrow. B material resembling this, of compressed fibres. C thin slab of wood etc. D thick stiff card
used in bookbinding. 2 provision of regular meals, usu. With accommodation, for payment. 3 directors of a company; official administrative body. 4 (in pl.) Stage of a theatre. 5 side of a ship. —v. 1 go on board (a ship, train, etc.). 2 receive, or provide with, meals and usu. Lodging. 3 (usu. Foll. By up) cover with boards; seal or close. go by the board be neglected or discarded. On board on or on to a ship, aircraft, oil rig, etc. Take on board consider, take notice of; accept. [old english]
Boarder n. 1 person who boards, esp. At a boarding-school. 2 person who boards a ship, esp. An enemy.
Board-game n. Game played on a board.
Boarding-house n. Unlicensed establishment providing board and lodging, esp. To holiday-makers.
Boarding-school n. School in which pupils live in term-time.
Boardroom n. Room in which a board of directors etc. Meets regularly.
Boast —v. 1 declare one’s virtues, wealth, etc. With excessive pride. 2 own or have with pride (hotel boasts a ballroom). —n. 1 act of boasting. 2 thing one is proud of. [anglo-french]
Boastful adj. Given to boasting. boastfully adv.
Boat —n. 1 small vessel propelled on water by an engine, oars, or sails. 2 any ship. 3 long low jug for sauce etc. —v. Go in a boat, esp. For pleasure. in the same boat having the same problems. [old english]
Boater n. Flat-topped straw hat with a brim.
Boat-hook n. Long hooked pole for moving boats.
Boat-house n. Waterside shed for housing boats.
Boating n. Rowing or sailing as recreation.
Boatman n. Person who hires out boats or provides transport by boat.
Boat people n.pl. Refugees travelling by sea.
Boatswain n. (also bosun, bo’sun) ship’s officer in charge of equipment and crew.
Boat-train n. Train scheduled to meet or go on a boat.
Bob1 —v. (-bb-) 1 move quickly up and down. 2 (usu. Foll. By back, up) bounce or emerge buoyantly or suddenly. 3 cut (the hair) in a bob. 4 curtsy. —n. 1
jerking or bouncing movement, esp. Upward. 2 hairstyle with the hair hanging evenly above the shoulders. 3 weight on a pendulum etc. 4 horse’s docked tail. 5 curtsy. [imitative]
Bob2 n. (pl. Same) hist. Slang shilling (now = 5 pence). [origin unknown]
Bob3 n. bob’s your uncle slang expression of completion or success. [pet form of robert]
Bobbin n. Spool or reel for thread etc. [french]
Bobble n. Small woolly ball on a hat etc. [diminutive of *bob1]
Bobby n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Police officer. [sir robert peel, 19th-c. Statesman]
Bob-sled n. Us = *bob-sleigh.
Bob-sleigh —n. Mechanically-steered and -braked racing sledge. —v. Race in a bob-sleigh.
Bobtail n. 1 docked tail. 2 horse or dog with this.
Boche n. Slang derog. German, esp. A soldier. [french]
Bod n. Colloq. Person. [shortening of *body]
Bode v. (-ding) be a sign of, portend. bode well (or ill) be a good (or bad) sign. [old english]
Bodega n. Cellar or shop selling wine. [spanish]
Bodge var. Of *botch.
Bodice n. 1 part of a woman’s dress above the waist. 2 woman’s vest-like undergarment. [originally pair of bodies]
Bodily —adj. Of the body. —adv. 1 as a whole body (threw them bodily). 2 in the flesh, in person.
Bodkin n. Blunt thick needle for drawing tape etc. Through a hem. [origin uncertain]
Body n. (pl. -ies) 1 whole physical structure, including the bones, flesh, and organs, of a person or an animal, whether dead or alive. 2 = *trunk 2. 3 main or central part; bulk or majority (body of opinion). 4 a group regarded as a unit. B (usu. Foll. By of) collection (body of facts). 5 quantity (body of water). 6 piece of matter (heavenly body). 7 colloq. Person. 8 full or substantial quality of flavour, tone, etc. in a body all together. [old english]
Body-blow n. Severe setback.
Body-blow n. Severe setback.
Body-building n. Exercises to enlarge and strengthen the muscles.
Bodyguard n. Person or group escorting and protecting another.
Body language n. Communication through gestures and poses.
Body odour n. Smell of the human body, esp. When unpleasant.
Body politic n. Nation or state as a corporate body.
Body shop n. Workshop where bodywork is repaired.
Body stocking n. Woman’s undergarment covering the torso.
Bodysuit n. Close-fitting all-in-one garment for women, worn esp. For sport.
Bodywork n. Outer shell of a vehicle.
Boer —n. South african of dutch descent. —adj. Of the boers. [dutch, = farmer]
Boffin n. Colloq. Research scientist. [origin unknown]
Bog —n. 1 a wet spongy ground. B stretch of this. 2 slang lavatory. —v. (-gg-) (foll. By down; usu. In passive) impede (bogged down by snow). boggy adj. (-ier, -iest). [irish or gaelic bogach]
Bogey1 n. (pl. -eys) golf 1 score of one stroke more than par at any hole. 2 (formerly) par. [perhaps from bogey, as an imaginary player]
Bogey2 n. (also bogy) (pl. -eys or -ies) 1 evil or mischievous spirit; devil. 2 awkward thing. 3 slang piece of dried nasal mucus. [originally (old) bogey the devil]
Bogeyman n. (also bogyman) frightening person etc.
Boggle v. (-ling) colloq. Be startled or baffled (esp. The mind boggles). [probably dial. Boggle *bogey2]
Bogie n. Wheeled undercarriage below a locomotive etc. [origin unknown]
Bogus adj. Sham, spurious. [origin unknown]
Bogy var. Of *bogey2.
Bogyman var. Of *bogeyman.
Bohemian —n. 1 native of bohemia, a czech. 2 (also bohemian) socially unconventional person, esp. An artist or writer. —adj. 1 of bohemia or its people. 2 (also bohemian) socially unconventional. bohemianism n. [bohemia, part of czechoslovakia]
Boil1 —v. 1 a (of a liquid) start to bubble up and turn into vapour on reaching a certain temperature. B (of a vessel) contain boiling liquid (kettle is boiling). 2 a bring to boiling point. B cook in boiling liquid. C subject to boiling water, e.g. To clean. 3 a move or seethe like boiling water. B be very angry. —n. Act or process of boiling; boiling-point (on the boil; bring to the boil). boil down 1 reduce in volume by boiling. 2 reduce to essentials. 3 (foll. By to) amount to. Boil over 1 spill over in boiling. 2 lose one’s temper. [latin bullio to bubble]
Boil2 n. Inflamed pus-filled swelling under the skin. [old english]
Boiler n. 1 apparatus for heating a hot-water supply. 2 tank for heating water or turning it to steam. 3 tub for boiling laundry etc. 4 fowl etc. For boiling.
Boiler-room n. Room with a boiler and other heating equipment, esp. In a basement.
Boiler suit n. Protective outer garment of trousers and jacket in one.
Boiling adj. Colloq. Very hot.
Boiling adj. Colloq. Very hot.
Boiling point n. 1 temperature at which a liquid begins to boil. 2 great excitement.
Bold adj. 1 confidently assertive; adventurous, brave. 2 impudent. 3 vivid (bold colours). make (or be) so bold as to presume to; venture to. boldly adv. Boldness n. [old english]
Bole n. Trunk of a tree. [old norse]
Bolero n. (pl. -s) 1 spanish dance, or the music for it, in triple time. 2 woman’s short open jacket. [spanish]
Boll n. Round seed-vessel of cotton, flax, etc. [dutch]
Bollard n. 1 short post in the road, esp. On a traffic island. 2 short post on a quay or ship for securing a rope. [perhaps related to *bole]
Bollocking n. (also ballocking) coarse slang severe reprimand.
Bollocks n. (also ballocks) coarse slang 1 (usu. As int.) Nonsense. 2 testicles. [old english: related to *ball1]
[old english: related to *ball1]
Boloney n. (also baloney) slang nonsense. [origin uncertain]
Bolshevik —n. 1 hist. Member of the radical faction of the russian social democratic party becoming the communist party in 1918. 2 russian communist. 3 any revolutionary socialist. —adj. 1 of the bolsheviks. 2 communist. bolshevism n. Bolshevist n. [russian, = member of the majority]
Bolster —n. Long cylindrical pillow. —v. (usu. Foll. By up) encourage, support, prop up. [old english]
Bolt1 —n. 1 sliding bar and socket used to fasten a door etc. 2 large metal pin with a thread, usu. Used with a nut, to hold things together. 3 discharge of lightning. 4 act of bolting. —v. 1 fasten with a bolt. 2 (foll. By in, out) keep (a person etc.) In or out by bolting a door. 3 fasten together with bolts. 4 a dash off suddenly. B (of a horse) suddenly gallop out of control. 5 gulp down (food) unchewed. 6 (of a plant) run to seed. —adv. (usu. In bolt upright) rigidly, stiffly. bolt from the blue complete surprise. [old english]
Bolt2 v. (also boult) sift (flour etc.). [french]
Bolt-hole n. Means of escape.
Bomb —n. 1 container filled with explosive, incendiary material, etc., designed to explode and cause damage. 2 (prec. By the) the atomic or hydrogen bomb. 3 slang large sum of money (cost a bomb). —v. 1 attack with bombs; drop bombs on. 2 (usu. Foll. By along, off) colloq. Go very quickly. like a bomb colloq. 1 very successfully. 2 very fast. [greek bombos hum]
Bombard v. 1 attack with heavy guns or bombs etc. 2 (often foll. By with) question or abuse persistently. 3 physics direct a stream of high-speed particles at. bombardment n. [latin: related to *bomb]
Bombardier n. 1 non-commissioned officer in the artillery. 2 us crew member in an aircraft who aims and releases bombs.
Bombay duck n. Dried fish as a relish, esp. With curry. [corruption of bombil, native name of fish]
Bombazine n. Twilled worsted dress-material. [greek bombux silk]
Bomber n. 1 aircraft equipped to drop bombs. 2 person using bombs, esp. Illegally.
Bomber jacket n. Jacket gathered at the waist and cuffs.
Bombshell n. 1 overwhelming surprise or disappointment. 2 artillery bomb. 3 slang very attractive woman.
Bomb-site n. Area where bombs have caused destruction.
Bona fide —adj. Genuine; sincere. —adv. Genuinely; sincerely. [latin]
Bonanza n. 1 source of wealth or prosperity. 2 large output (esp. Of a mine). [spanish, = fair weather]
Bon-bon n. Sweet. [french bon good]
Bond —n. 1 thing or force that unites or (usu. In pl.) Restrains. 2 binding agreement. 3 commerce certificate issued by a government or a company promising to repay borrowed money at a fixed rate of interest. 4 adhesiveness. 5 law deed binding a person to make payment to another. 6 chem. Linkage between atoms in a molecule. —v. 1 hold or tie together. 2 connect or reinforce with a bond. 3 place (goods) in bond.
Bondage n. 1 slavery. 2 subjection to constraint etc. 3 sexual practices involving constraint. [anglo-latin: related to *bondsman]
Bonded adj. 1 stored in or for storing in bond (bonded whisky, warehouse). 2 (of a debt) secured by bonds.
Bond paper n. High-quality writing-paper.
Bond paper n. High-quality writing-paper.
Bondsman n. Serf, slave. [old english bonda husbandman]
Bone —n. 1 any piece of hard tissue making up the skeleton in vertebrates. 2 (in pl.) A skeleton, esp. As remains. B body. 3 material of bones or similar material, e.g. Ivory. 4 thing made of bone. 5 (in pl.) Essentials (the bones of an agreement). 6 strip of stiffening in a corset etc. —v. (-ning) 1 remove the bones from. 2 stiffen with bone etc. bone up (often foll. By on) colloq. Study intensively. Have a bone to pick (usu. Foll. By with) have cause for dispute (with a person). Make no bones about 1 be frank about. 2 not hesitate or scruple. boneless adj. [old english]
Bone china n. Fine china made of clay mixed with bone ash.
Bone-dry adj. Completely dry.
Bone-idle adj. Utterly idle.
Bone-marrow n. = *marrow 2.
Bone-meal n. Crushed bones, esp. As a fertilizer.
Bone of contention n. Source of dispute.
Boneshaker n. Decrepit or uncomfortable old vehicle.
Bonfire n. Large open-air fire, esp. For burning rubbish. [from bone (because bones were once used), fire]
Bongo n. (pl. -s or -es) either of a pair of small drums usu. Held between the knees and played with the fingers. [american spanish]
Bonhomie n. Good-natured friendliness. [french]
Bonk —v. 1 bang, bump. 2 coarse slang have sexual intercourse (with). —n. Instance of bonking (bonk on the head). [imitative]
Bonnet n. 1 a hat tied under the chin, worn esp. By babies. B scotsman’s floppy beret. 2 hinged cover over a vehicle’s engine. [french]
Bonny adj. (-ier, -iest) esp. Scot. & n.engl. 1 a physically attractive. B healthy-looking. 2 good, pleasant. [perhaps from french bon good]
Bonsai n. (pl. Same) 1 dwarfed tree or shrub. 2 art of growing these. [japanese]
Bonus n. Extra benefit or payment. [latin, = good]
Bon vivant n. (pl. Bon or bons vivants pronunc. Same) person fond of good food and drink. [french]
Bon voyage int. Expression of good wishes to a departing traveller. [french]
Bony adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 thin with prominent bones. 2 having many bones. 3 of or like bone. boniness n.
Boo —int. 1 expression of disapproval etc. 2 sound intended to surprise. —n. Utterance of boo, esp. To a performer etc. —v. (boos, booed) 1 utter boos. 2 jeer at by booing. [imitative]
Boob1 colloq. —n. 1 silly mistake. 2 foolish person. —v. Make a silly mistake. [shortening of *booby]
Boob2 n. Slang woman’s breast. [origin uncertain]
Booby n. (pl. -ies) stupid or childish person. [spanish bobo]
Booby prize n. Prize given for coming last.
Booby trap n. 1 practical joke in the form of a trap. 2 disguised explosive device triggered by the unknowing victim.
Boodle n. Slang money, esp. Gained or used dishonestly. [dutch boedel possessions]
Boogie v. (-ies, -ied, -ieing) slang dance to pop music.
Boogie-woogie n. Style of playing blues or jazz on the piano. [origin unknown]
Book —n. 1 a written or printed work with pages bound along one side. B work intended for publication. 2 bound blank sheets for notes, records, etc. 3 bound set of tickets, stamps, matches, etc. 4 (in pl.) Set of records or accounts. 5 main division of a large literary work. 6 telephone directory. 7 colloq. Magazine. 8 libretto, script, etc. 9 record of bets. —v. 1 a (also absol.) Reserve (a seat etc.) In advance. B engage (an entertainer etc.). 2 a take the personal details of (an offender or rule-breaker). B enter in a book or list. book in register at a hotel etc. Book up 1 buy tickets in advance. 2 (as booked up) with all places reserved. Bring to book call to account. Go by the book proceed by the rules. In a person’s good (or bad) books in (or out of) favour with a person. [old english]
Bookbinder n. Person who binds books for a living. bookbinding n.
Bookcase n. Cabinet of shelves for books.
Book club n. Society in which selected books are available cheaply.
Book-end n. Prop used to keep books upright.
Bookie n. Colloq. = *bookmaker. [abbreviation]
Booking n. Reservation or engagement.
Booking-hall n. (also booking-office) ticket office at a railway station etc.
Bookish adj. 1 studious; fond of reading. 2 having knowledge mainly from books.
Bookkeeper n. Person who keeps accounts, esp. For a living. bookkeeping n.
Booklet n. Small book usu. With a paper cover.
Bookmaker n. Professional taker of bets. bookmaking n.
Bookmark n. Thing used to mark a reader’s place.
Book-plate n. Decorative personalized label stuck in a book.
Bookseller n. Dealer in books.
Bookshop n. Shop selling books.
Bookstall n. Stand selling books, newspapers, etc.
Book token n. Voucher exchangeable for books.
Bookworm n. 1 colloq. Devoted reader. 2 larva feeding on the paper and glue in books.
Boolean adj. Denoting a system of algebraic notation to represent logical propositions. [boole, name of a mathematician]
Boolean logic n. Use of ‘and’, ‘or’, and ‘not’ in retrieving information from a database.
Boom1 —n. Deep resonant sound. —v. Make or speak with a boom. [imitative]
Boom2 —n. Period of economic prosperity or activity. —v. Be suddenly
Boom2 —n. Period of economic prosperity or activity. —v. Be suddenly prosperous. [perhaps from *boom1]
Boom3 n. 1 pivoted spar to which a sail is attached. 2 long pole carrying a microphone, camera, etc. 3 barrier across a harbour etc. [dutch, = *beam]
Boomerang —n. 1 flat v-shaped hardwood missile used esp. By australian aboriginals, able to return to its thrower. 2 plan that recoils on its originator. —v. (of a plan etc.) Backfire. [aboriginal]
Boon1 n. Advantage; blessing. [old norse]
Boon2 adj. Intimate, favourite (usu. Boon companion). [french bon from latin bonus good]
Boor n. Ill-mannered person. boorish adj. [low german or dutch]
Boost colloq. —v. 1 promote or encourage. 2 increase, assist. 3 push from below. —n. Act or result of boosting. [origin unknown]
Booster n. 1 device for increasing power or voltage. 2 auxiliary engine or rocket for initial speed. 3 dose, injection, etc. Renewing the effect of an earlier one.
Boot1 —n. 1 outer foot-covering reaching above the ankle. 2 luggage compartment of a car. 3 colloq. A firm kick. B (prec. By the) dismissal (got the boot). —v. 1 kick. 2 (often foll. By out) eject forcefully. 3 (usu. Foll. By up)
boot). —v. 1 kick. 2 (often foll. By out) eject forcefully. 3 (usu. Foll. By up) make (a computer) ready. put the boot in 1 kick brutally. 2 harm a person. [old norse]
Boot2 n. to boot as well, in addition. [old english]
Bootblack n. Us person who polishes boots and shoes.
Bootee n. Baby’s soft shoe.
Booth n. 1 small temporary structure used esp. As a market stall. 2 enclosure for telephoning, voting, etc. 3 cubicle in a restaurant etc. [old norse]
Bootleg —adj. (esp. Of alcohol) smuggled, illicit. —v. (-gg-) illicitly make or deal in (alcohol etc.). bootlegger n.
Bootlicker n. Colloq. Toady.
Boots n. Hotel servant who cleans shoes etc.
Bootstrap n. Loop used to pull a boot on. pull oneself up by one’s bootstraps better oneself.
Booty n. 1 loot, spoil. 2 colloq. Prize or gain. [german]
Boozer n. Colloq. 1 habitual drinker. 2 public house.
Booze-up n. Slang drinking bout.
Bop1 colloq. —n. 1 a spell of dancing, esp. To pop music. B social occasion for this. 2 = *bebop. —v. (-pp-) dance, esp. To pop music. bopper n. [abbreviation]
Bop2 colloq. —v. (-pp-) hit or punch, esp. Lightly. —n. Esp. Light blow or hit. [imitative]
Boracic adj. Of borax.
Boracic acid n. = *boric acid.
Borage n. Plant with leaves used as flavouring. [french ultimately from arabic]
Borax n. Salt used in making glass and china, and as an antiseptic. [french ultimately from persian]
Bordeaux n. (pl. Same) wine (esp. Red) from the bordeaux district in sw france.
Border —n. 1 edge or boundary, or the part near it. 2 a line or region separating two countries. B (the border) boundary between scotland and england (usu. The borders), or n. Ireland and the irish republic. 3 esp. Ornamental strip round an edge. 4 long narrow flower-bed (herbaceous border). —v. 1 be a border to. 2 provide with a border. 3 (usu. Foll. By on, upon) a adjoin; come close to being. B resemble. [french from germanic: related to *board]
Border collie n. Sheepdog of the north country.
Borderer n. Person living near a border.
Borderland n. 1 district near a border. 2 condition between two extremes. 3 area for debate.
Borderline —n. 1 line dividing two conditions. 2 line marking a boundary. — adj. 1 on the borderline. 2 barely acceptable.
Border terrier n. Small rough-haired terrier.
Bore1 —v. (-ring) 1 make (a hole), esp. With a revolving tool. 2 make a hole in, hollow out. —n. 1 hollow of a firearm barrel or of a cylinder in an internal-combustion engine. 2 diameter of this. 3 deep hole made esp. To find water. [old english]
Bore2 —n. Tiresome or dull person or thing. —v. (-ring) weary by tedious talk or dullness. bored adj. Boring adj. [origin unknown]
or dullness. bored adj. Boring adj. [origin unknown]
Bore3 n. High tidal wave in an estuary. [scandinavian]
Bore4 past of *bear1.
Boredom n. State of being bored. [from *bore2]
Boric acid n. Acid derived from borax, used as an antiseptic.
Born adj. 1 existing as a result of birth. 2 a of natural ability or quality (a born leader). B (usu. Foll. By to + infin.) Destined (born lucky; born to be king). 3 (in comb.) Of a certain status by birth (french-born; well-born). [past part. Of *bear1]
Born-again attrib. Adj. Converted (esp. To fundamentalist christianity).
Borne past part. Of *bear1. —adj. (in comb.) Carried by (airborne).
Boron n. Non-metallic usu. Crystalline element. [from *borax, after carbon]
Borough n. 1 a town represented in the house of commons. B town or district granted the status of a borough. 2 hist. Town with a municipal corporation conferred by a royal charter. [old english]
conferred by a royal charter. [old english]
Borrow v. 1 a acquire temporarily, promising or intending to return. B obtain money thus. 2 use (another’s idea, invention, etc.); plagiarize. borrower n. [old english]
Borstal n. Hist. Residential institution for youth custody. [borstal in kent]
Usage this term has now been replaced by detention centre and youth custody centre.
Bortsch n. Russian soup of beetroot, cabbage, etc. [russian]
Borzoi n. Large silky-coated dog. [russian, = swift]
Bosh n. & int. Slang nonsense. [turkish, = empty]
Bosom n. 1 a person’s (esp. Woman’s) breast. B colloq. Each of a woman’s breasts. C enclosure formed by the breast and arms. 2 emotional centre (bosom of one’s family). [old english]
Bosom friend n. Intimate friend.
Boss1 colloq. —n. Employer, manager, or supervisor. —v. (usu. Foll. By about, around) give orders to; order about. [dutch baas]
Boss2 n. 1 round knob, stud, etc., esp. On the centre of a shield. 2 archit. Ornamental carving etc. At the junction of the ribs in a vault. [french]
Bossa nova n. 1 dance like the samba. 2 music for this. [portuguese, = new flair]
Boss-eyed adj. Colloq. 1 cross-eyed; blind in one eye. 2 crooked. [boss = bad shot, origin unknown]
Bossy adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Domineering. bossiness n.
Bosun (also bo’sun) var. Of *boatswain.
Botany n. The study of plants. botanic adj. Botanical adj. Botanist n. [greek botane plant]
Botch (also bodge) —v. 1 bungle; do badly. 2 patch clumsily. —n. Bungled or spoilt work. [origin unknown]
Both —adj. & pron. The two, not only one (both boys; both the boys; both of the boys; i like both). —adv. With equal truth in two cases (is both hot and dry). [old norse]
Bother —v. 1 trouble; worry, disturb. 2 (often foll. By about, with, or to + infin.) Take the time or trouble (didn’t bother to tell me; shan’t bother with dessert). —
Take the time or trouble (didn’t bother to tell me; shan’t bother with dessert). — n. 1 a person or thing that bothers. B minor nuisance. 2 trouble, worry. —int. Expressing irritation. [irish bodhraim deafen]
Botheration n. & int. Colloq. = *bother n., int.
Bothersome adj. Causing bother.
Bottle —n. 1 container, esp. Glass or plastic, for storing liquid. 2 amount filling it. 3 baby’s feeding-bottle. 4 = hot-water bottle. 5 metal cylinder for liquefied gas. 6 slang courage. —v. (-ling) 1 put into, or preserve in, bottles or jars. 2 (foll. By up) conceal or restrain (esp. A feeling). hit the bottle slang drink heavily. [medieval latin: related to butt4]
Bottle bank n. Place for depositing bottles for recycling.
Bottle-feed v. Feed (a baby) from a bottle as opposed to the breast.
Bottle green adj. & n. (as adj. Often hyphenated) dark green.
Bottleneck n. 1 narrow congested area, esp. On a road. 2 impeding thing.
Bottlenose dolphin n. Dolphin with a bottle-shaped snout.
Bottle party n. Party to which guests bring bottles of drink.
Bottom —n. 1 a lowest point or part. B base. C underneath part. D furthest or inmost part. 2 colloq. A buttocks. B seat of a chair etc. 3 a less honourable end of a table, class, etc. B person occupying this (he’s bottom of the class). 4 ground below water. 5 basis or origin. 6 essential character. —adj. Lowest, last. —v. 1 put a bottom to (a chair etc.). 2 find the extent of. 3 touch the bottom or lowest point (of). at bottom basically. Be at the bottom of have caused. Bottom out reach the lowest level. Get to the bottom of fully investigate and explain. [old english]
Bottom drawer n. Linen etc. Stored by a woman for marriage.
Bottomless adj. 1 without a bottom. 2 inexhaustible.
Bottom line n. Colloq. Underlying truth; ultimate, esp. Financial, criterion.
Botulism n. Poisoning caused by a bacillus in badly preserved food. [latin botulus sausage]
Bouclé n. 1 looped or curled yarn (esp. Wool). 2 fabric made of this. [french, = curled]
Boudoir n. Woman’s private room. [french bouder sulk]
Bouffant adj. (of a dress, hair, etc.) Puffed out. [french]
Bouffant adj. (of a dress, hair, etc.) Puffed out. [french]
Bougainvillaea n. Tropical plant with large coloured bracts. [bougainville, name of a navigator]
Bough n. Main branch of a tree. [old english]
Bought past and past part. Of *buy.
Bouillon n. Clear broth. [french bouillir to boil]
Boulder n. Large smooth rock. [scandinavian]
Boule n. (also boules pronunc. Same) french form of bowls played on rough ground. [french]
Boulevard n. 1 broad tree-lined avenue. 2 esp. Us broad main road. [french from german]
Boult var. Of *bolt2.
Boult var. Of *bolt2.
Bounce —v. (-cing) 1 (cause to) rebound. 2 slang (of a cheque) be returned by a
Bounce —v. (-cing) 1 (cause to) rebound. 2 slang (of a cheque) be returned by a bank when there are no funds to meet it. 3 (foll. By about, up, in, out, etc.) Jump, move, or rush boisterously. —n. 1 a rebound. B power of rebounding. 2 colloq. A swagger, self-confidence. B liveliness. bounce back recover well after a setback. bouncy adj. (-ier, -iest). [imitative]
Bouncer n. 1 slang doorman ejecting troublemakers from a dancehall, club, etc. 2 = *bumper 3.
Bouncing adj. (esp. Of a baby) big and healthy.
Bound1 —v. 1 spring, leap. 2 (of a ball etc.) Bounce. —n. 1 springy leap. 2 bounce. [french bondir from latin bombus hum]
Bound2 —n. (usu. In pl.) 1 limitation; restriction. 2 border, boundary. —v. 1 limit. 2 be the boundary of. out of bounds outside a permitted area. [french from medieval latin]
Bound3 adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By for) starting or having started (bound for stardom). 2 (in comb.) In a specified direction (northbound). [old norse, = ready]
Bound4 past and past part. Of *bind. bound to certain to (he’s bound to come). Bound up with closely associated with.
Boundary n. (pl. -ies) 1 line marking the limits of an area etc. 2 cricket hit crossing the limits of the field, scoring 4 or 6 runs. [related to *bound2]
Bounden duty n. Formal solemn responsibility. [archaic past part. Of *bind]
Bounder n. Colloq. Cad.
Boundless adj. Unlimited.
Bounteous adj. Poet. = *bountiful. [french: related to *bounty]
Bountiful adj. 1 generous. 2 ample.
Bounty n. (pl. -ies) 1 generosity. 2 reward, esp. From the state. 3 gift. [french from latin bonus good]
Bouquet n. 1 bunch of flowers, esp. Professionally arranged. 2 scent of wine etc. 3 compliment. [french bois wood]
Bouquet garni n. (pl. Bouquets garnis) bunch or bag of herbs for seasoning.
Bourbon n. Us whisky from maize and rye. [bourbon county, kentucky]
Bourgeois often derog. —adj. 1 a conventionally middle-class. B materialistic. 2 capitalist. —n. (pl. Same) bourgeois person. [french]
capitalist. —n. (pl. Same) bourgeois person. [french]
Bourgeoisie n. 1 capitalist class. 2 middle class. [french]
Bourn n. Small stream. [var. Of *burn2]
Bourse n. 1 (bourse) paris stock exchange. 2 money-market. [french: related to *purse]
Bout n. 1 (often foll. By of) a spell (of work or activity). B attack (bout of flu). 2 wrestling-or boxing-match. [obsolete bought bending]
Boutique n. Small shop selling esp. Fashionable clothes. [french]
Bouzouki n. (pl. -s) greek form of mandolin. [modern greek]
Bow1 —n. 1 a slip-knot with a double loop. B ribbon etc. So tied. 2 curved piece of wood etc. With a string stretched across its ends, for shooting arrows. 3 rod with horsehair stretched along its length, for playing the violin etc. 4 shallow curve or bend; thing of this form. —v. (also absol.) Use a bow on (a violin etc.).
[old english]
Bow2 —v. 1 incline the head or body, esp. In greeting or acknowledgement. 2 submit (bowed to the inevitable). 3 cause (the head etc.) To incline. —n. Act of bowing. bow and scrape toady. Bow down 1 bend or kneel esp. In submission or reverence. 2 make stoop; crush (bowed down by care). Bow out 1 exit (esp. Formally). 2 withdraw; retire. Take a bow acknowledge applause. [old english]
Bow3 n. 1 (often in pl.) Front end of a boat. 2 rower nearest this. [low german or dutch: related to *bough]
Bowdlerize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) expurgate (a book etc.). bowdlerization n. [bowdler, name of an expurgator of shakespeare]
Bowel n. 1 (often in pl.) = *intestine. 2 (in pl.) Innermost parts. [latin botulus sausage]
Bowerbird n. Australasian bird, the male of which constructs elaborate runs.
Bowie n. (in full bowie knife) a kind of long hunting-knife. [bowie, name of an american soldier]
Bowl1 n. 1 a usu. Round deep basin for food or liquid. B contents of a bowl. 2 hollow part of a tobacco-pipe, spoon, etc. bowlful n. (pl. -s). [old english]
Bowl2 —n. 1 hard heavy ball, made with a bias to run in a curve. 2 (in pl.; usu. Treated as sing.) Game played with these on grass. 3 spell or turn of bowling in cricket. —v. 1 a roll (a ball etc.). B play bowls. 2 (also absol.) Cricket etc. A deliver (a ball, over, etc.). B (often foll. By out) dismiss (a batsman) by knocking down the wicket with a ball. 3 (often foll. By along) go along rapidly. bowl out cricket etc. Dismiss (a batsman or a side). Bowl over 1 knock down. 2 colloq. Impress greatly, overwhelm. [latin bulla bubble]
Bow-legs n.pl. Bandy legs. bow-legged adj.
Bowler1 n. 1 cricket etc. Player who bowls. 2 bowls-player.
Bowler2 n. (in full bowler hat) man’s hard round felt hat. [bowler, name of a hatter]
Bowline n. 1 rope from a ship’s bow keeping the sail taut against the wind. 2 knot forming a non-slipping loop at the end of a rope.
Bowling n. The game of skittles, tenpin bowling, or bowls.
Bowling-alley n. 1 long enclosure for skittles or tenpin bowling. 2 building with these.
Bowling-green n. Lawn for playing bowls.
Bowman n. Archer.
Bowsprit n. Spar running forward from a ship’s bow.
Bowstring n. String of an archer’s bow.
Bow-tie n. Necktie in the form of a bow.
Bow-window n. Curved bay window.
Bow-wow —int. Imitation of a dog’s bark. —n. Colloq. Dog. [imitative]
Box1 —n. 1 container, usu. Flat-sided and firm. 2 amount contained in a box. 3 compartment, e.g. In a theatre or lawcourt. 4 receptacle or kiosk for a special purpose (often in comb.: money box; telephone box). 5 facility at a newspaper office for receiving replies to an advertisement. 6 (prec. By the) colloq. Television. 7 enclosed area or space. 8 area of print enclosed by a border. 9 light shield for the genitals in cricket etc. 10 (prec. By the) football colloq. Penalty area. —v. 1 put in or provide with a box. 2 (foll. By in, up) confine. [latin buxis: related to *box3]
Box2 —v. 1 a take part in boxing. B fight (an opponent) at boxing. 2 slap (esp. A person’s ears). —n. Hard slap, esp. On the ears. [origin unknown]
Box3 n. 1 small evergreen tree with dark green leaves. 2 its fine hard wood. [latin buxus, greek puxos]
Box and cox n. Two people sharing accommodation etc. In shifts. [names of characters in a play (1847)]
Box camera n. Simple box-shaped camera.
Boxer n. 1 person who boxes, esp. As a sport. 2 medium-size short-haired dog with a puglike face.
Boxer shorts n.pl. Men’s loose underpants like shorts.
Box girder n. Hollow girder square in cross-section.
Boxing n. Fighting with the fists, esp. As a sport.
Boxing day n. First weekday after christmas. [from *box1, from the custom of giving christmas-boxes]
Boxing glove n. Each of a pair of heavily padded gloves worn in boxing.
Box junction n. Road area marked with a yellow grid, which a vehicle should enter only if its exit is clear.
enter only if its exit is clear.
Box number n. Number for replies to a private advertisement in a newspaper.
Box office n. Ticket-office at a theatre etc.
Box pleat n. Arrangement of parallel pleats folding in alternate directions.
Boxroom n. Small room for storing boxes, cases, etc.
Box spring n. Each of a set of vertical springs in a frame, e.g. In a mattress.
Boxwood n. = *box3 2.
Boxy adj. (-ier, -iest) cramped.
Boy —n. 1 male child, son. 2 young man. 3 male servant etc. —int. Expressing pleasure, surprise, etc. boyhood n. Boyish adj. [origin uncertain]
Boycott —v. 1 refuse to have social or commercial relations with (a person, country, etc.). 2 refuse to handle (goods). —n. Such a refusal. [capt. Boycott, so treated from 1880]
Boyfriend n. Person’s regular male companion or lover.
Boyo n. (pl. -s) welsh & ir. Colloq. (esp. As a form of address) boy, mate.
Boy scout n. = *scout n. 4.
Bp abbr. 1 boiling-point. 2 blood pressure. 3 before the present (era). 4 british petroleum. 5 british pharmacopoeia.
Bq abbr. Becquerel.
Br abbr. British rail.
Br symb. Bromine.
Bra n. Undergarment worn by women to support the breasts. [abbreviation]
Brace —n. 1 device that clamps or fastens tightly. 2 timber etc. Strengthening a framework. 3 (in pl.) Straps supporting trousers from the shoulders. 4 wire device for straightening the teeth. 5 (pl. Same) pair (esp. Of game). 6 rope for trimming a sail. 7 connecting mark { or } in printing. —v. (-cing) 1 make steady by supporting. 2 fasten tightly to make firm. 3 (esp. As bracing adj.) Invigorate, refresh. 4 (often refl.) Prepare for a difficulty, shock, etc. [latin bracchia arms]
Brace and bit n. Revolving tool for boring, with a d-shaped central handle.
Bracelet n. 1 ornamental band or chain worn on the wrist or arm. 2 slang handcuff.
Brachiosaurus n. (pl. -ruses) plant-eating dinosaur with forelegs longer than its hind legs. [latin from greek brakhion arm, sauros lizard]
Bracken n. 1 large coarse fern. 2 mass of these. [old norse]
Bracket —n. 1 (esp. Angled) support projecting from a vertical surface. 2 shelf fixed to a wall with this. 3 each of a pair of marks () [] {} enclosing words or figures. 4 group or classification (income bracket). —v. (-t-) 1 enclose in brackets. 2 group or classify together. [latin bracae breeches]
Brackish adj. (of water etc.) Slightly salty. [low german or dutch]
Bract n. Leaflike and often brightly coloured part of a plant, growing before the flower. [latin bractea thin sheet]
Brad n. Thin flat nail with a head on only one side. [old norse]
Bradawl n. Small pointed tool for boring holes by hand.
Brae n. Scot. Hillside. [old norse]
Brag —v. (-gg-) talk boastfully. —n. 1 card-game like poker. 2 boastful statement or talk. [origin unknown]
Braggart —n. Boastful person. —adj. Boastful.
Brahma n. 1 hindu creator. 2 supreme divine hindu reality. [sanskrit, = creator]
Brahman n. (also brahman) (pl. -s) 1 (also brahmin) member of the highest or priestly hindu caste. 2 = *brahma 2. brahmanic adj. Brahmanism n.
Braid —n. 1 woven band as edging or trimming. 2 us plait of hair. —v. 1 us plait. 2 trim with braid. braiding n. [old english]
Braille —n. System of writing and printing for the blind, with patterns of raised dots. —v. (-ling) print or transcribe in braille. [braille, name of its inventor]
Brain —n. 1 organ of soft nervous tissue in the skull of vertebrates, the centre of sensation and of intellectual and nervous activity. 2 a colloq. Intelligent person. B (often in pl.) Intelligence. 3 (usu. In pl.; prec. By the) colloq. Cleverest person in a group; mastermind. 4 electronic device functioning like a brain. —v. 1 dash out the brains of. 2 colloq. Strike hard on the head. on the brain colloq. Obsessively in one’s thoughts. [old english]
Brainchild n. Colloq. Person’s clever idea or invention.
Brain death n. Irreversible brain damage causing the end of independent respiration, regarded as indicative of death. brain-dead adj.
Brain drain n. Colloq. Loss of skilled personnel by emigration.
Brainless adj. Foolish.
Brainpower n. Mental ability or intelligence.
Brainstorm n. 1 sudden mental disturbance. 2 colloq. Mental lapse. 3 us brainwave. 4 pooling of spontaneous ideas about a problem etc. brainstorming n. (in sense 4).
Brains trust n. Group of experts answering questions, usu. Publicly and impromptu.
Brainwash v. Implant ideas or esp. Ideology into (a person) by repetition etc. brainwashing n.
Brainwave n. 1 (usu. In pl.) Electrical impulse in the brain. 2 colloq. Sudden bright idea.
Brainy adj. (-ier, -iest) intellectually clever.
Braise v. (-sing) stew slowly with a little liquid in a closed container. [french braise live coals]
Brake1 —n. 1 (often in pl.) Device for stopping or slowing a wheel, vehicle, etc. 2 thing that impedes. —v. (-king) 1 apply a brake. 2 slow or stop with a brake. [probably obsolete brake = curb]
Brake2 n. Large estate car. [var. Of *break]
Brake3 —n. 1 toothed instrument for crushing flax and hemp. 2 (in full brake harrow) heavy harrow. —v. (-king) crush (flax or hemp). [low german or dutch: related to *break]
Brake4 n. Thicket or clump of brushwood. [old english]
Brake drum n. Cylinder attached to a wheel, on which the brake shoes press to brake.
Brake horsepower n. Power of an engine measured by the force needed to brake it.
Brake lining n. Strip of fabric increasing the friction of a brake shoe.
Brake shoe n. Long curved block which presses on a brake drum to brake.
Bramble n. Wild thorny shrub, esp. The blackberry. brambly adj. [old english]
Brambling n. The speckled finch. [german: related to *bramble]
Bran n. Grain husks separated from flour. [french]
Branch —n. 1 limb of a tree or bough. 2 lateral extension or subdivision, esp. Of a river, road, or railway. 3 subdivision of a family, knowledge, etc. 4 local office etc. Of a large business. —v. (often foll. By off) 1 diverge. 2 divide into branches. branch out extend one’s field of interest. [latin branca paw]
Brand —n. 1 a particular make of goods. B identifying trade mark, label, etc. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) characteristic kind (brand of humour). 3 identifying mark burned esp. On livestock. 4 iron used for this. 5 piece of burning or charred wood. 6 stigma; mark of disgrace. 7 poet. Torch. —v. 1 mark with a hot iron. 2 stigmatize (branded him a liar). 3 impress unforgettably. 4 assign a trademark etc. To. [old english]
Brandish v. Wave or flourish as a threat or display. [french from germanic]
Brand-new adj. Completely new.
Brandy n. (pl. -ies) strong alcoholic spirit distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice. [dutch brandewijn]
Brandy butter n. Mixture of brandy, butter, and sugar.
Brandy-snap n. Crisp rolled gingerbread wafer usu. Filled with cream.
Bran-tub n. Lucky dip with prizes hidden in bran.
Brash adj. Vulgarly self-assertive; impudent. brashly adv. Brashness n. [dial.]
Brass —n. 1 yellow alloy of copper and zinc. 2 brass objects collectively. 3 brass wind instruments. 4 slang money. 5 brass memorial tablet. 6 colloq. Effrontery. —adj. Made of brass. brassed off slang fed up. [old english]
Brass band n. Band of brass instruments.
Brasserie n. Restaurant, orig. One serving beer with food. [french brasser brew]
Brassica n. Plant of the cabbage family. [latin, = cabbage]
Brassière n. = *bra. [french]
Brass monkey n. Coarse slang used in various phrases to indicate extreme cold.
Brass-rubbing n. 1 practice of taking impressions by rubbing heelball etc. Over paper laid on engraved brasses. 2 impression obtained by this.
Brass tacks n.pl. Slang essential details.
Brassy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of or like brass. 2 impudent. 3 vulgarly showy. 4 loud and blaring.
Brat n. Usu. Derog. Child, esp. An ill-behaved one. [origin unknown]
Bravado n. Show of boldness. [spanish]
Brave —adj. 1 able or ready to face and endure danger, disgrace, or pain. 2 formal splendid, spectacular. —n. American indian warrior. —v. (-ving) face bravely or defiantly. bravely adv. Braveness n. Bravery n. [ultimately latin barbarus barbarian]
Bravo —int. Expressing approval. —n. (pl. -s) cry of ‘bravo’. [french from italian]
Bravura n. 1 brilliance of execution. 2 (often attrib.) Passage of (esp. Vocal) music requiring brilliant technique. [italian]
Brawl —n. Noisy quarrel or fight. —v. 1 engage in a brawl. 2 (of a stream) run noisily. [provençal]
Brawn n. 1 muscular strength. 2 muscle; lean flesh. 3 jellied meat made from a pig’s head. brawny adj. (-ier, -iest). [french from germanic]
Bray —n. 1 cry of a donkey. 2 harsh sound like this. —v. 1 make a bray. 2 utter harshly. [french braire]
Braze v. (-zing) solder with an alloy of brass and zinc. [french braser]
Brazen —adj. 1 shameless; insolent. 2 of or like brass. 3 harsh in sound. —v. (foll. By out) face or undergo defiantly (brazen it out). brazenly adv. [old english]
Brazier1 n. Metal pan or stand holding burning coals etc. [french: related to *braise]
Brazier2 n. Worker in brass. [probably from *brass]
Brazil n. 1 tall s. American tree. 2 (in full brazil nut) its large three-sided nut. [brazil in s. America]
Breach —n. 1 (often foll. By of) breaking or non-observation of a law, contract, etc. 2 breaking of relations; quarrel. 3 opening, gap. —v. 1 break through; make a gap in. 2 break (a law, contract, etc.). step into the breach help in a crisis, esp. As a replacement. [germanic: related to *break]
Breach of promise n. Breaking of a promise, esp. To marry.
Breach of the peace n. Crime of causing a public disturbance.
Bread —n. 1 baked dough of flour and water, usu. Leavened with yeast. 2 necessary food. 3 slang money. —v. Coat with breadcrumbs for cooking. [old english]
Bread and butter —n. One’s livelihood. —attrib. Adj. (bread-and-butter) done or produced to earn a basic living.
Breadboard n. 1 board for cutting bread on. 2 board for making an experimental model of an electric circuit.
Breadcrumb n. Small fragment of bread, esp. (in pl.) For use in cooking.
Breadfruit n. 1 fruit which resembles new bread when roasted. 2 tropical evergreen tree bearing it.
Breadline n. Subsistence level (esp. On the breadline).
Bread sauce n. White sauce thickened with breadcrumbs.
Breadth n. 1 distance or measurement from side to side of a thing. 2 freedom from prejudice or intolerance. [old english: related to *broad]
Breadwinner n. Person who works to support a family.
Break —v. (past broke; past part. Broken) 1 a separate into pieces under a blow or strain; shatter. B make or become inoperative. C break a bone in or dislocate (part of the body). 2 a interrupt (broke our journey). B have an interval (broke for tea). 3 fail to keep (a law, promise, etc.). 4 a make or become subdued or weak; (cause to) yield; destroy. B weaken the effect of (a fall, blow, etc.). C = break in 3c. 5 surpass (a record). 6 (foll. By with) end a friendship with (a person etc.). 7 a be no longer subject to (a habit). B (foll. By of) free (a person) from a habit (broke them of their addiction). 8 reveal or be revealed (broke the news; story broke). 9 a (of fine weather) change suddenly. B (of waves) curl over and foam. C (of the day) dawn. D (of clouds) move apart. E (of a storm) begin violently. 10 electr. Disconnect (a circuit). 11 a (of the voice) change with emotion. B (of a boy’s voice) change at puberty. 12 a (often foll. By up) divide (a set etc.). B change (a banknote etc.) For coins. 13 ruin financially (see also *broke adj.). 14 penetrate (e.g. A safe) by force. 15 decipher (a code). 16 make (a way, path, etc.) By force. 17 burst forth (sun broke through). 18 a (of troops) disperse in confusion. B rupture (ranks). 19 a (usu. Foll.
Breakable —adj. Easily broken. —n. (esp. In pl.) Breakable thing.
Breakage n. 1 a broken thing. B damage caused by breaking. 2 act or instance of breaking.
Breakaway n. (often attrib.) Breaking away; secession (breakaway group).
Break-dancing n. Acrobatic style of street-dancing.
Breakdown n. 1 a mechanical failure. B loss of (esp. Mental) health. 2 collapse (breakdown of communication). 3 analysis (of statistics etc.).
Breaker n. 1 heavy breaking wave. 2 person or thing that breaks something, esp. Disused machinery.
Breakfast —n. First meal of the day. —v. Have breakfast.
Breakin n. Illegal forced entry, esp. With criminal intent.
Breaking and entering n. (formerly) the illegal entering of a building with intent to commit a felony.
Breakthrough n. 1 major advance or discovery. 2 act of breaking through an obstacle etc.
Breakup n. 1 disintegration or collapse. 2 dispersal.
Breakwater n. Barrier breaking the force of waves.
Bream n. (pl. Same) 1 yellowish arch-backed freshwater fish. 2 (in full sea bream) similar marine fish. [french from germanic]
Breast —n. 1 a either of two milk-secreting organs on a woman’s chest. B corresponding part of a man’s body. 2 a chest. B corresponding part of an animal. 3 part of a garment that covers the breast. 4 breast as a source of nourishment or emotion. —v. 1 contend with. 2 reach the top of (a hill). make a clean breast of confess fully. [old english]
Breastbone n. Thin flat vertical bone in the chest between the ribs.
Breast-feed v. Feed (a baby) from the breast.
Breastplate n. Armour covering the breast.
Breast-stroke n. Swimming stroke made by extending both arms forward and sweeping them back.
Breastwork n. Low temporary defence or parapet.
Breath n. 1 a air drawn into or expelled from the lungs. B one respiration of air. C breath as perceived by the senses. 2 a slight movement of air. B whiff (of perfume etc.). 3 whisper, murmur (esp. Of scandal). catch one’s breath 1 cease breathing momentarily in surprise etc. 2 rest to restore normal breathing. Hold one’s breath cease breathing temporarily. Out of breath gasping for air, esp. After exercise. Take one’s breath away surprise, delight, etc. Under one’s breath in a whisper. [old english]
Breathalyser n. (also -lyzer) propr. Instrument for measuring alcohol levels in the breath exhaled into it. breathalyse v. (also -lyze) (-sing or -zing). [from breath, analyse]
Breathe v. (-thing) 1 draw air into and expel it from the lungs. 2 be or seem alive. 3 a utter or sound (esp. Quietly). B express (breathed defiance). 4 pause. 5 send out or take in (as if) with the breath (breathed new life into them; breathed whisky). 6 (of wine etc.) Be exposed to the air. breathe again (or freely) feel relief.
Breather n. 1 colloq. Brief pause for rest. 2 brief period in the fresh air.
Breathing-space n. Time to recover; pause.
Breathless adj. 1 panting, out of breath. 2 holding the breath. 3 still, windless. breathlessly adv.
Breech n. Back part of a rifle or gun barrel. [old english]
Breech birth n. (also breech delivery) delivery of a baby with the buttocks or feet foremost.
Breeches n.pl. Short trousers, esp. Fastened below the knee.
Breeches buoy n. Lifebuoy with canvas breeches for the user’s legs.
Breed —v. (past and past part. Bred) 1 (of animals) produce young. 2 propagate; raise (animals). 3 yield; result in. 4 arise; spread. 5 bring up; train. 6 create (fissile material) by nuclear reaction. —n. 1 stock of similar animals or plants within a species, usu. Developed by deliberate selection. 2 race; lineage. 3 sort, kind. breeder n. [old english]
Breeder reactor n. Nuclear reactor creating surplus fissile material.
Breeding n. 1 raising of offspring; propagation. 2 social behaviour; ancestry.
Bren n. (in full bren gun) lightweight quick-firing machine-gun. [brno in czechoslovakia, enfield in england]
Brent n. (in full brent-goose) small migratory goose. [origin unknown]
Brethren see *brother.
Breton —n. 1 native of brittany. 2 celtic language of brittany. —adj. Of brittany, its people, or language. [french, = *briton]
Breve n. 1 mus. Note twice the length of a semibreve. 2 mark ( ) indicating a short or unstressed vowel. [var. Of *brief]
Breviary n. (pl. -ies) book containing the roman catholic daily office. [latin: related to *brief]
related to *brief]
Brevity n. 1 economy of expression; conciseness. 2 shortness (of time etc.). [anglo-french: related to *brief]
Brew —v. 1 a make (beer etc.) By infusion, boiling, and fermentation. B make (tea etc.) By infusion. 2 undergo these processes. 3 gather force; threaten (storm is brewing). 4 concoct (a plan etc.). —n. 1 liquid or amount brewed; concoction. 2 process of brewing. brew up make tea. brewer n. [old english]
Brewery n. (pl. -ies) factory for brewing beer etc.
Brew-up n. Instance of making tea.
Briar1 var. Of *brier1.
Briar2 var. Of *brier2.
Bribe —v. (-bing) (often foll. By to + infin.) Persuade to act improperly in one’s favour by a gift of money etc. —n. Money or services offered in bribing. bribery n. [french briber beg]
Bric-à-brac n. (also bric-a-brac) cheap ornaments, trinkets, etc. [french]
Brick —n. 1 a small usu. Rectangular block of fired or sun-dried clay used in
Brick —n. 1 a small usu. Rectangular block of fired or sun-dried clay used in building. B material of this. 2 child’s toy block. 3 brick-shaped thing. 4 slang generous or loyal person. —v. (foll. By in, up) close or block with brickwork. — adj. 1 built of brick (brick wall). 2 (also brick-red) dull red. [low german or dutch]
Brickbat n. 1 piece of brick, esp. As a missile. 2 insult.
Brickie n. Slang bricklayer.
Bricklayer n. Person who builds with bricks, esp. For a living. bricklaying n.
Brickwork n. Building or work in brick.
Brickyard n. Place where bricks are made.
Bridal adj. Of a bride or wedding. [old english]
Bride n. Woman on her wedding day and during the period just before and after it. [old english]
Bridegroom n. Man on his wedding day and during the period just before and after it. [old english]
Bridesmaid n. Girl or unmarried woman attending a bride at her wedding.
Bridge1 —n. 1 a structure providing a way across a river, road, railway, etc. B thing joining or connecting. 2 operational superstructure on a ship. 3 upper bony part of the nose. 4 piece of wood on a violin etc. Over which the strings are stretched. 5 = *bridgework. —v. (-ging) 1 be or make a bridge over. 2 reduce (a gap, deficiency, etc.). [old english]
Bridge2 n. Card-game derived from whist. [origin unknown]
Bridgehead n. Fortified position held on the enemy’s side of a river etc.
Bridge roll n. Small soft bread roll.
Bridgework n. Dentistry dental structure covering a gap, joined to the teeth on either side.
Bridging loan n. Loan to cover the interval between buying a house etc. And selling another.
Bridle —n. 1 headgear for controlling a horse, including reins and bit. 2 restraining thing. —v. (-ling) 1 put a bridle on. 2 curb, restrain. 3 (often foll. By up) express anger, offence, etc., esp. By throwing up the head and drawing in the chin. [old english]
Bridle-path n. (also bridle-way) rough path for riders or walkers.
Bridle-path n. (also bridle-way) rough path for riders or walkers.
Brie n. A kind of soft cheese. [brie in n. France]
Brief —adj. 1 of short duration. 2 concise; abrupt, brusque. 3 scanty (brief skirt). —n. 1 (in pl.) Short pants. 2 a summary of a case drawn up for counsel. B piece of work for a barrister. 3 instructions for a task. 4 papal letter on discipline. —v. 1 instruct (a barrister) by brief. 2 inform or instruct in advance. hold a brief for argue in favour of. In brief to sum up. briefly adv. Briefness n. [latin brevis short]
Briefcase n. Flat document case.
Brier1 n. (also briar) wild rose or other prickly bush. [old english]
Brier2 n. (also briar) 1 white heath of s. Europe. 2 tobacco pipe made from its root. [french bruyère]
Brig. Abbr. Brigadier.
Brig1 n. Two-masted square-rigged ship. [abbreviation of *brigantine]
Brig2 n. Scot. & n.engl. Bridge. [var. Of *bridge1]
Brigade n. 1 military unit, usu. Three battalions, as part of a division. 2 group organized for a special purpose. [italian briga strife]
organized for a special purpose. [italian briga strife]
Brigadier n. 1 officer commanding a brigade. 2 staff officer of similar standing.
Brigand n. Member of a robber band; bandit. brigandage n. [italian brigante: related to *brigade]
Brigantine n. Two-masted ship with a square-rigged foremast and a fore-and-aft rigged mainmast. [french or italian: related to *brigand]
Bright —adj. 1 emitting or reflecting much light; shining. 2 intense, vivid. 3 clever. 4 cheerful. —adv. Esp. Poet. Brightly. brightly adv. Brightness n. [old english]
Brighten v. Make or become brighter.
Bright’s disease n. Kidney disease. [bright, name of a physician]
Brill1 n. (pl. Same) european flat-fish. [origin unknown]
Brilliant —adj. 1 very bright; sparkling. 2 outstandingly talented. 3 showy. 4 colloq. Excellent. —n. Diamond of the finest cut with many facets. brilliance n. Brilliantly adv. [french briller shine, from italian]
Brilliantly adv. [french briller shine, from italian]
Brilliantine n. Dressing for making the hair glossy. [french: related to *brilliant]
Brim —n. 1 edge or lip of a vessel. 2 projecting edge of a hat. —v. (-mm-) fill or be full to the brim. brim over overflow. [origin unknown]
Brim-full adj. (also brimful) filled to the brim.
Brimstone n. Archaic sulphur. [from burn1, stone]
Brindled adj. (esp. Of domestic animals) brown or tawny with streaks of another colour. [scandinavian]
Brine n. 1 water saturated or strongly impregnated with salt. 2 sea water. [old english]
Bring v. (past and past part. Brought) 1 come carrying; lead, accompany; convey. 2 cause or result in (war brings misery). 3 be sold for; produce as income. 4 a prefer (a charge). B initiate (legal action). 5 cause to become or to reach a state (brings me alive; cannot bring myself to agree). 6 adduce (evidence, an argument, etc.). bring about cause to happen. Bring back call to mind. Bring down 1 cause to fall. 2 lower (a price). Bring forth 1 give birth to. 2 cause. Bring forward 1 move to an earlier time. 2 transfer from the previous page or account. 3 draw attention to. Bring home to cause to realize fully. Bring the house down receive rapturous applause. Bring in 1 introduce. 2 yield as income or profit. Bring off achieve successfully. Bring on cause to happen, appear, or make progress. Bring out 1 emphasize; make evident. 2 publish. Bring over convert to
progress. Bring out 1 emphasize; make evident. 2 publish. Bring over convert to one’s own side. Bring round 1 restore to consciousness. 2 persuade. Bring through aid (a person) through adversity, esp. Illness. Bring to restore to consciousness (brought him to). Bring up 1 rear (a child). 2 vomit. 3 call attention to. 4 (absol.) Stop suddenly. [old english]
Bring-and-buy sale n. Charity sale at which people bring items for sale and buy those brought by others.
Brink n. 1 extreme edge of land before a precipice, river, etc. 2 furthest point before danger, discovery, etc. on the brink of about to experience or suffer; in imminent danger of. [old norse]
Brinkmanship n. Pursuit (esp. Habitual) of danger etc. To the brink of catastrophe.
Briny —adj. (-ier, -iest) of brine or the sea; salty. —n. (prec. By the) slang the sea.
Briquette n. Block of compressed coal-dust as fuel. [french diminutive: related to *brick]
Brisk —adj. 1 quick, lively, keen (brisk pace, trade). 2 enlivening (brisk wind). —v. (often foll. By up) make or grow brisk. briskly adv. Briskness n. [probably french *brusque]
Brisket n. Animal’s breast, esp. As a joint of meat. [french]
Brisling n. Small herring or sprat. [norwegian and danish]
Bristle —n. Short stiff hair, esp. One on an animal’s back, used in brushes. —v. (-ling) 1 a (of hair) stand upright. B make (hair) do this. 2 show irritation. 3 (usu. Foll. By with) be covered or abundant (in). bristly adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Brit n. Colloq. British person. [abbreviation]
Britannia n. Personification of britain, esp. As a helmeted woman with shield and trident. [latin]
Britannia metal n. Silvery alloy of tin, antimony, and copper.
Britannic adj. (esp. In his or her britannic majesty) of britain.
Briticism n. Idiom used only in britain. [after gallicism]
British —adj. Of great britain, the british commonwealth, or their people. —n. (prec. By the; treated as pl.) The british people. [old english]
British english n. English as used in great britain.
British legion n. = *royal british legion.
British summer time n. = *summer time.
British thermal unit n. Amount of heat needed to raise 1 lb of water through one degree fahrenheit, equivalent to 1.055 x 103 joules.
Briton n. 1 inhabitant of s. Britain before the roman conquest. 2 native or inhabitant of great britain. [latin britto -onis]
Brittle adj. Hard and fragile; apt to break. brittlely adv. (also brittly). [old english]
Brittle-bone disease n. = *osteoporosis.
Broach —v. 1 raise for discussion. 2 pierce (a cask) to draw liquor. 3 open and start using. —n. 1 bit for boring. 2 roasting-spit. [latin broccus projecting]
Broad —adj. 1 large in extent from one side to the other; wide. 2 in breadth (two metres broad). 3 extensive (broad acres). 4 full and clear (broad daylight). 5 explicit (broad hint). 6 general (broad intentions, facts). 7 tolerant, liberal (broad view). 8 coarse (broad humour). 9 markedly regional (broad scots). —n. 1 broad part (broad of the back). 2 us slang woman. 3 (the broads) large areas of water in e. Anglia, formed where rivers widen. broadly adv. Broadness n. [old english]
Broad bean n. 1 bean with large edible flat seeds. 2 one such seed.
Broad bean n. 1 bean with large edible flat seeds. 2 one such seed.
Broadcast —v. (past and past part. Broadcast) 1 transmit by radio or television. 2 take part in such a transmission. 3 scatter (seed etc.). 4 disseminate (information) widely. —n. Radio or television programme or transmission. broadcaster n. Broadcasting n.
Broadcloth n. Fine cloth of wool, cotton, or silk.
Broaden v. Make or become broader.
Broad gauge n. Railway track with a wider than standard gauge.
Broad-leaved adj. (of a tree) deciduous and hard-timbered.
Broadloom adj. (esp. Of carpet) woven in broad widths.
Broad-minded adj. Tolerant, liberal.
Broadsheet n. 1 large-sized newspaper. 2 large sheet of paper printed on one side only.
Broadside n. 1 vigorous verbal attack. 2 simultaneous firing of all guns from one side of a ship. 3 side of a ship above the water between the bow and quarter.
side of a ship. 3 side of a ship above the water between the bow and quarter. broadside on sideways on.
Broadsword n. Broad-bladed sword, for cutting rather than thrusting.
Brocade —n. Rich fabric woven with a raised pattern. —v. (-ding) weave in this way. [italian brocco twisted thread]
Broccoli n. Brassica with greenish flower-heads. [italian]
Brochure n. Pamphlet or booklet, esp. With descriptive information. [french brocher stitch]
Broderie anglaise n. Open embroidery on white linen etc. [french, = english embroidery]
Brogue1 n. 1 strong outdoor shoe with ornamental perforations. 2 rough shoe of untanned leather. [gaelic and irish brog from old norse]
Brogue2 n. Marked accent, esp. Irish. [perhaps related to *brogue1]
Broil v. Esp. Us 1 grill (meat). 2 make or become very hot, esp. From the sun. [french bruler burn]
Broiler n. Young chicken for broiling or roasting.
Broke past of *break. —predic. Adj. Colloq. Having no money.
Broken past part. Of *break. —adj. 1 having been broken. 2 reduced to despair; beaten. 3 (of language) badly spoken, esp. By a foreigner. 4 interrupted (broken sleep).
Broken-down adj. 1 worn out by age, use, etc. 2 not functioning.
Broken-hearted adj. Overwhelmed with grief.
Broken home n. Family disrupted by divorce or separation.
Broker n. 1 agent; middleman. 2 member of the stock exchange dealing in stocks and shares. 3 official appointed to sell or appraise distrained goods. broking n. [anglo-french]
Usage in sense 2, brokers have officially been called broker-dealers in the uk since oct. 1986, and entitled to act as agents and principals in share dealings.
Brokerage n. Broker’s fee or commission.
Brolly n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Umbrella. [abbreviation]
Bromide n. 1 any binary compound of bromine. 2 trite remark. 3 reproduction or proof on paper coated with silver bromide emulsion.
Bromine n. Poisonous liquid element with a choking smell. [greek bromos stink]
Bronchial adj. Of the bronchi (see *bronchus) or of the smaller tubes into which they divide.
Bronchitis n. Inflammation of the mucous membrane in the bronchial tubes.
Bronchus n. (pl. -chi) either of the two main divisions of the windpipe. [latin from greek]
Bronco n. (pl. -s) wild or half-tamed horse of the western us. [spanish, = rough]
Brontosaurus n. (pl. -ruses) large plant-eating dinosaur with a long whiplike tail. [greek bronte thunder, sauros lizard]
Bronze —n. 1 alloy of copper and tin. 2 its brownish colour. 3 thing of bronze, esp. A sculpture. —adj. Made of or coloured like bronze. —v. (-zing) make or become brown; tan. [french from italian]
Bronze age n. Archaeol. Period when weapons and tools were usu. Made of bronze.
bronze.
Bronze medal n. Medal, usu. Awarded as third prize.
Brooch n. Ornamental hinged pin. [french broche: related to *broach]
Brood —n. 1 young of esp. A bird born or hatched at one time. 2 colloq. Children in a family. —v. 1 worry or ponder (esp. Resentfully). 2 (of a bird) sit on eggs to hatch them. [old english]
Broody adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of a hen) wanting to brood. 2 sullenly thoughtful. 3 colloq. (of a woman) wanting pregnancy.
Brook1 n. Small stream. [old english]
Brook2 v. (usu. With neg.) Literary tolerate, allow. [old english]
Broom n. 1 long-handled brush for sweeping. 2 shrub with bright yellow flowers. [old english]
Broomstick n. Handle of a broom.
Bros. Abbr. Brothers (esp. In the name of a firm).
Broth n. Thin soup of meat or fish stock. [old english]
Brothel n. Premises for prostitution. [originally = worthless fellow, from old english]
Brother n. 1 man or boy in relation to his siblings. 2 close male friend or associate. 3 (pl. Also brethren) a member of a male religious order, esp. A monk. B fellow christian etc. 4 fellow human being. brotherly adj. [old english]
Brother german see *german.
Brotherhood n. 1 relationship between brothers. 2 association of people with a common interest. 3 community of feeling between human beings.
Brother-in-law n. (pl. Brothers-in-law) 1 one’s wife’s or husband’s brother. 2 one’s sister’s or sister-in-law’s husband.
Brought past and past part. Of *bring.
Brouhaha n. Commotion; sensation. [french]
Brow n. 1 forehead. 2 eyebrow. 3 summit of a hill etc. 4 edge of a cliff etc. [old english]
Browbeat v. (past -beat; past part. -beaten) intimidate, bully.
Brown —adj. 1 having the colour of dark wood or rich soil. 2 dark-skinned or suntanned. 3 (of bread) made from wholemeal or wheatmeal flour. —n. 1 brown colour or pigment. 2 brown clothes or material. —v. Make or become brown. browned off colloq. Fed up, disheartened.
Brown bear n. Large n. American brown bear.
Brown coal n. = *lignite.
Brownie n. 1 (in full brownie guide) junior guide. 2 (brownie) small square of chocolate cake with nuts. 3 (brownie) benevolent elf.
Brownie point n. Colloq. Notional mark awarded for good conduct etc.
Browning n. Additive to colour gravy.
Brown owl n. 1 any of various owls, esp. The tawny owl. 2 (brown owl) adult leader of brownie guides.
Brown rice n. Unpolished rice.
Brown sugar n. Unrefined or partially refined sugar.
Brown sugar n. Unrefined or partially refined sugar.
Browse —v. (-sing) 1 read desultorily or look over goods for sale. 2 (often foll. By on) feed on leaves, twigs, etc. —n. 1 twigs, shoots, etc. As fodder. 2 act of browsing. [french brost bud]
Brucellosis n. Bacterial disease, esp. Of cattle. [sir d. Bruce, name of a physician]
Bruise —n. 1 discolouration of the skin caused esp. By a blow. 2 similar damage on a fruit etc. —v. (-sing) 1 a inflict a bruise on. B hurt mentally. 2 be susceptible to bruising. [originally = crush, from old english]
Bruiser n. Colloq. 1 large tough-looking person. 2 professional boxer.
Bruit v. (often foll. By abroad, about) spread (a report or rumour). [french, = noise]
Brunch n. Combined breakfast and lunch. [portmanteau word]
Brunette n. Woman with dark brown hair. [french diminutive]
Brunt n. Chief impact of an attack, task, etc. (esp. Bear the brunt of). [origin unknown]
Brush —n. 1 implement with bristles, hair, wire, etc. Set into a block, for cleaning, painting, arranging the hair, etc. 2 act of brushing. 3 (usu. Foll. By with) short esp. Unpleasant encounter. 4 fox’s bushy tail. 5 piece of carbon or metal as an electrical contact esp. With a moving part. 6 = *brushwood 2. —v. 1 sweep, scrub, treat, or tidy with a brush. 2 remove or apply with a brush. 3 graze in passing. brush aside dismiss curtly or lightly. Brush off dismiss abruptly. Brush up 1 clean up or smarten. 2 revise (a subject). [french]
Brush-off n. Abrupt dismissal.
Brush-up n. Act of brushing up.
Brushwood n. 1 undergrowth, thicket. 2 cut or broken twigs etc.
Brushwork n. 1 use of the brush in painting. 2 painter’s style in this.
Brusque adj. Abrupt or offhand. brusquely adv. Brusqueness n. [italian brusco sour]
Brussels sprout n. 1 brassica with small cabbage-like buds on a stem. 2 such a bud. [brussels in belgium]
Brutal adj. 1 savagely cruel. 2 harsh, merciless. brutality n. (pl. -ies). Brutally adv. [french: related to *brute]
Brutalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make brutal. 2 treat brutally.
Brute —n. 1 a brutal or violent person. B colloq. Unpleasant person or difficult thing. 2 animal. —attrib. Adj. 1 unthinking (brute force). 2 cruel; stupid; sensual. brutish adj. Brutishly adv. Brutishness n. [latin brutus stupid]
Bryony n. (pl. -ies) climbing plant with red berries. [latin from greek]
Bs abbr. 1 bachelor of surgery. 2 british standard(s).
B.sc. Abbr. Bachelor of science.
Bse abbr. Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, a usu. Fatal cattle disease.
Bsi abbr. British standards institution.
Bst abbr. 1 british summer time. 2 bovine somatotrophin, a growth hormone added to cattle-feed to boost milk production.
Bt abbr. British telecom.
Bt. Abbr. Baronet.
Bt. Abbr. Baronet.
B.th.u. Abbr. (also b.t.u., btu, b.th.u.) British thermal unit(s).
Bubble —n. 1 a thin sphere of liquid enclosing air etc. B air-filled cavity in a liquid or solidified liquid. 2 transparent domed canopy. 3 visionary or unrealistic project. —v. (-ling) 1 rise in or send up bubbles. 2 make the sound of boiling. bubble over (often foll. By with) be exuberant. [imitative]
Bubble and squeak n. Cooked cabbage etc. Fried with cooked potatoes.
Bubble bath n. Foaming preparation for adding to bath water.
Bubble car n. Small domed car.
Bubble gum n. Chewing-gum that can be blown into bubbles.
Bubbly —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 having or like bubbles. 2 exuberant. —n. Colloq. Champagne.
Bubo n. (pl. -es) inflamed swelling in the armpit or groin. [greek boubon groin]
Bubonic plague n. Contagious disease with buboes.
Buccaneer n. 1 pirate. 2 unscrupulous adventurer. buccaneering n. & adj.
Buccaneer n. 1 pirate. 2 unscrupulous adventurer. buccaneering n. & adj. [french]
Buck1 —n. 1 male deer, hare, rabbit, etc. 2 archaic dandy. 3 (attrib.) Slang male. —v. 1 (of a horse) jump upwards with its back arched. 2 (usu. Foll. By off) throw (a rider) in this way. 3 (usu. Foll. By up) colloq. A cheer up. B hurry up; make an effort. [old english]
Buck2 n. Us slang dollar. [origin unknown]
Buck3 n. Slang (in poker) article placed before the next dealer. pass the buck colloq. Shift responsibility (to another). [origin unknown]
Bucket —n. 1 a round open container with a handle, for carrying or drawing water etc. B amount contained in this. 2 (in pl.) Colloq. Large quantities, esp. Of rain or tears. 3 scoop in a water wheel, dredger, etc. —v. (-t-) colloq. 1 (often foll. By down) (esp. Of rain) pour heavily. 2 (often foll. By along) move or drive fast or bumpily. [anglo-french]
Bucket seat n. Seat with a rounded back for one person, esp. In a car.
Bucket-shop n. 1 unregistered broking agency. 2 colloq. Travel agency specializing in cheap air tickets.
Buckle —n. Clasp with a hinged pin for securing a belt, strap, etc. —v. (-ling) 1 (often foll. By up, on, etc.) Fasten with a buckle. 2 (often foll. By up) (cause to) crumple under pressure. buckle down make a determined effort. [latin buccula
cheek-strap]
Buckler n. Hist. Small round shield.
Buckram n. Coarse linen etc. Stiffened with paste etc. [french boquerant]
Buck’s fizz n. Cocktail of champagne and orange juice. [buck’s club in london]
Buckshee adj. & adv. Slang free of charge. [corruption of *baksheesh]
Buckshot n. Coarse lead shot.
Buckskin n. 1 leather from a buck’s skin. 2 thick smooth cotton or woollen cloth.
Buckthorn n. Thorny shrub with berries formerly used as a purgative.
Buck-tooth n. Upper projecting tooth.
Buckwheat n. Seed of a plant related to rhubarb, used to make flour, or as an alternative to rice. [dutch, = beech-wheat]
Bucolic —adj. Of shepherds; rustic, pastoral. —n. (usu. In pl.) Pastoral poem or
Bucolic —adj. Of shepherds; rustic, pastoral. —n. (usu. In pl.) Pastoral poem or poetry. [greek boukolos herdsman]
Bud —n. 1 a knoblike shoot from which a stem, leaf, or flower develops. B flower or leaf not fully open. 2 asexual outgrowth from an organism separating to form a new individual. —v. (-dd-) 1 form buds. 2 begin to grow or develop (budding artist). 3 graft a bud of (a plant) on to another. [origin unknown]
Buddha n. 1 title of the indian philosopher gautama (5th c. Bc) and his successors. 2 sculpture etc. Of buddha. [sanskrit, = enlightened]
Buddhism n. Asian religion or philosophy founded by gautama buddha. buddhist n. & adj.
Buddleia n. Shrub with fragrant flowers attractive to butterflies. [buddle, name of a botanist]
Buddy —n. (pl. -ies) esp. Us colloq. Friend or mate. [perhaps from *brother]
Budge v. (-ging) (usu. With neg.) 1 move slightly. 2 (cause to) change an opinion. budge up (or over) make room for another person by moving. [french bouger]
Budgerigar n. Small parrot, often kept as a cage-bird. [aboriginal]
Budget —n. 1 amount of money needed or available. 2 a (the budget) government’s annual estimate or plan of revenue and expenditure. B similar
estimate by a company etc. 3 (attrib.) Inexpensive. —v. (-t-) (often foll. By for) allow or arrange for in a budget. budgetary adj. [latin bulga bag]
Budgie n. Colloq. = *budgerigar. [abbreviation]
Buff —adj. Of a yellowish beige colour (buff envelope). —n. 1 this colour. 2 (in comb.) Colloq. Enthusiast (railway buff). 3 velvety dull-yellow ox-leather. —v. 1 polish (metal etc.). 2 make (leather) velvety. in the buff colloq. Naked. [originally = buffalo, from french buffle]
Buffalo n. (pl. Same or -es) 1 wild ox of africa or asia. 2 n. American bison. [greek boubalos ox]
Buffer1 n. 1 thing that deadens impact, esp. A device on a train or at the end of a track. 2 substance that maintains the constant acidity of a solution. 3 computing temporary memory area or queue for data. [imitative]
Buffer2 n. Slang silly or incompetent old man. [perhaps from *buffer1]
Buffer state n. Small state between two larger ones, regarded as reducing friction.
Buffet1 n. 1 room or counter where refreshments are sold. 2 self-service meal of several dishes set out at once. 3 also sideboard or recessed cupboard. [french, = stool]
Buffet2 —v. (-t-) 1 strike repeatedly. 2 contend with (waves etc.). —n. 1 blow, esp. Of the hand. 2 shock. [french diminutive of bufe blow]
Buffet car n. Railway coach serving refreshments.
Buffoon n. Clownish or stupid person. buffoonery n. [latin buffo clown]
Bug —n. 1 a any of various insects with mouthparts modified for piercing and sucking. B esp. Us small insect. 2 slang virus; infection. 3 slang concealed microphone. 4 slang error in a computer program or system etc. 5 slang obsession, enthusiasm, etc. —v. (-gg-) 1 slang conceal a microphone in. 2 slang annoy. [origin unknown]
Bugbear n. 1 cause of annoyance. 2 object of baseless fear. [bug = bogey]
Bugger coarse slang (except in sense 2 of n. And 3 of v.) —n. 1 a unpleasant or awkward person or thing. B person of a specified kind (clever bugger!). 2 person who commits buggery. —v. 1 as an exclamation of annoyance (bugger it!). 2 (often foll. By up) a ruin; spoil. B exhaust. 3 commit buggery with. —int. Expressing annoyance. bugger-all nothing. Bugger about (or around) (often foll. By with) mess about. Bugger off (often in imper.) Go away. [latin bulgarus bulgarian heretic]
Buggery n. 1 anal intercourse. 2 = *bestiality 2.
Buggy n. (pl. -ies) 1 small, sturdy, esp. Open, motor vehicle. 2 lightweight pushchair. 3 light, horse-drawn vehicle for one or two people. [origin unknown]
pushchair. 3 light, horse-drawn vehicle for one or two people. [origin unknown]
Bugle —n. Brass military instrument like a small trumpet. —v. (-ling) 1 sound a bugle. 2 sound (a call etc.) On a bugle. bugler n. [latin buculus young bull]
Bugloss n. Plant with bright blue tubular flowers, related to borage. [french buglosse from greek, = ox-tongued]
Build —v. (past and past part. Built) 1 construct or cause to be constructed. 2 a (often foll. By up) establish or develop (built the business up). B (often foll. By on) base (hopes, theories, etc.). 3 (as built adj.) Of specified build (sturdily built). —n. 1 physical proportions (slim build). 2 style of construction; make. build in incorporate. Build on add (an extension etc.). Build up 1 increase in size or strength. 2 praise; boost. 3 gradually become established. [old english]
Builder n. Person who builds, esp. A building contractor.
Building n. 1 permanent fixed structure e.g. A house, factory, or stable. 2 constructing of these.
Building society n. Public finance company paying interest to investors and lending capital for mortgages etc.
Build-up n. 1 favourable advance publicity. 2 gradual approach to a climax. 3 accumulation or increase.
Built past and past part. Of *build.
Built past and past part. Of *build.
Built-in adj. Integral.
Built-up adj. 1 (of a locality) densely developed. 2 increased in height etc. By addition. 3 made of prefabricated parts.
Bulb n. 1 a globular base of the stem of some plants, sending roots downwards and leaves upwards. B plant grown from this, e.g. A daffodil. 2 = *light-bulb. 3 object or part shaped like a bulb. [latin bulbus from greek, = onion]
Bulimia n. (in full bulimia nervosa) disorder in which overeating alternates with self-induced vomiting, fasting, etc. [greek bous ox, limos hunger]
Bulk —n. 1 a size; magnitude (esp. Large). B large mass, body, etc. C large quantity. 2 (treated as pl. & usu. Prec. By the) greater part or number (the bulk of the applicants are women). 3 roughage. —v. 1 seem (in size or importance) (bulks large). 2 make (a book etc.) Thicker etc. in bulk in large quantities. [old norse]
Bulk buying n. Buying in quantity at a discount.
Bulkhead n. Upright partition in a ship, aircraft, etc.
Bulky adj. (-ier, -iest) awkwardly large. bulkiness n.
Bull1 n. 1 a uncastrated male bovine animal. B male of the whale, elephant, etc. 2 (the bull) zodiacal sign or constellation taurus. 3 bull’s-eye of a target. 4 person who buys shares hoping to sell them at a profit. take the bull by the horns face danger or a challenge boldly. bullish adj. [old norse]
Bull2 n. Papal edict. [latin bulla seal]
Bull3 n. 1 slang a nonsense. B unnecessary routine tasks. 2 absurdly illogical statement. [origin unknown]
Bulldog n. 1 short-haired heavy-jowled sturdy dog. 2 tenacious and courageous person.
Bulldog clip n. Strong sprung clip for papers.
Bulldoze v. (-zing) 1 clear with a bulldozer. 2 colloq. A intimidate. B make (one’s way) forcibly.
Bulldozer n. Powerful tractor with a broad vertical blade at the front for clearing ground.
ground.
Bullet n. Small pointed missile fired from a rifle, revolver, etc. [french diminutive of boule ball]
Bulletin n. 1 short official news report. 2 society’s regular list of information etc. [italian diminutive: related to *bull2]
Bulletproof adj. Designed to protect from bullets.
Bullfight n. Public baiting, and usu. Killing, of bulls. bullfighter n. Bullfighting n.
Bullfinch n. Pink and black finch.
Bullfrog n. Large n. American frog with a booming croak.
Bull-headed n. Obstinate, blundering.
Bullion n. Gold or silver in bulk before coining, or valued by weight. [french: related to *boil1]
Bullock n. Castrated male of domestic cattle. [old english diminutive of *bull1]
Bullring n. Arena for bullfights.
Bull’s-eye n. 1 centre of a target. 2 hard minty sweet. 3 hemispherical ship’s window. 4 small circular window. 5 a hemispherical lens. B lantern with this. 6 boss of glass in a blown glass sheet.
Bullshit coarse slang —n. (often as int.) Nonsense; pretended knowledge. —v. (-tt-) talk nonsense or as if one has specialist knowledge (to). bullshitter n. [from *bull3]
Bull-terrier n. Cross between a bulldog and a terrier.
Bully1 —n. (pl. -ies) person coercing others by fear. —v. (-ies, -ied) persecute or oppress by force or threats. —int. (foll. By for) often iron. Expressing approval (bully for you). [dutch]
Bully2 (in full bully off) —n. (pl. -ies) start of play in hockey in which two opponents strike each other’s sticks three times and then go for the ball. —v. (-ies, -ied) start play in this way. [origin unknown]
Bully3 n. (in full bully beef) corned beef. [french: related to *boil1]
Bulrush n. 1 a kind of tall rush. 2 bibl. Papyrus. [perhaps from *bull1 = coarse + *rush2]
Bulwark n. 1 defensive wall, esp. Of earth. 2 protecting person or thing. 3 (usu. In pl.) Ship’s side above deck. [low german or dutch]
Bum1 n. Slang buttocks. [origin uncertain]
Bum2 us slang —n. Loafer or tramp; dissolute person. —v. (-mm-) 1 (often foll. By around) loaf or wander around. 2 cadge. —attrib. Adj. Of poor quality. [german bummler loafer]
Bum-bag n. Slang small pouch worn on a belt round the waist or hips.
Bumble v. (-ling) 1 (foll. By on) speak in a rambling way. 2 (often as bumbling adj.) Be inept; blunder. [from *boom1]
Bumble-bee n. Large bee with a loud hum.
Bumf n. Colloq. Usu. Derog. Papers, documents. [abbreviation of bum-fodder = toilet-paper]
Bump —n. 1 dull-sounding blow or collision. 2 swelling or dent so caused. 3 uneven patch on a road etc. 4 prominence on the skull thought to indicate a mental faculty. —v. 1 a hit or come against with a bump. B (often foll. By against, into) collide. 2 (often foll. By against, on) hurt or damage by striking (bumped my head, the car). 3 (usu. Foll. By along) move along with jolts. —adv. With a bump; suddenly; violently. bump into colloq. Meet by chance. Bump off slang murder. Bump up colloq. Increase (prices etc.). bumpy adj. (-ier, -iest).
[imitative]
Bumper n. 1 horizontal bar at the front or back of a motor vehicle, reducing damage in a collision. 2 (usu. Attrib.) Unusually large or fine example (bumper crop). 3 cricket ball rising high after pitching. 4 brim-full glass.
Bumper car n. = *dodgem.
Bumpkin n. Rustic or socially inept person. [dutch]
Bumptious adj. Offensively self-assertive or conceited. [from *bump, after fractious]
Bun n. 1 small sweet bread roll or cake, often with dried fruit. 2 hair coiled and pinned to the head. [origin unknown]
Bunch —n. 1 things gathered together. 2 collection; lot (best of the bunch). 3 colloq. Group; gang. —v. 1 make into a bunch; gather into close folds. 2 form into a group or crowd. [origin unknown]
Bundle —n. 1 things tied or fastened together. 2 set of nerve fibres etc. 3 slang large amount of money. —v. (-ling) 1 (usu. Foll. By up) tie or make into a bundle. 2 (usu. Foll. By into) throw or move carelessly. 3 (usu. Foll. By out, off, away, etc.) Send away hurriedly. be a bundle of nerves (or fun etc.) Be extremely nervous (or amusing etc.). Go a bundle on slang admire; like. [low german or dutch]
Bun fight n. Slang tea party.
Bung —n. Stopper, esp. For a cask. —v. 1 stop with a bung. 2 slang throw. bunged up blocked up. [dutch]
Bungalow n. One-storeyed house. [gujarati, = of bengal]
Bungee n. (in full bungee cord, rope) elasticated cord or rope used for securing baggage or in bungee jumping.
Bungee jumping n. Sport of jumping from a height while secured by a bungee from the ankles or a harness.
Bungle —v. (-ling) 1 mismanage or fail at (a task). 2 work badly or clumsily. — n. Bungled attempt or work. [imitative]
Bunion n. Swelling on the foot, esp. On the big toe. [french]
Bunk1 n. Shelflike bed against a wall, esp. In a ship. [origin unknown]
Bunk2 slang —v. (often foll. By off) play truant (from). —n. (in do a bunk) leave or abscond hurriedly. [origin unknown]
Bunk3 n. Slang nonsense, humbug. [shortening of *bunkum]
Bunk-bed n. Each of two or more tiered beds forming a unit.
Bunker n. 1 container for fuel. 2 reinforced underground shelter. 3 sandy hollow in a golf-course. [origin unknown]
Bunkum n. Nonsense, humbug. [buncombe in us]
Bunny n. (pl. -ies) 1 child’s name for a rabbit. 2 (in full bunny girl) club hostess, waitress, etc., wearing rabbit ears and tail. [dial. Bun rabbit]
Bunsen burner n. Small adjustable gas burner used in a laboratory. [bunsen, name of a chemist]
Bunting1 n. Small bird related to the finches. [origin unknown]
Bunting2 n. 1 flags and other decorations. 2 loosely-woven fabric for these. [origin unknown]
Bunting2 n. 1 flags and other decorations. 2 loosely-woven fabric for these. [origin unknown]
Buoy —n. 1 anchored float as a navigation mark etc. 2 lifebuoy. —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By up) a keep afloat. B encourage, uplift. 2 (often foll. By out) mark with a buoy. [dutch, perhaps from latin boia collar]
Buoyant adj. 1 able or apt to keep afloat. 2 resilient; exuberant. buoyancy n. [french or spanish: related to *buoy]
Bupa abbr. British united provident association, a private health insurance organization.
Bur n. 1 a prickly clinging seed-case or flower-head. B any plant having these. 2 clinging person. 3 var. Of *burr n. 2. [scandinavian]
Burble v. 1 talk ramblingly. 2 make a bubbling sound. [imitative]
Burbot n. (pl. Same) eel-like freshwater fish. [french]
Burden —n. 1 load, esp. A heavy one. 2 oppressive duty, expense, emotion, etc. 3 bearing of loads (beast of burden). 4 a refrain of a song. B chief theme of a speech, book, etc. —v. Load with a burden; oppress. burdensome adj. [old english: related to *birth]
Burden of proof n. Obligation to prove one’s case.
Burdock n. Plant with prickly flowers and docklike leaves. [from bur, dock3]
Bureau n. (pl. -x or -s) 1 a desk with drawers and usu. An angled hinged top. B us chest of drawers. 2 a office or department for specific business. B government department. [french, originally = baize]
Bureaucracy n. (pl. -ies) 1 a government by central administration. B state etc. So governed. 2 government officials, esp. Regarded as oppressive and inflexible. 3 conduct typical of these.
Bureaucrat n. 1 official in a bureaucracy. 2 inflexible administrator. bureaucratic adj. Bureaucratically adv.
Buret n. (brit. Burette) graduated glass tube with an end-tap for measuring liquid in chemical analysis. [french]
Burette n. (us buret) graduated glass tube with an end-tap for measuring liquid in chemical analysis. [french]
Burgeon v. Literary grow rapidly; flourish. [latin burra wool]
Burger n. Colloq. Hamburger. [abbreviation]
Burgher n. Citizen of a continental town. [german or dutch]
Burglar n. Person who commits burglary. [anglo-french]
Burglar n. Person who commits burglary. [anglo-french]
Burglary n. (pl. -ies) 1 illegal entry with intent to commit theft, do bodily harm, or do damage. 2 instance of this.
Usage before 1968 in english law, burglary was a crime under statute and common law; since 1968 it has been a statutory crime only; cf. *housebreaking.
Burgle v. (-ling) commit burglary (on).
Burgomaster n. Mayor of a dutch or flemish town. [dutch]
Burgundy n. (pl. -ies) 1 (also burgundy) a red or white wine from burgundy in e. France. B hist. Similar wine from elsewhere. 2 dark red colour of this.
Burial n. 1 a burying of a corpse. B funeral. 2 archaeol. Grave or its remains.
Burin n. 1 tool for engraving copper or wood. 2 archaeol. Chisel-pointed flint tool. [french]
Burk var. Of *berk.
Burlesque —n. 1 a comic imitation, parody. B this as a genre. 2 us variety show, esp. With striptease. —adj. Of or using burlesque. —v. (-ques, -qued, -quing)
esp. With striptease. —adj. Of or using burlesque. —v. (-ques, -qued, -quing) parody. [italian burla mockery]
Burly adj. (-ier, -iest) large and sturdy. [old english]
Burn1 —v. (past and past part. Burnt or burned) 1 (cause to) be consumed or destroyed by fire. 2 blaze or glow with fire. 3 (cause to) be injured or damaged by fire, heat, radiation, acid, etc. 4 use or be used as fuel etc. 5 char in cooking. 6 produce (a hole, mark, etc.) By fire or heat. 7 a heat (clay, chalk, etc.). B harden (bricks) by fire. 8 colour, tan, or parch with heat or light. 9 (be) put to death by fire. 10 cauterize, brand. 11 make, be, or feel hot, esp. Painfully. 12 (often foll. By with) (cause to) feel great emotion or passion (burn with shame). 13 slang drive fast. —n. Mark or injury caused by burning. burn one’s boats (or bridges) commit oneself irrevocably. Burn the candle at both ends work etc. Excessively.
Burn2 n. Scot. Brook. [old english]
Burner n. Part of a gas cooker, lamp, etc. That emits the flame.
Burning-glass n. Lens for concentrating the sun’s rays to produce a flame.
Burnish v. Polish by rubbing. [french brunir from brun brown]
Burnous n. Arab or moorish hooded cloak. [arabic from greek]
Burn-out n. Exhaustion. burnt-out adj.
Burnt see *burn1.
Burnt ochre n. (also burnt sienna or umber) pigment darkened by burning.
Burnt offering n. Offering burnt on an altar as a sacrifice.
Burp colloq. —v. 1 belch. 2 make (a baby) belch. —n. Belch. [imitative]
Burr —n. 1 a whirring sound. B rough sounding of the letter r. 2 (also bur) a rough edge on metal or paper. B surgeon’s or dentist’s small drill. 3 var. Of *bur 1, 2. —v. Make a burr. [imitative]
Burrow —n. Hole or tunnel dug by a rabbit etc. As a dwelling or shelter. —v. 1 make a burrow. 2 make (a hole, one’s way, etc.) (as) by digging. 3 (foll. By into) investigate, search. [apparently var. Of *borough]
Bursar n. 1 treasurer, esp. Of a college. 2 holder of a bursary. [medieval latin bursarius from bursa purse]
Bursary n. (pl. -ies) grant, esp. A scholarship. [medieval latin: related to *bursar]
Burst —v. (past and past part. Burst) 1 (cause to) break violently apart; open forcibly from within. 2 a (usu. Foll. By in, out) make one’s way suddenly or by force. B break away from or through (river burst its banks). 3 be full to overflowing. 4 appear or come suddenly (burst into flame). 5 (foll. By into) suddenly begin to shed (tears) or utter. 6 seem about to burst from effort, excitement, etc. —n. 1 act of bursting. 2 sudden issue or outbreak (burst of flame; burst of applause). 3 sudden effort, spurt. burst out 1 suddenly begin (burst out laughing). 2 exclaim. [old english]
Burton n. go for a burton slang be lost, destroyed, or killed. [origin uncertain]
Bury v. (-ies, -ied) 1 place (a corpse) in the earth, a tomb, or the sea. 2 lose by death (buried two sons). 3 a put or hide under ground. B cover up; conceal. 4 consign to obscurity; forget. 5 (refl. Or passive) involve deeply (buried in a book). bury the hatchet cease to quarrel. [old english]
Bus —n. (pl. Buses or us busses) 1 large esp. Public passenger vehicle, usu. Travelling a fixed route. 2 colloq. Car, aeroplane, etc. —v. (buses or busses, bussed, bussing) 1 go by bus. 2 us transport by bus, esp. To aid racial integration. [abbreviation of *omnibus]
Busby n. (pl. -ies) tall fur hat worn by hussars etc. [origin unknown]
Bush1 n. 1 shrub or clump of shrubs. 2 thing like a bush, esp. A clump of hair. 3 (esp. In australia and africa) uncultivated area; woodland or forest. [old english and old norse]
Bush2 —n. 1 metal lining for a hole enclosing a revolving shaft etc. 2 sleeve giving electrical insulation. —v. Fit with a bush. [dutch busse box]
Bush-baby n. (pl. -ies) small african lemur.
Bushed adj. Colloq. Tired out.
Bushel n. Measure of capacity for corn, fruit, etc. (8 gallons or 36.4 litres). [french]
Bushfire n. Forest or scrub fire often spreading widely.
Bushman n. 1 traveller or dweller in the australian bush. 2 (bushman) member or language of a s.african aboriginal people.
Bush telegraph n. Rapid spreading of information, rumour, etc.
Bushy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 growing thickly like a bush. 2 having many bushes.
Business n. 1 one’s regular occupation or profession. 2 one’s own concern. 3 task or duty. 4 serious work or activity. 5 (difficult or unpleasant) matter or affair. 6 thing(s) needing attention or discussion. 7 buying and selling; trade. 8 commercial firm. mind one’s own business not meddle. [old english: related to *busy]
Businesslike adj. Efficient, systematic.
Businessman n. (fem. Businesswoman) man or woman engaged in trade or commerce.
Business park n. Area designed for commerce and light industry.
Business person n. Businessman or businesswoman.
Busk v. Perform esp. Music in the street etc. For tips. busker n. [obsolete busk peddle]
Bus lane n. Part of a road mainly for use by buses.
Busman n. Bus driver.
Busman’s holiday n. Holiday spent in an activity similar to one’s regular work.
Bus shelter n. Shelter beside a bus-stop.
Bus station n. Centre where buses depart and arrive.
Bus-stop n. 1 regular stopping-place of a bus. 2 sign marking this.
Bust1 n. 1 human chest, esp. Of a woman; bosom. 2 sculpture of a person’s head, shoulders, and chest. busty adj. (-ier, -iest). [french from italian]
Bust2 —v. (past and past part. Busted or bust) colloq. 1 break, burst. 2 a raid, search. B arrest. —adj. (also busted) 1 broken, burst. 2 bankrupt. bust up 1 collapse. 2 (esp. Of a married couple) separate. [var. Of *burst]
Bustard n. Large land bird that can run very fast. [latin avis tarda slow bird (‘slow’ unexplained)]
Buster n. Esp. Us slang mate; fellow. [from *bust2]
Bustier n. Strapless close-fitting bodice. [french]
Bustle1 —v. (-ling) 1 (often foll. By about) (cause to) move busily and energetically. 2 (as bustling adj.) Active, lively. —n. Excited or energetic activity. [perhaps from obsolete busk prepare]
Bustle2 n. Hist. Padding worn under a skirt to puff it out behind. [origin unknown]
Bust-up n. 1 quarrel. 2 collapse.
Busy —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 occupied or engaged in work etc. 2 full of activity; fussy (busy evening, street; busy design). 3 esp. Us (of a telephone line) engaged. —v. (-ies, -ied) (often refl.) Keep busy; occupy. busily adv. [old english]
Busybody n. (pl. -ies) meddlesome person.
Busy lizzie n. Plant with abundant esp. Red, pink, or white flowers.
But —conj. 1 a nevertheless, however (tried but failed). B on the other hand; on the contrary (i am old but you are young). 2 except, otherwise than (cannot choose but do it; what could we do but run?). 3 without the result that (it never rains but it pours). —prep. Except; apart from; other than (all cried but me; nothing but trouble). —adv. 1 only; no more than; only just (we can but try; is but a child; had but arrived). 2 in emphatic repetition; definitely (would see nobody, but nobody). —rel. Pron. Who not; that not (not a man but feels pity). —n. Objection (ifs and buts). but for without the help or hindrance etc. Of (but for you i’d be rich). But one (or two etc.) Excluding one (or two etc.) From the number (next door but one; last but one). But then however (i won, but then i am older). [old english]
Butane n. Gaseous alkane hydrocarbon, used in liquefied form as fuel. [from *butyl]
Butcher —n. 1 a person who deals in meat. B slaughterer. 2 brutal murderer. — v. 1 slaughter or cut up (an animal) for food. 2 kill wantonly or cruelly. 3 colloq. Ruin through incompetence. [french boc *buck1]
Butchery n. (pl. -ies) 1 needless or cruel slaughter (of people). 2 butcher’s trade.
Butler n. Principal manservant of a household. [french bouteille bottle]
Butt1 —v. 1 push or strike with the head or horns. 2 (cause to) meet edge to edge. —n. 1 push with the head. 2 join of two edges. butt in interrupt, meddle. [french from germanic]
Butt2 n. 1 (often foll. By of) object of ridicule etc. 2 a mound behind a target. B (in pl.) Shooting-range. [french but goal]
Butt3 n. 1 thicker end, esp. Of a tool or weapon. 2 stub of a cigarette etc. 3 esp. Us slang buttocks. [dutch]
Butt4 n. Cask. [latin buttis]
Butter —n. 1 solidified churned cream, used as a spread and in cooking. 2 substance of similar texture (peanut butter). —v. Spread, cook, or serve with butter. butter up colloq. Flatter. [greek bouturon]
Butter-bean n. 1 flat, dried, white lima bean. 2 yellow-podded bean.
Butter-cream n. Mixture of butter, icing sugar, etc., as a filling etc. For a cake.
Buttercup n. Wild plant with yellow cup-shaped flowers.
Butterfat n. Essential fats of pure butter.
Butter-fingers n. Colloq. Person prone to drop things.
Butterfly n. (pl. -flies) 1 insect with four usu. Brightly coloured wings. 2 (in pl.) Colloq. Nervous sensation in the stomach.
Butterfly nut n. A kind of wing-nut.
Butterfly stroke n. Stroke in swimming, with arms raised and lifted forwards together.
Butter-icing n. = *butter-cream.
Buttermilk n. Liquid left after churning butter.
Butter muslin n. Thin loosely-woven cloth, orig. For wrapping butter.
Butterscotch n. Brittle toffee made from butter, brown sugar, etc.
Buttery1 n. (pl. -ies) food store, esp. In a college; snack-bar etc. [related to *butt4]
Buttery2 adj. Like or containing butter.
Buttock n. 1 each of the two fleshy protuberances at the rear of the human trunk. 2 corresponding part of an animal. [butt ridge]
Button —n. 1 small disc etc. Sewn to a garment as a fastener or worn as an ornament. 2 small round knob etc. Pressed to operate electronic equipment. —v. = button up 1. button up 1 fasten with buttons. 2 colloq. Complete satisfactorily. 3 colloq. Be silent. [french from germanic]
Buttonhole —n. 1 slit in cloth for a button. 2 flower etc. Worn in a lapel buttonhole. —v. (-ling) colloq. Accost and detain (a reluctant listener).
Button mushroom n. Young unopened mushroom.
Buttress —n. 1 projecting support built against a wall. 2 source of help etc. —v. (often foll. By up) 1 support with a buttress. 2 support by argument etc. (buttressed by facts). [related to *butt1]
Butty n. (pl. -ies) n.engl. Sandwich. [from *butter]
Butyl n. The univalent alkyl radical c4h9. [latin butyrum *butter]
Buxom adj. (esp. Of a woman) plump and rosy; busty. [earlier = pliant: related to *bow2]
Buy —v. (buys, buying; past and past part. Bought) 1 a obtain for money etc. B serve to obtain (money can’t buy happiness; the best that money can buy). 2 a procure by bribery etc. B bribe. 3 get by sacrifice etc. 4 slang believe in, accept. 5 be a buyer for a store etc. —n. Colloq. Purchase. buy in buy a stock of. Buy into pay for a share in (an enterprise). Buy off pay to get rid of. Buy oneself out obtain one’s release (esp. From the armed services) by payment. Buy out pay (a person) for ownership, an interest, etc. Buy up 1 buy as much as possible of. 2 absorb (a firm etc.) By purchase. [old english]
Buyer n. 1 person employed to purchase stock for a large store etc. 2 purchaser, customer.
Buyer’s market n. (also buyers’ market) trading conditions favourable to buyers.
Buyout n. Purchase of a controlling share in a company etc.
Buzz —n. 1 hum of a bee etc. 2 sound of a buzzer. 3 a low murmur as of conversation. B stir; hurried activity (buzz of excitement). 4 slang telephone call. 5 slang thrill. —v. 1 hum. 2 a summon with a buzzer. B slang telephone. 3 a (often foll. By about) move busily. B (of a place) appear busy or full of excitement. buzz off slang go or hurry away. [imitative]
Buzzard n. Large bird of the hawk family. [latin buteo falcon]
Buzzer n. Electrical buzzing device as a signal.
Buzz-word n. Colloq. Fashionable technical or specialist word; catchword.
By —prep. 1 near, beside (sit by me; path by the river). 2 through the agency or means of (by proxy; poem by donne; by bus; by cheating; divide by two; killed by robbers). 3 not later than (by next week). 4 a past, beyond (drove by the church). B through; via (went by paris). 5 during (by day; by daylight). 6 to the extent of (missed by a foot; better by far). 7 according to; using as a standard or unit (judge by appearances; paid by the hour). 8 with the succession of (worse by the minute; day by day). 9 concerning; in respect of (did our duty by them; smith by name). 10 used in mild oaths (by god). 11 expressing dimensions of an area etc. (three feet by two). 12 avoiding, ignoring (passed us by). 13 inclining to (north by north-west). —adv. 1 near (sat by). 2 aside; in reserve (put £5 by). 3 past (marched by). —n. (pl. Byes) = *bye1. by and by before long; eventually. By and large on the whole. By the by (or bye) incidentally. By oneself 1 a unaided. B unprompted. 2 alone. [old english]
Bye1 n. 1 cricket run scored from a ball that passes the batsman without being hit. 2 status of an unpaired competitor in a sport, who proceeds to the next round by default. [from *by as a noun]
By-election n. Election to fill a vacancy arising between general elections.
By-election n. Election to fill a vacancy arising between general elections.
Byelorussian (also belorussian) —n. Native or language of byelorussia in eastern europe. —adj. Of byelorussia, its people, or language. [russian from belyi white, russiya russia]
Bygone —adj. Past, antiquated. —n. (in phr. Let bygones be bygones) forgive and forget past quarrels.
By-law n. Regulation made by a local authority or corporation. [obsolete by town]
Byline n. 1 line naming the writer of a newspaper article etc. 2 secondary line of work. 3 goal-line or touchline.
Bypass —n. 1 main road passing round a town or its centre. 2 a secondary channel or pipe etc. Used in emergencies. B alternative passage for the circulation of blood through the heart. —v. Avoid, go round (a town, difficulty, etc.).
Byplay n. Secondary action, esp. In a play.
By-product n. 1 incidental product made in the manufacture of something else. 2 secondary result.
Byre n. Cowshed. [old english]
Byroad n. Minor road.
Byroad n. Minor road.
Byssinosis n. Lung disease caused by textile fibre dust. [greek bussinos made of linen]
Bystander n. Person present but not taking part; onlooker.
Byte n. Computing group of eight binary digits, often representing one character. [origin uncertain]
Byway n. 1 byroad or secluded path. 2 minor activity.
Byword n. 1 person or thing as a notable example (is a byword for luxury). 2 familiar saying.
Byzantine —adj. 1 of byzantium or the e. Roman empire. 2 of its highly decorated style of architecture. 3 (of a political situation etc.) Complex, inflexible, or underhand. —n. Citizen of byzantium or the e. Roman empire. byzantinism n. Byzantinist n. [latin byzantium, now istanbul]
Cab n. 1 taxi. 2 driver’s compartment in a lorry, train, or crane etc. [abbreviation
of *cabriolet]
Cabal n. 1 secret intrigue. 2 political clique. [french from latin]
Cabaret n. Entertainment in a nightclub or restaurant. [french, = tavern]
Cabbage n. 1 vegetable with a round head and green or purple leaves. 2 = *vegetable 2. [french caboche head]
Cabbage white n. Butterfly whose caterpillars feed on cabbage leaves.
Cabby n. (also cabbie) (pl. -ies) colloq. Taxi-driver.
Caber n. Trimmed tree-trunk tossed as a sport in the scottish highlands. [gaelic]
Cabin n. 1 small shelter or house, esp. Of wood. 2 room or compartment in an aircraft or ship for passengers or crew. 3 driver’s cab. [french from latin]
Cabin-boy n. Boy steward on a ship.
Cabin cruiser n. Large motor boat with accommodation.
Cabinet n. 1 a cupboard or case for storing or displaying things. B casing of a radio, television, etc. 2 (cabinet) committee of senior ministers in a government. [diminutive of *cabin]
Cabinet-maker n. Skilled joiner.
Cable —n. 1 encased group of insulated wires for transmitting electricity etc. 2 thick rope of wire or hemp. 3 cablegram. 4 (in full cable stitch) knitting stitch resembling twisted rope. —v. (-ling) transmit (a message) or inform (a person) by cablegram. [latin caplum halter, from arabic]
Cable-car n. Small cabin suspended on a looped cable, for carrying passengers up and down a mountain etc.
Cablegram n. Telegraph message sent by undersea cable.
Cable television n. Television transmission by cable to subscribers.
Cabman n. Driver of a cab.
Caboodle n. the whole caboodle slang the whole lot. [origin uncertain]
Caboose n. 1 kitchen on a ship’s deck. 2 us guard’s van on a train etc. [dutch]
Cabriole n. A kind of esp. 18th-c. Curved table or chair leg. [french: related to *capriole]
Cabriolet n. 1 car with a folding top. 2 light two-wheeled one-horse carriage with a hood. [french: related to *capriole]
Cacao n. (pl. -s) 1 seed from which cocoa and chocolate are made. 2 tree bearing these. [spanish from nahuatl]
Cache —n. 1 hiding-place for treasure, stores, guns, etc. 2 things so hidden. —v. (-ching) put in a cache. [french cacher hide]
Cachet n. 1 prestige. 2 distinguishing mark or seal. 3 flat capsule of medicine. [french cacher press]
Cachou n. Lozenge to sweeten the breath. [portuguese cachu from malay kachu]
Cackle —n. 1 clucking of a hen etc. 2 raucous laugh. 3 noisy chatter. —v. (-ling) 1 emit a cackle. 2 chatter noisily. [imitative]
Cacophony n. (pl. -ies) harsh discordant sound. cacophonous adj. [greek kakos bad, phone sound]
Cactus n. (pl. -ti or cactuses) plant with a thick fleshy stem and usu. Spines but
Cactus n. (pl. -ti or cactuses) plant with a thick fleshy stem and usu. Spines but no leaves. [latin from greek]
Cad abbr. Computer aided design.
Cad n. Man who behaves dishonourably. caddish adj. [abbreviation of *caddie]
Cadaver n. Esp. Med. Corpse. [latin cado fall]
Cadaverous adj. Corpselike; very pale and thin.
Caddie (also caddy) —n. (pl. -ies) person who carries a golfer’s clubs during play. —v. (-ies, -ied, caddying) act as a caddie. [french *cadet]
Caddis-fly n. Small nocturnal insect living near water. [origin unknown]
Caddis-worm n. (also caddis) larva of the caddis-fly. [origin unknown]
Caddy1 n. (pl. -ies) small container for tea. [malay]
Caddy2 var. Of *caddie.
Cadence n. 1 rhythm; the measure or beat of a sound or movement. 2 fall in pitch
Cadence n. 1 rhythm; the measure or beat of a sound or movement. 2 fall in pitch of the voice. 3 tonal inflection. 4 close of a musical phrase. [latin cado fall]
Cadenza n. Virtuoso passage for a soloist. [italian: related to *cadence]
Cadet n. Young trainee for the armed services or police force. cadetship n. [french, ultimately from latin caput head]
Cadge v. (-ging) colloq. Get or seek by begging. [origin unknown]
Cadi n. (pl. -s) judge in a muslim country. [arabic]
Cadmium n. Soft bluish-white metallic element. [greek kadmia cadmean (earth)]
Cadre n. 1 basic unit, esp. Of servicemen. 2 group of esp. Communist activists. [french from latin quadrus square]
Caecum n. (us cecum) (pl. -ca) blind-ended pouch at the junction of the small and large intestines. [latin caecus blind]
Caenozoic var. Of *cenozoic.
Caerphilly n. A kind of mild white cheese. [caerphilly in wales]
Caesar n. 1 title of roman emperors. 2 autocrat. [latin (c. Julius) caesar]
Caesura n. (pl. -s) pause in a line of verse. caesural adj. [latin caedo cut]
Café n. Small coffee-house or restaurant. [french]
Cafeteria n. Self-service restaurant. [american spanish, = coffee-shop]
Caffeine n. Alkaloid stimulant in tea-leaves and coffee beans. [french café coffee]
Caftan n. (also kaftan) 1 long tunic worn by men in the near east. 2 long loose dress or shirt. [turkish]
Cage —n. 1 structure of bars or wires, esp. For confining animals or birds. 2 similar open framework, esp. A lift in mine etc. —v. (-ging) place or keep in a cage. [latin cavea]
Cagey adj. (also cagy) (-ier, -iest) colloq. Cautious and non-committal. cagily adv. Caginess n. [origin unknown]
Cagoule n. Thin hooded windproof jacket. [french]
Cahoots n.pl. in cahoots slang in collusion. [origin uncertain]
Caiman var. Of *cayman.
Cain n. raise cain colloq. = raise the roof. [cain, eldest son of adam (gen. 4)]
Cainozoic var. Of *cenozoic.
Cairn n. 1 mound of stones as a monument or landmark. 2 (in full cairn terrier) small shaggy short-legged terrier. [gaelic]
Cairngorm n. Semiprecious form of quartz. [cairngorms, in scotland]
Caisson n. Watertight chamber for underwater construction work. [italian cassone]
Cajole v. (-ling) persuade by flattery, deceit, etc. cajolery n. [french]
Cake —n. 1 mixture of flour, butter, eggs, sugar, etc., baked in the oven and often iced and decorated. 2 other food in a flat round shape (fish cake). 3 flattish compact mass (cake of soap). —v. (-king) 1 form into a compact mass. 2 (usu. Foll. By with) cover (with a hard or sticky mass). have one’s cake and eat it colloq. Enjoy both of two mutually exclusive alternatives. A piece of cake colloq. Something easily achieved. Sell (or go) like hot cakes colloq. Be sold (or
colloq. Something easily achieved. Sell (or go) like hot cakes colloq. Be sold (or go) quickly; be popular. [old norse]
Cakewalk n. 1 obsolete american black dance. 2 colloq. Easy task. 3 fairground entertainment consisting of a promenade moved by machinery.
Cal abbr. Large calorie(s).
Cal abbr. Small calorie(s).
Calabash n. 1 gourd-bearing tree of tropical america. 2 such a gourd, esp. As a vessel for water, etc. [french from spanish]
Calabrese n. Variety of broccoli. [italian, = calabrian]
Calamine n. Powdered form of zinc carbonate and ferric oxide used as a skin lotion. [french from latin]
Calamity n. (pl. -ies) disaster, great misfortune. calamitous adj. [french from latin]
Calcareous adj. Of or containing calcium carbonate. [related to *calx]
Calceolaria n. Plant with slipper-shaped flowers. [latin calceus shoe]
Calces pl. Of *calx.
Calciferol n. Vitamin (d2) promoting calcium deposition in the bones. [related to *calx]
Calcify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 harden by the depositing of calcium salts. 2 convert or be converted to calcium carbonate. calcification n.
Calcine v. (-ning) decompose or be decomposed by strong heat. calcination n. [french or medieval latin: related to *calx]
Calcite n. Natural crystalline calcium carbonate. [latin: related to *calx]
Calcium n. Soft grey metallic element occurring in limestone, marble, chalk, etc. [related to *calx]
Calcium carbide n. Greyish solid used in the production of acetylene.
Calcium carbonate n. White insoluble solid occurring as chalk, marble, etc.
Calcium hydroxide n. White crystalline powder used in the manufacture of mortar.
Calcium oxide n. White crystalline solid from which many calcium compounds are manufactured.
Calculate v. (-ting) 1 ascertain or forecast esp. By mathematics or reckoning. 2 plan deliberately. 3 (foll. By on) rely on; reckon on. calculable adj. [latin: related to *calculus]
Calculated adj. 1 (of an action) done deliberately or with foreknowledge. 2 (foll. By to + infin.) Designed or suitable; intended.
Calculating adj. Scheming, mercenary.
Calculation n. Act, process, or result of calculating. [latin: related to *calculus]
Calculator n. Device (esp. A small electronic one) for making mathematical calculations.
Calculus n. (pl. -luses or -li) 1 particular method of mathematical calculation or reasoning. 2 stone or mineral mass in the body. [latin, = small stone (used on an abacus)]
Caldron var. Of *cauldron.
Caledonian literary —adj. Of scotland. —n. Scotsman. [latin caledonia n. Britain]
Calendar —n. 1 system fixing the year’s beginning, length, and subdivision. 2 chart etc. Showing such subdivisions. 3 timetable of dates, events, etc. —v. Enter in a calendar; register (documents). [latin: related to *calends]
Calendar year n. Period from 1 jan. To 31 dec. Inclusive.
Calender —n. Machine in which cloth, paper, etc. Is rolled to glaze or smooth it. —v. Press in a calender. [french]
Calends n.pl. (also kalends) first of the month in the ancient roman calendar. [latin kalendae]
Calendula n. Plant with large yellow or orange flowers, esp. The marigold. [latin diminutive of kalendae]
Calf1 n. (pl. Calves) 1 young cow or bull. 2 young of other animals, e.g. The elephant, deer, and whale. 3 calfskin. [old english]
Calf2 n. (pl. Calves) fleshy hind part of the human leg below the knee. [old norse]
Calf-love n. Romantic adolescent love.
Calfskin n. Calf-leather.
Caliber n. (brit. Calibre) 1 a internal diameter of a gun or tube. B diameter of a bullet or shell. 2 strength or quality of character; ability, importance. [french from italian from arabic, = mould]
Calibrate v. (-ting) 1 mark (a gauge) with a scale of readings. 2 correlate the readings of (an instrument or system of measurement) with a standard. 3 determine the calibre of (a gun). calibration n.
Calibre n. (us caliber) 1 a internal diameter of a gun or tube. B diameter of a bullet or shell. 2 strength or quality of character; ability, importance. [french from italian from arabic, = mould]
Calices pl. Of *calix.
Calico —n. (pl. -es or us -s) 1 cotton cloth, esp. Plain white or unbleached. 2 us printed cotton fabric. —adj. 1 of calico. 2 us multicoloured. [calicut in india]
Californium n. Artificial radioactive metallic element. [california in us, where first made]
Caliper var. Of *calliper.
Caliph n. Esp. Hist. Chief muslim civil and religious ruler. caliphate n. [arabic, = successor (of muhammad)]
Calisthenics var. Of *callisthenics.
Calix var. Of *calyx.
Calk us var. Of *caulk.
Call —v. 1 a (often foll. By out) cry, shout; speak loudly. B (of a bird etc.) Emit its characteristic sound. 2 communicate with by telephone or radio. 3 summon. 4 (often foll. By at, in, on) pay a brief visit. 5 order to take place (called a meeting). 6 name; describe as. 7 regard as (i call that silly). 8 rouse from sleep. 9 (foll. By for) demand. 10 (foll. By on, upon) appeal to (called on us to be quiet). 11 name (a suit) in bidding at cards. 12 guess the outcome of tossing a coin etc. —n. 1 shout, cry. 2 a characteristic cry of a bird etc. B instrument for imitating it. 3 brief visit. 4 a act of telephoning. B telephone conversation. 5 a invitation, summons. B vocation. 6 need, occasion (no call for rudeness). 7 demand (a call on one’s time). 8 signal on a bugle etc. 9 option of buying stock at a fixed price at a given date. 10 cards a player’s right or turn to make a bid. B bid made. call in 1 withdraw from circulation. 2 seek the advice or services of. Call off 1 cancel (an arrangement). 2 order (an attacker or pursuer) to desist. Call out 1 summon to action. 2 order (workers) to strike. Call the shots (or tune) colloq. Be in control; take the initiative. Call up 1 telephone. 2 recall. 3 summon to military service. On call ready or available if required. [old english from old norse]
Call-box n. Telephone box.
Caller n. Person who calls, esp. One who pays a visit or makes a telephone call.
Caller n. Person who calls, esp. One who pays a visit or makes a telephone call.
Call-girl n. Prostitute accepting appointments by telephone.
Calligraphy n. 1 handwriting, esp. When fine. 2 art of this. calligrapher n. Calligraphic adj. Calligraphist n. [greek kallos beauty]
Calling n. 1 profession or occupation. 2 vocation.
Calliper n. (also caliper) 1 (in pl.) Compasses for measuring diameters. 2 metal splint to support the leg. [var. Of *calibre]
Callisthenics n.pl. (also calisthenics) exercises for fitness and grace. callisthenic adj. [greek kallos beauty, sthenos strength]
Callosity n. (pl. -ies) area of hard thick skin. [latin: related to *callous]
Callous adj. 1 unfeeling, insensitive. 2 (also calloused) (of skin) hardened. callously adv. Callousness n. [latin: related to *callus]
Callus n. (pl. Calluses) 1 area of hard thick skin or tissue. 2 hard tissue formed round bone ends after a fracture. [latin]
Calm —adj. 1 tranquil, quiet, windless. 2 serene; not agitated. —n. Calm condition or period. —v. (often foll. By down) make or become calm. calmly adv. Calmness n. [greek kauma heat]
Calomel n. Compound of mercury used as a cathartic. [greek kalos beautiful, melas black]
Calor gas n. Propr. Liquefied butane gas stored under pressure in containers for domestic use. [latin calor heat]
Caloric adj. Of heat or calories.
Calorie n. (pl. -ies) unit of quantity of heat, the amount needed to raise the temperature of one gram (small calorie) or one kilogram (large calorie) of water by 1 °c. [latin calor heat]
Calibre n. (us caliber) 1 a internal diameter of a gun or tube. B diameter of a bullet or shell. 2 strength or quality of character; ability, importance. [french from italian from arabic, = mould]
Calices pl. Of *calix.
Calico —n. (pl. -es or us -s) 1 cotton cloth, esp. Plain white or unbleached. 2 us
Calico —n. (pl. -es or us -s) 1 cotton cloth, esp. Plain white or unbleached. 2 us printed cotton fabric. —adj. 1 of calico. 2 us multicoloured. [calicut in india]
Californium n. Artificial radioactive metallic element. [california in us, where first made]
Caliper var. Of *calliper.
Caliph n. Esp. Hist. Chief muslim civil and religious ruler. caliphate n. [arabic, = successor (of muhammad)]
Calisthenics var. Of *callisthenics.
Calix var. Of *calyx.
Calk us var. Of *caulk.
Call —v. 1 a (often foll. By out) cry, shout; speak loudly. B (of a bird etc.) Emit its characteristic sound. 2 communicate with by telephone or radio. 3 summon. 4 (often foll. By at, in, on) pay a brief visit. 5 order to take place (called a meeting). 6 name; describe as. 7 regard as (i call that silly). 8 rouse from sleep. 9 (foll. By for) demand. 10 (foll. By on, upon) appeal to (called on us to be quiet). 11 name (a suit) in bidding at cards. 12 guess the outcome of tossing a coin etc. —n. 1 shout, cry. 2 a characteristic cry of a bird etc. B instrument for imitating it. 3 brief visit. 4 a act of telephoning. B telephone conversation. 5 a invitation, summons. B vocation. 6 need, occasion (no call for rudeness). 7 demand (a call on one’s time). 8 signal on a bugle etc. 9 option of buying stock at a fixed price
at a given date. 10 cards a player’s right or turn to make a bid. B bid made. call in 1 withdraw from circulation. 2 seek the advice or services of. Call off 1 cancel (an arrangement). 2 order (an attacker or pursuer) to desist. Call out 1 summon to action. 2 order (workers) to strike. Call the shots (or tune) colloq. Be in control; take the initiative. Call up 1 telephone. 2 recall. 3 summon to military service. On call ready or available if required. [old english from old norse]
Call-box n. Telephone box.
Caller n. Person who calls, esp. One who pays a visit or makes a telephone call.
Call-girl n. Prostitute accepting appointments by telephone.
Calligraphy n. 1 handwriting, esp. When fine. 2 art of this. calligrapher n. Calligraphic adj. Calligraphist n. [greek kallos beauty]
Calling n. 1 profession or occupation. 2 vocation.
Calliper n. (also caliper) 1 (in pl.) Compasses for measuring diameters. 2 metal splint to support the leg. [var. Of *calibre]
Callisthenics n.pl. (also calisthenics) exercises for fitness and grace. callisthenic adj. [greek kallos beauty, sthenos strength]
Callosity n. (pl. -ies) area of hard thick skin. [latin: related to *callous]
Callous adj. 1 unfeeling, insensitive. 2 (also calloused) (of skin) hardened. callously adv. Callousness n. [latin: related to *callus]
Callus n. (pl. Calluses) 1 area of hard thick skin or tissue. 2 hard tissue formed round bone ends after a fracture. [latin]
Calm —adj. 1 tranquil, quiet, windless. 2 serene; not agitated. —n. Calm condition or period. —v. (often foll. By down) make or become calm. calmly adv. Calmness n. [greek kauma heat]
Calomel n. Compound of mercury used as a cathartic. [greek kalos beautiful, melas black]
Calor gas n. Propr. Liquefied butane gas stored under pressure in containers for domestic use. [latin calor heat]
Caloric adj. Of heat or calories.
Calorie n. (pl. -ies) unit of quantity of heat, the amount needed to raise the temperature of one gram (small calorie) or one kilogram (large calorie) of water
temperature of one gram (small calorie) or one kilogram (large calorie) of water by 1 °c. [latin calor heat]
Calorific adj. Producing heat.
Calorimeter n. Instrument for measuring quantity of heat.
Calumniate v. (-ting) slander. [latin]
Calumny n. (pl. -ies) slander; malicious representation. calumnious adj. [latin]
Calvados n. Apple brandy. [calvados in france]
Calve v. (-ving) give birth to a calf. [old english: related to *calf1]
Calves pl. Of calf1, calf2.
Calvinism n. Theology of calvin or his followers, stressing predestination and divine grace. calvinist n. & adj. Calvinistic adj. [calvin, name of a theologian]
Calx n. (pl. Calces) powdery substance formed when an ore or mineral has been heated. [latin calx calc-lime]
Calypso n. (pl. -s) w. Indian song with improvised usu. Topical words and a
Calypso n. (pl. -s) w. Indian song with improvised usu. Topical words and a syncopated rhythm. [origin unknown]
Calyx n. (pl. Calyces or -es) (also calix) 1 sepals forming the protective case of a flower in bud. 2 cuplike cavity or structure. [greek, = husk]
Cam n. Projection on a wheel etc., shaped to convert circular into reciprocal or variable motion. [dutch kam comb]
Camaraderie n. Friendly comradeship. [french]
Camber —n. Convex surface of a road, deck, etc. —v. Build with a camber. [latin camurus curved]
Cambrian —adj. 1 welsh. 2 geol. Of the first period in the palaeozoic era. —n. This period. [welsh: related to *cymric]
Cambric n. Fine linen or cotton fabric. [cambrai in france]
Cambridge blue adj. & n. (as adj. Often hyphenated) pale blue. [cambridge in england]
Camcorder n. Combined video camera and sound recorder. [from *camera, *recorder]
Came past of *come.
Camel n. 1 long-legged ruminant with one hump (arabian camel) or two humps (bactrian camel). 2 fawn colour. [greek]
Camel-hair n. Fine soft hair used in artists’ brushes or for fabric.
Camellia n. Evergreen shrub with shiny leaves and showy flowers. [camellus, name of a botanist]
Camembert n. A kind of soft creamy pungent cheese. [camembert in france]
Cameo n. (pl. -s) 1 small piece of hard stone carved in relief with a background of a different colour. 2 a short descriptive literary sketch or acted scene. B small character part in a play or film, usu. Brief and played by a distinguished actor. [french and medieval latin]
Camera n. 1 apparatus for taking photographs or moving film. 2 equipment for converting images into electrical signals. in camera law in private. [latin: related to *chamber]
Cameraman n. Person who operates a camera professionally, esp. In film-making or television.
Camiknickers n.pl. Women’s knickers and vest combined. [from *camisole, *knickers]
*knickers]
Camisole n. Women’s lightweight vest. [italian or spanish: related to *chemise]
Camomile n. (also chamomile) aromatic plant with daisy-like flowers used esp. To make tea. [greek, = earth-apple]
Camouflage —n. 1 a disguising of soldiers, tanks, etc. So that they blend into the background. B such a disguise. 2 the natural blending colouring of an animal. 3 misleading or evasive behaviour etc. —v. (-ging) hide by camouflage. [french camoufler disguise]
Camp1 —n. 1 place where troops are lodged or trained. 2 temporary accommodation of huts, tents, etc., for detainees, holiday-makers, etc. 3 ancient fortified site. 4 party supporters etc. Regarded collectively. —v. Set up or spend time in a camp. [latin campus level ground]
Camp2 colloq. —adj. 1 affected, effeminate, theatrically exaggerated. 2 homosexual. —n. Camp manner or style. —v. Behave or do in a camp way. camp it up overact; behave affectedly. campy adj. (-ier, -iest). [origin uncertain]
Campaign —n. 1 organized course of action, esp. To gain publicity. 2 military operations towards a particular objective. —v. Take part in a campaign. campaigner n. [latin: related to *camp1]
Campanile n. Bell-tower (usu. Free-standing), esp. In italy. [italian campana ‘bell’, from latin]
Campanology n. 1 the study of bells. 2 bell-ringing. campanologist n. [latin campana bell]
Campanula n. Plant with bell-shaped usu. Blue, purple, or white flowers. [diminutive: related to *campanology]
Camp-bed n. Portable folding bed.
Camper n. 1 person who camps. 2 large motor vehicle with beds etc.
Camp-follower n. 1 civilian worker in a military camp. 2 disciple or adherent.
Camphor n. Pungent white crystalline substance used in making celluloid, medicine, and mothballs. [french ultimately from sanskrit]
Camphorate v. (-ting) impregnate or treat with camphor.
Campion n. Wild plant with usu. Pink or white notched flowers. [origin uncertain]
Campsite n. Place for camping.
Campus n. (pl. -es) 1 grounds of a university or college. 2 esp. Us a university. [latin, = field]
[latin, = field]
Camra abbr. Campaign for real ale.
Camshaft n. Shaft with one or more cams.
Can1 v.aux. (3rd sing. Present can; past could) 1 a be able to; know how to. B be potentially capable of (these storms can last for hours). 2 be permitted to. [old english, = know]
Can2 —n. 1 metal vessel for liquid. 2 sealed tin container for the preservation of food or drink. 3 (in pl.) Slang headphones. 4 (prec. By the) slang a prison. B us lavatory. —v. (-nn-) put or preserve in a can. in the can colloq. Completed, ready. [old english]
Canada goose n. Wild n. American goose with a brownish-grey body and white neck and breast.
Canaille n. Rabble; populace. [french from italian]
Canal n. 1 artificial inland waterway. 2 tubular duct in a plant or animal. [latin canalis]
Canalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 provide with or convert into a canal or canals. 2 channel. canalization n. [french: related to *canal]
Canapé n. Small piece of bread or pastry with a savoury topping. [french]
Canard n. Unfounded rumour or story. [french, = duck]
Canary n. (pl. -ies) small songbird with yellow feathers. [canary islands]
Canasta n. Card-game using two packs and resembling rummy. [spanish, = basket]
Cancan n. Lively stagedance with high kicking. [french]
Cancel v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 revoke or discontinue (an arrangement). 2 delete (writing etc.). 3 mark (a ticket, stamp, etc.) To invalidate it. 4 annul; make void. 5 (often foll. By out) neutralize or counterbalance. 6 math. Strike out (an equal factor) on each side of an equation etc. cancellation n. [latin: related to *chancel]
Cancer n. 1 a malignant tumour of body cells. B disease caused by this. 2 evil influence or corruption. 3 (cancer) a constellation and fourth sign of the zodiac (the crab). B person born when the sun is in this sign. cancerous adj. Cancroid adj. [latin, = crab]
Candela n. Si unit of luminous intensity. [latin, = candle]
Candelabrum n. (also -bra) (pl. -bra, us -brums, -bras) large branched candlestick
Candelabrum n. (also -bra) (pl. -bra, us -brums, -bras) large branched candlestick or lamp-holder. [latin: related to *candela]
Usage the form candelabra is, strictly speaking, the plural. However, candelabra (singular) and candelabras (plural) are often found in informal use.
Candid adj. 1 frank; open. 2 (of a photograph) taken informally, usu. Without subject’s knowledge. candidly adv. Candidness n. [latin candidus white]
Candida n. Fungus causing thrush. [latin candidus: related to *candid]
Candidate n. 1 person nominated for or seeking office, an award, etc. 2 person or thing likely to gain some distinction or position. 3 person entered for an examination. candidacy n. Candidature n. [latin, = white-robed]
Candle n. Cylinder or block of wax or tallow with a central wick which gives light when burning. cannot hold a candle to is much inferior to. Not worth the candle not justifying cost or trouble. [latin candela]
Candlelight n. Light from candles. candlelit adj.
Candlemas n. Feast of the purification of the virgin mary (2 feb.). [old english: related to *mass2]
Candlepower n. Unit of luminous intensity.
Candlestick n. Holder for one or more candles.
Candlewick n. 1 thick soft cotton yarn. 2 tufted material from this.
Candor n. (brit. Candour) frankness; openness. [latin candor]
Candour n. (us candor) frankness; openness. [latin candor]
C. & w. Abbr. Country-and-western (music).
Candy —n. (pl. -ies) 1 (in full sugar-candy) sugar crystallized by repeated boiling and slow evaporation. 2 us sweets; a sweet. —v. (-ies, -ied) (usu. As candied adj.) Preserve (fruit etc.) In candy. [french from arabic]
Candyfloss n. Fluffy mass of spun sugar round a stick.
Candystripe n. Alternate stripes of white and a colour. candystriped adj.
Candytuft n. Plant with white, pink, or purple flowers in tufts. [candia crete, *tuft]
Cane —n. 1 a hollow jointed stem of giant reeds or grasses. B solid stem of slender palms. 2 = *sugar cane. 3 cane used for wickerwork etc. 4 cane used as a
walking-stick, plant support, for punishment, etc. —v. (-ning) 1 beat with a cane. 2 weave cane into (a chair etc.). [greek kanna reed]
Cane sugar n. Sugar from sugar-cane.
Canine —adj. Of a dog or dogs. —n. 1 dog. 2 (in full canine tooth) pointed tooth between incisors and premolars. [latin canis dog]
Canister n. 1 small container for tea etc. 2 cylinder of shot, tear-gas, etc., exploding on impact. [greek kanastron wicker basket]
Canker —n. 1 destructive disease of trees and plants. 2 ulcerous ear disease of animals. 3 corrupting influence. —v. 1 infect with canker. 2 corrupt. 3 (as cankered adj.) Soured, malignant. cankerous adj. [latin: related to *cancer]
Canna n. Tropical plant with bright flowers and ornamental leaves. [latin: related to *cane]
Cannabis n. 1 hemp plant. 2 parts of it used as a narcotic. [latin from greek]
Canned adj. 1 pre-recorded (canned music). 2 sold in a can (canned beer). 3 slang drunk.
Cannelloni n.pl. Tubes of pasta stuffed with a savoury mixture. [italian]
Cannery n. (pl. -ies) canning-factory.
Cannibal n. Person or animal that eats its own species. cannibalism n. Cannibalistic adj. [spanish from carib]
Cannibalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) use (a machine etc.) As a source of spare parts. cannibalization n.
Cannon —n. 1 hist. (pl. Usu. Same) large heavy esp. Mounted gun. 2 billiards hitting of two balls successively by the player’s ball. —v. (usu. Foll. By against, into) collide. [italian: related to *cane]
Cannonade —n. Period of continuous heavy gunfire. —v. (-ding) bombard with a cannonade. [italian: related to *cannon]
Cannon-ball n. Hist. Large ball fired by a cannon.
Canoe —n. Small narrow boat with pointed ends, usu. Paddled. —v. (-noes, -noed, -noeing) travel in a canoe. canoeist n. [spanish and haitian]
Canon n. 1 a general law, rule, principle, or criterion. B church decree or law. 2 member of a cathedral chapter. 3 body of (esp. Sacred) writings accepted as genuine. 4 the part of the roman catholic mass containing the words of consecration. 5 mus. Piece with different parts taking up the same theme successively. [greek kanon rule]
Cañon var. Of *canyon.
Canonical —adj. (also canonic) 1 a according to canon law. B included in the canon of scripture. 2 authoritative, accepted. 3 of a cathedral chapter or a member of it. —n. (in pl.) Canonical dress of clergy. [medieval latin: related to *canon]
Canonist n. Expert in canon law.
Canonize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 a declare officially to be a saint, usu. With a ceremony. B regard as a saint. 2 admit to the canon of scripture. 3 sanction by church authority. canonization n. [medieval latin: related to *canon]
Canon law n. Ecclesiastical law.
Canoodle v. (-ling) colloq. Kiss and cuddle. [origin unknown]
Canopy —n. (pl. -ies) 1 a covering suspended over a throne, bed, etc. B sky. C overhanging shelter. 2 archit. Rooflike projection over a niche etc. 3 expanding part of a parachute. —v. (-ies, -ied) supply or be a canopy to. [greek, = mosquito-net]
Canst archaic 2nd person sing. Of *can1.
Cant1 —n. 1 insincere pious or moral talk. 2 language peculiar to a class, profession, etc.; jargon. —v. Use cant. [probably from latin: related to *chant]
Cant2 —n. 1 slanting surface, bevel. 2 oblique push or jerk. 3 tilted position. — v. Push or pitch out of level; tilt. [low german or dutch, = edge]
Can’t contr. Can not.
Cantab abbr. Of cambridge university. [latin cantabrigiensis]
Cantabile mus. —adv. & adj. In smooth flowing style. —n. Cantabile passage or movement. [italian, = singable]
Cantabrigian —adj. Of cambridge or its university. —n. Person from cambridge or its university. [cantabrigia, latinized name of cambridge]
Cantaloup n. (also cantaloupe) small round ribbed melon. [cantaluppi near rome, where it was first grown in europe]
Cantankerous adj. Bad-tempered, quarrelsome. cantankerously adv. Cantankerousness n. [origin uncertain]
Cantata n. Mus. Composition with vocal solos and usu. Choral and orchestral accompaniment. [italian: related to *chant]
Canteen n. 1 a restaurant for employees in an office, factory, etc. B shop for provisions in a barracks or camp. 2 case of cutlery. 3 soldier’s or camper’s water-flask. [italian, = cellar]
Canter —n. Horse’s pace between a trot and a gallop. —v. Go or make go at a canter. [canterbury gallop of medieval pilgrims]
Canticle n. Song or chant with a biblical text. [latin canticum *chant]
Cantilever n. 1 bracket or beam etc. Projecting from a wall to support a balcony etc. 2 beam or girder fixed at one end only. cantilevered adj. [origin unknown]
Cantilever bridge n. Bridge made of cantilevers projecting from piers and connected by girders.
Canto n. (pl. -s) division of a long poem. [latin cantus: related to *chant]
Canton —n. Subdivision of a country, esp. Of switzerland. —v. Put (troops) into
Canton —n. Subdivision of a country, esp. Of switzerland. —v. Put (troops) into quarters. [french, = corner: related to *cant2]
Cantonment n. 1 lodging assigned to troops. 2 hist. Permanent military station in india. [french: related to *canton]
Cantor n. 1 church choir leader. 2 precentor in a synagogue. [latin, = singer]
Canvas —n. 1 strong coarse cloth used for sails and tents etc. And for oil-painting. 2 a painting on canvas, esp. In oils. —v. (-ss-; us -s-) cover with canvas. under canvas 1 in tents. 2 with sails spread. [latin: related to *cannabis]
Canvass —v. 1 solicit votes, esp. From a constituency electorate. 2 a ascertain the opinions of. B seek custom from. 3 propose (an idea or plan etc.). —n. Canvassing, esp. Of electors. canvasser n. [originally = toss in sheet, from *canvas]
Canyon n. (also cañon) deep gorge. [spanish cañón tube]
Cap abbr. Common agricultural policy (of the ec).
Cap abbr. Common agricultural policy (of the ec).
Cap —n. 1 a soft brimless hat, usu. With a peak. B head-covering worn in a particular profession. C cap as a sign of membership of a sports team. D mortarboard. 2 a cover like a cap (kneecap). B top for a bottle, jar, pen, camera lens, etc. 3 = dutch cap. 4 = percussion cap. 5 dental crown. —v. (-pp-) 1 a put a
cap on. B cover the top or end of. C set a limit to (charge-capping). 2 award a sports cap to. 3 form the top of. 4 surpass, excel. cap in hand humbly. If the cap fits (of a remark) if it applies to you, so be it. To cap it all after everything else. [latin cappa]
Capability n. (pl. -ies) 1 ability, power. 2 undeveloped or unused faculty.
Capable adj. 1 competent, able, gifted. 2 (foll. By of) a having the ability, fitness, etc. For. B admitting of (explanation, improvement, etc.). capably adv. [latin capio hold]
Capacious adj. Roomy. capaciousness n. [latin capax: related to *capable]
Capacitance n. 1 ability to store electric charge. 2 ratio of change in the electric charge in a system to the corresponding change in its potential.
Capacitor n. Device able to store electric charge.
Capacity n. (pl. -ies) 1 a power to contain, receive, experience, or produce (capacity for heat, pain, etc.). B maximum amount that can be contained or produced etc. C (attrib.) Fully occupying the available space etc. (capacity crowd). 2 mental power. 3 position or function. 4 legal competence. to capacity fully. [latin: related to *capacious]
Caparison literary —n. 1 (usu. In pl.) Horse’s trappings. 2 equipment, finery. — v. Adorn. [spanish, = saddle-cloth]
Cape1 n. 1 sleeveless cloak. 2 this worn over or as part of a longer cloak or coat. [latin cappa *cap]
Cape2 n. 1 headland, promontory. 2 (the cape) the cape of good hope. [latin caput head]
Caper1 —v. Jump or run playfully. —n. 1 playful leap. 2 a prank. B slang illicit activity. cut a caper frolic. [abbreviation of *capriole]
Caper2 n. 1 bramble-like shrub. 2 (in pl.) Its pickled buds used esp. In a sauce. [greek kapparis]
Capercaillie n. (also capercailzie) large european grouse. [gaelic, = horse of the forest]
Capillarity n. The rise or depression of a liquid in a narrow tube. [french: related to *capillary]
Capillary —attrib. Adj. 1 of or like a hair, esp. (of a tube) of very small diameter. 2 of the branching blood-vessels connecting arteries and veins. —n. (pl. -ies) 1 capillary tube. 2 capillary blood vessel. [latin capillus hair]
Capillary action n. = *capillarity.
Capital —n. 1 chief town or city of a country or region. 2 a money etc. With which a company starts in business. B accumulated wealth. 3 capitalists collectively. 4 capital letter. 5 head of a column or pillar. —adj. 1 a principal, most important. B colloq. Excellent. 2 a involving punishment by death. B (of an error etc.) Vitally harmful, fatal. 3 (of letters of the alphabet) large in size, used to begin sentences and names etc. make capital out of use to one’s advantage. [latin caput -itis head]
Capital gain n. Profit from the sale of investments or property.
Capital goods n.pl. Machinery, plant, etc.
Capitalism n. Economic and political system dependent on private capital and profit-making.
Capitalist —n. 1 person investing or possessing capital. 2 advocate of capitalism. —adj. Of or favouring capitalism. capitalistic adj.
Capitalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 (foll. By on) use to one’s advantage. 2 convert into or provide with capital. 3 a write (a letter of the alphabet) as a capital. B begin (a word) with a capital letter. capitalization n. [french: related to *capital]
Capital levy n. Tax on wealth or property.
Capital sum n. Lump sum, esp. Payable to an insured person.
Capital transfer tax n. Hist. Tax levied on the transfer of capital by gift or bequest etc.
Capital transfer tax n. Hist. Tax levied on the transfer of capital by gift or bequest etc.
Usage this tax was replaced in 1986 by inheritance tax.
Capitation n. Tax or fee paid per person. [latin: related to *capital]
Capitular adj. Of a cathedral chapter. [latin capitulum *chapter]
Capitulate v. (-ting) surrender. capitulation n. [medieval latin, = put under headings]
Capo n. (pl. -s) device fitted across the strings of a guitar etc. To raise their pitch equally. [italian capo tasto head stop]
Capon n. Castrated cock fattened for eating. [latin capo]
Cappuccino n. (pl. -s) frothy milky coffee. [italian, = *capuchin]
Caprice n. 1 a whim. B tendency to this. 2 lively or fanciful work of art, music,
etc. [italian capriccio sudden start]
Capricious adj. Subject to whims; unpredictable. capriciously adv. Capriciousness n.
Capricorn n. 1 constellation and tenth sign of the zodiac (the goat). 2 person born when the sun is in this sign. [latin caper -pri goat, cornu horn]
Capriole —n. Leap, caper, esp. Of a trained horse. —v. (-ling) perform this. [italian: related to *capricorn]
Capsicum n. 1 plant with edible fruits, esp. Any of several varieties of pepper. 2 red, green, or yellow fruit of these. [latin capsa case]
Capsize v. (-zing) (of a boat etc.) Be overturned; overturn. [spanish capuzar sink]
Capstan n. 1 thick revolving cylinder for winding a cable etc. 2 revolving spindle carrying the spool on a tape recorder. [provençal]
Capstan lathe n. Lathe with a revolving tool-holder.
Capsule n. 1 small edible soluble case enclosing medicine. 2 detachable compartment of a spacecraft or nose of a rocket. 3 enclosing membrane in the body. 4 dry fruit that releases its seeds when ripe. 5 (attrib.) Concise; condensed. capsular adj. [latin capsa case]
capsular adj. [latin capsa case]
Capsulize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) put (information etc.) In compact form.
Capt. Abbr. Captain.
Captain —n. 1 a chief, leader. B leader of a team. 2 a commander of a ship. B pilot of a civil aircraft. 3 army officer next above lieutenant. —v. Be captain of; lead. captaincy n. (pl. -ies). [latin caput head]
Caption —n. 1 wording appended to an illustration, cartoon, etc. 2 wording on a cinema or television screen. 3 heading of a chapter, article, etc. —v. Provide with a caption. [latin capio take]
Captious adj. Fault-finding. [latin: related to *caption]
Captivate v. (-ting) fascinate; charm. captivation n. [latin: related to *captive]
Captive —n. Confined or imprisoned person or animal. —adj. 1 taken prisoner; restrained. 2 unable to escape (captive audience). captivity n. [latin capio capt-take]
Captor n. Person who captures. [latin: related to *captive]
Capture —v. (-ring) 1 a take prisoner; seize. B obtain by force or trickery. 2 portray; record on film etc. 3 absorb (a subatomic particle). 4 record (data) for use in a computer. —n. 1 act of capturing. 2 thing or person captured. [latin: related to *captive]
Capuchin n. 1 franciscan friar. 2 (capuchin) a monkey with cowl-like head hair. B pigeon with a cowl-like head and neck. [italian cappuccio cowl]
Capybara n. Large semi-aquatic s. American rodent. [tupi]
Car n. 1 (in full motor car) motor vehicle for a driver and small number of passengers. 2 (in comb.) Road vehicle or railway carriage esp. Of a specified kind (tramcar; dining-car). 3 us any railway carriage or van. 4 passenger compartment of a lift, balloon, etc. [french from latin]
Caracul var. Of *karakul.
Carafe n. Glass container for water or wine. [french from arabic]
Caramel n. 1 a burnt sugar or syrup as a flavouring or colouring. B a kind of soft toffee. 2 light-brown colour. caramelize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). [french from spanish]
Carapace n. Upper shell of a tortoise or crustacean. [french from spanish]
Carat n. 1 unit of weight for precious stones (200 mg). 2 measure of purity of gold (pure gold = 24 carats). [french ultimately from greek keras horn]
Caravan —n. 1 vehicle equipped for living in and usu. Towed by a car. 2 people travelling together, esp. Across a desert. —v. (-nn-) travel or live in a caravan. caravanner n. [french from persian]
Caravanserai n. Eastern inn with a central court. [persian, = caravan place]
Caravel n. (also carvel) hist. Small light fast ship. [greek karabos, literally ‘horned beetle’]
Caraway n. Plant with tiny white flowers. [spanish from arabic]
Caraway seed n. Fruit of the caraway as flavouring and a source of oil.
Carb n. Colloq. Carburettor. [abbreviation]
Carbide n. 1 binary compound of carbon. 2 = *calcium carbide.
Carbine n. Short rifle orig. For cavalry use. [french]
Carbohydrate n. Energy-producing organic compound of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (e.g. Starch, sugar).
Carbolic n. (in full carbolic acid) phenol. [from *carbon]
Carbolic soap n. Soap containing carbolic.
Car bomb n. Terrorist bomb placed in or under a parked car.
Carbon n. 1 non-metallic element occurring naturally as diamond, graphite, and charcoal, and in all organic compounds. 2 a = carbon copy. B = carbon paper. 3 rod of carbon in an arc lamp. [latin carbo charcoal]
Carbon-14 n. Radioisotope of mass 14, used in carbon dating.
Carbon-12 n. Stable isotope of carbon, used as a standard.
Carbonaceous adj. 1 consisting of or containing carbon. 2 of or like coal or charcoal.
Carbonate —n. Chem. Salt of carbonic acid. —v. (-ting) fill with carbon dioxide. [french: related to *carbon]
Carbon copy n. 1 copy made with carbon paper. 2 exact copy.
Carbon dating n. Determination of the age of an organic object from the ratio of isotopes, which changes as carbon-14 decays.
isotopes, which changes as carbon-14 decays.
Carbon dioxide n. Gas occurring naturally in the atmosphere and formed by respiration.
Carbon fibre n. Thin strong crystalline filament of carbon used as a strengthening material.
Carbonic adj. Containing carbon.
Carbonic acid n. Weak acid formed from carbon dioxide in water.
Carboniferous —adj. 1 producing coal. 2 (carboniferous) of the fifth period in the palaeozoic era, with extensive formation of coal. —n. (carboniferous) this period.
Carbonize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 convert into carbon. 2 reduce to charcoal or coke. 3 coat with carbon. carbonization n.
Carbon monoxide n. Toxic gas formed by the incomplete burning of carbon.
Carbon paper n. Thin carbon-coated paper used for making copies.
Carbon tetrachloride n. Colourless liquid used as a solvent.
Carbon tetrachloride n. Colourless liquid used as a solvent.
Car-boot sale n. Sale of goods from (tables stocked from) the boots of cars.
Carborundum n. Compound of carbon and silicon used esp. As an abrasive. [from *carbon, *corundum]
Carboy n. Large globular glass bottle usu. In a frame. [persian]
Carbuncle n. 1 severe skin abscess. 2 bright-red gem. [latin: related to *carbon]
Carburettor n. (us carburetor) apparatus in an internal-combustion engine for mixing petrol and air to make an explosive mixture.
Carcass n. (also carcase) 1 dead body of an animal, esp. As meat. 2 bones of a cooked bird. 3 colloq. Human body; corpse. 4 framework. 5 worthless remains. [french]
Carcinogen n. Substance producing cancer. carcinogenic adj. [related to *carcinoma]
Carcinoma n. (pl. -s or -mata) cancerous tumour. [greek karkinos crab]
Card1 n. 1 thick stiff paper or thin pasteboard. 2 a piece of this for writing or
printing on, esp. To send greetings, to identify a person, or to record information. B small rectangular piece of plastic used for identity etc. 3 a = *playing-card. B (in pl.) Card-playing. 4 (in pl.) Colloq. Tax and national insurance documents etc., held by an employer. 5 programme of events at a race-meeting etc. 6 colloq.
Card2 —n. Wire brush etc. For raising a nap on cloth etc. —v. Brush or comb with a card. [latin caro card (v.)]
Cardamom n. Seeds of an aromatic se asian plant used as a spice. [latin from greek]
Cardboard n. Pasteboard or stiff paper, esp. For making boxes.
Cardboard city n. Area where homeless people make shelters from cardboard boxes etc.
Card-carrying adj. Registered as a member (esp. Of a political party or trade union).
Card-game n. Game using playing-cards.
Cardiac adj. Of the heart. [greek kardia heart]
Cardigan n. Knitted jacket. [earl of cardigan]
Cardinal —adj. 1 chief, fundamental. 2 deep scarlet. —n. 1 (as a title cardinal)
Cardinal —adj. 1 chief, fundamental. 2 deep scarlet. —n. 1 (as a title cardinal) leading roman catholic dignitary, one of the college electing the pope. 2 small scarlet american songbird. [latin cardo -din-hinge]
Cardinal number n. Number denoting quantity (1, 2, 3, etc.), as opposed to an ordinal number.
Cardinal points n.pl. Four main points of the compass (n., s., e., w.).
Cardinal virtues n.pl. Justice, prudence, temperance, and fortitude.
Card index n. Index with a card for each entry.
Cardiogram n. Record of heart movements. [greek kardia heart]
Cardiograph n. Instrument recording heart movements. cardiographer n. Cardiography n.
Cardiology n. Branch of medicine concerned with the heart. cardiologist n.
Cardiovascular adj. Of the heart and blood-vessels.
Cardoon n. Thistle-like plant with leaves used as a vegetable. [french from latin]
Cardphone n. Public telephone operated by a machine-readable card instead of money.
Card-sharp n. (also card-sharper) swindler at card-games.
Card-table n. (esp. Folding) table for card-playing.
Card vote n. = *block vote.
Care —n. 1 worry, anxiety. 2 cause of this. 3 serious attention; caution. 4 a protection, looking after, charge. B = *child care. 5 thing to be done or seen to. —v. (-ring) 1 (usu. Foll. By about, for, whether) feel concern or interest. 2 (usu. Foll. By for) like, be fond of (don’t care for jazz). 3 (foll. By to + infin.) Wish or be willing (would you care to try?). care for provide for; look after. Care of at the address of. In care (of a child) in local authority care. Not care a damn etc. = not give a damn etc. (see *give). Take care 1 be careful. 2 (foll. By to + infin.) Not fail or neglect. Take care of 1 look after. 2 deal with, dispose of. [old english, = sorrow]
Careen v. 1 turn (a ship) on one side for repair etc. 2 tilt, lean over. 3 swerve about. [latin carina keel]
Usage sense 3 of careen is influenced by the verb career.
Career —n. 1 one’s professional etc. Progress through life. 2 profession or
occupation, esp. As offering advancement. 3 (attrib.) A pursuing or wishing to pursue a career (career woman). B working permanently in a specified profession (career diplomat). 4 swift course (in full career). —v. 1 move or swerve about wildly. 2 go swiftly. [latin: related to *car]
Careerist n. Person predominantly concerned with personal advancement.
Carefree adj. Light-hearted; joyous.
Careful adj. 1 painstaking, thorough. 2 cautious. 3 taking care; not neglecting (careful to remind them). carefully adv. Carefulness n.
Careless adj. 1 lacking care or attention. 2 unthinking, insensitive. 3 light-hearted. 4 (foll. By of) not concerned about. carelessly adv. Carelessness n.
Carer n. Person who cares for a sick or elderly person, esp. A relative at home.
Caress —v. Touch or stroke gently or lovingly. —n. Loving or gentle touch. [latin carus dear]
Caret n. Mark (^) indicating a proposed insertion in printing or writing. [latin, = is lacking]
Caretaker n. 1 person employed to look after a house, building, etc. 2 (attrib.) Exercising temporary authority (caretaker government).
Careworn adj. Showing the effects of prolonged worry.
Cargo n. (pl. -es or -s) goods carried on a ship or aircraft. [spanish: related to *charge]
Carib —n. 1 aboriginal inhabitant of the southern w. Indies or adjacent coasts. 2 their language. —adj. Of the caribs. [spanish from haitian]
Caribbean adj. Of the caribs or the w. Indies generally.
Caribou n. (pl. Same) n. American reindeer. [french from american indian]
Caricature —n. 1 grotesque usu. Comically exaggerated representation esp. Of a person. 2 ridiculously poor imitation or version. —v. (-ring) make or give a caricature of. caricaturist n. [italian caricare exaggerate]
Caries n. (pl. Same) decay of a tooth or bone. [latin]
Carillon n. 1 set of bells sounded either from a keyboard or mechanically. 2 tune played on bells. [french]
Caring adj. 1 kind, humane. 2 (attrib.) Concerned with looking after people (caring professions).
Carioca n. 1 brazilian dance like the samba. 2 music for this. [portuguese]
Carmelite —n. 1 friar of the order of our lady of carmel. 2 nun of a similar order. —adj. Of the carmelites. [mt. Carmel in palestine, where the order was founded]
Carmine —adj. Of vivid crimson colour. —n. 1 this colour. 2 carmine pigment made from cochineal. [probably from latin carmesinum *crimson]
Carnage n. Great slaughter, esp. In battle. [latin: related to *carnal]
Carnal adj. 1 of the body or flesh; worldly. 2 sensual, sexual. carnality n. [latin caro carn-flesh]
Carnation —n. 1 clove-scented pink. 2 rosy-pink colour. —adj. Rosy-pink. [italian: related to *carnal because of the flesh-colour]
Carnelian var. Of *cornelian.
Carnet n. Permit to drive across a frontier, use a camp-site, etc. [french, = notebook]
Carnival n. 1 a annual festivities including a parade through the streets in fancy dress. B festival preceding lent. 2 merrymaking. 3 us funfair or circus. [latin carnem levo put away meat]
Carnivore n. Carnivorous animal or plant, esp. A mammal of the order including cats, dogs, and bears.
Carnivorous adj. (of an animal or plant) feeding on flesh. [latin: related to *carnal, voro devour]
Carob n. Seed pod of a mediterranean tree used as a chocolate substitute. [arabic karruba]
Carol —n. Joyous song, esp. A christmas hymn. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 sing carols. 2 sing joyfully. [french]
Carolingian —adj. Of the frankish dynasty founded by charlemagne. —n. Member of this dynasty. [latin carolus charles]
Carotene n. Orange-coloured pigment found in carrots, tomatoes, etc., acting as a source of vitamin a. [latin: related to *carrot]
Carotid —n. Each of the two main arteries carrying blood to the head and neck. —adj. Of these arteries. [latin from greek]
Carouse —v. (-sing) have a lively drinking-party. —n. Such a party. carousal n.
Carouse —v. (-sing) have a lively drinking-party. —n. Such a party. carousal n. Carouser n. [german gar aus (drink) right out]
Carousel n. 1 us merry-go-round. 2 rotating luggage delivery system at an airport etc. [french from italian]
Carp1 n. (pl. Same) freshwater fish often bred for food. [provençal or latin]
Carp2 v. Find fault; complain pettily. carper n. [old norse, = brag]
Carp2 v. Find fault; complain pettily. carper n. [old norse, = brag]
Carpal —adj. Of the bones in the wrist. —n. Wrist-bone. [from *carpus]
Car park n. Area for parking cars.
Carpel n. Female reproductive organ of a flower. [greek karpos fruit]
Carpenter —n. Person skilled in woodwork. —v. 1 make or construct in wood. 2 construct; fit together. carpentry n. [latin carpentum wagon]
Carpet —n. 1 a thick fabric for covering floor or stairs. B piece of this. 2 thing resembling this etc. (carpet of snow). —v. (-t-) 1 cover with or as with carpet. 2 colloq. Reprimand. on the carpet colloq. 1 being reprimanded. 2 under consideration. Sweep under the carpet conceal (a problem or difficulty). [latin
carpo pluck]
Carpet-bag n. Travelling-bag, orig. Made of carpet-like material.
Carpet-bagger n. Colloq. 1 esp. Us political candidate etc. Without local connections. 2 unscrupulous opportunist.
Carpeting n. 1 material for carpets. 2 carpets collectively.
Carpet slipper n. Soft slipper.
Carpet-sweeper n. Household implement for sweeping carpets.
Car phone n. Radio-telephone for use in a car etc.
Carport n. Roofed open-sided shelter for a car.
Carpus n. (pl. -pi) small bones forming the wrist in humans and similar parts in other mammals. [latin from greek]
Carrageen n. (also carragheen) edible red seaweed. [origin uncertain]
Carrel n. Small cubicle for a reader in a library. [french from medieval latin]
Carriage n. 1 railway passenger vehicle. 2 wheeled horse-drawn passenger vehicle. 3 a conveying of goods. B cost of this. 4 carrying part of a machine (e.g. A typewriter). 5 gun-carriage. 6 bearing, deportment. [french: related to *carry]
Carriage clock n. Portable clock with a handle.
Carriageway n. The part of a road intended for vehicles.
Carrier n. 1 person or thing that carries. 2 transport or freight company. 3 = *carrier bag. 4 framework on a bicycle for luggage or a passenger. 5 person or animal that may transmit disease etc. Without suffering from it. 6 = *aircraft-carrier.
Carrier bag n. Plastic or paper bag with handles.
Carrier pigeon n. Pigeon trained to carry messages.
Carrier wave n. High-frequency electromagnetic wave modulated in amplitude or frequency to convey a signal.
Carrion n. 1 dead putrefying flesh. 2 something vile or filthy. [latin caro flesh]
Carrion crow n. Crow feeding on carrion.
Carrot n. 1 a plant with a tapering orange-coloured root. B this as a vegetable. 2 incentive. carroty adj. [greek karoton]
Carry —v. (-ies, -ied) 1 support or hold up, esp. While moving. 2 convey with one or have on one’s person. 3 conduct or transmit (pipe carries water). 4 (often foll. By to) take (a process etc.) To a specified point; continue; prolong (carry into effect; carry a joke too far). 5 involve, imply (carries 6% interest). 6 math. Transfer (a figure) to a column of higher value. 7 hold in a specified way (carry oneself erect). 8 a (of a newspaper etc.) Publish. B (of a radio or television station) broadcast. 9 keep a regular stock of. 10 a (of sound) be audible at a distance. B (of a missile or gun etc.) Travel or propel to a specified distance. 11 a win victory or acceptance for (a proposal etc.). B win acceptance from (carried the audience with her). C win, capture (a prize, fortress, etc.). 12 a endure the weight of; support. B be the driving force in (you carry the department). 13 be pregnant with. —n. (pl. -ies) 1 act of carrying. 2 golf distance a ball travels before reaching the ground. carry away 1 remove. 2 inspire. 3 deprive of self-control (got carried away). Carry the can colloq. Bear the responsibility or blame. Carry the day be victorious or successful. Carry forward transfer to a new page or account. Carry it off do well under difficulties. Carry off 1 take away, esp. By force. 2 win (a prize). 3 (esp.
Carry-out attrib. Adj. & n. Esp. Scot. & us = *take-away.
Carsick adj. Nauseous from car travel. carsickness n.
Cart —n. 1 open usu. Horse-drawn vehicle for carrying loads. 2 light vehicle for pulling by hand. —v. 1 convey in a cart. 2 slang carry or convey with effort. put the cart before the horse reverse the proper order or procedure. [old norse]
Carte blanche n. Full discretionary power. [french, = blank paper]
Cartel n. Union of suppliers etc. To control prices. [italian diminutive: related to *card1]
Cartesian —adj. Of descartes or his philosophy. —n. Follower of descartes. [latin cartesius descartes]
Cartesian coordinates n.pl. System for locating a point by reference to its distance from axes intersecting at right angles.
Cart-horse n. Thickset horse.
Carthusian —n. Monk of a contemplative order founded by st bruno. —adj. Of this order. [latin: related to *chartreuse]
Cartilage n. Firm flexible connective tissue, mainly replaced by bone in adulthood. cartilaginous adj. [french from latin]
Cartography n. Map-drawing. cartographer n. Cartographic adj. [french carte map]
Carton n. Light esp. Cardboard box or container. [french: related to *cartoon]
Cartoon n. 1 humorous, esp. Topical, drawing in a newspaper etc. 2 sequence of drawings telling a story. 3 animated sequence of these on film. 4 full-size preliminary design for a tapestry etc. cartoonist n. [italian: related to *card1]
Cartouche n. 1 scroll-like ornamentation. 2 oval ring enclosing the name and title of a pharaoh. [french: related to *cartoon]
Cartridge n. 1 case containing an explosive charge or bullet for firearms or blasting. 2 sealed container of film etc. 3 component carrying the stylus on a record-player. 4 ink-container for insertion in a pen. [french: related to *cartoon]
Cartridge-belt n. Belt with pockets or loops for cartridges.
Cartridge paper n. Thick paper for drawing etc.
Cartwheel n. 1 wheel of a cart. 2 circular sideways handspring with arms and legs extended.
Cart-wright n. Maker of carts.
Carve v. (-ving) 1 produce or shape by cutting. 2 a cut patterns etc. In. B (foll. By into) form a pattern etc. From (carved it into a bust). 3 (absol.) Cut (meat etc.) Into slices. carve out 1 take from a larger whole. 2 establish (a career etc.) Purposefully. Carve up 1 subdivide. 2 drive aggressively into the path of (another vehicle). [old english]
Carvel var. Of *caravel.
Carvel-built adj. (of a boat) made with planks flush, not overlapping.
Carver n. 1 person who carves. 2 carving knife. 3 chair with arms, for a person carving.
Carvery n. (pl. -ies) buffet or restaurant with joints displayed for carving.
Carve-up n. Slang sharing-out, esp. Of spoils.
Carving n. Carved object, esp. As a work of art.
Carving knife n. Knife for carving meat.
Casanova n. Notorious womanizer. [italian adventurer]
Cascade —n. 1 small waterfall, esp. One of series. 2 thing falling or arranged like a cascade. —v. (-ding) fall in or like a cascade. [latin: related to *case1]
Cascara n. Bark of a californian buckthorn, used as a laxative. [spanish]
Case1 n. 1 instance of something occurring. 2 hypothetical or actual situation. 3
a person’s illness, circumstances, etc., as regarded by a doctor, social worker, etc. B such a person. 4 matter under esp. Police investigation. 5 suit at law. 6 a sum of the arguments on one side, esp. In a lawsuit. B set of arguments (have a good case). C valid set of arguments (have no case). 7 gram. A relation of a word to other words in a sentence. B form of a noun, adjective, or pronoun expressing this. 8 colloq. Comical person. in any case whatever the truth is; whatever may happen. In case 1 in the event that; if. 2 lest; in provision against a possibility (took it in case). In case of in the event of. Is (or is not) the case is (or is not) so. [latin casus from cado fall]
Case2 —n. 1 container or enclosing covering. 2 this with its contents. 3 protective outer covering. 4 item of luggage, esp. A suitcase. —v. (-sing) 1 enclose in a case. 2 (foll. By with) surround. 3 slang reconnoitre (a house etc.) Before burgling it. [latin capsa box]
Case-harden v. 1 harden the surface of (esp. Iron by carbonizing). 2 make callous.
Case history n. Record of a person’s life or medical history for use in professional treatment.
Casein n. The main protein in milk and cheese. [latin caseus cheese]
Case-law n. Law as established by the outcome of former cases.
Casemate n. 1 embrasured room in a fortress wall. 2 armoured enclosure for guns on a warship. [french and italian]
Casement n. Window or part of a window hinged to open like a door. [anglo-latin: related to *case2]
Casework n. Social work concerned with studying a person’s family and background. caseworker n.
Cash —n. 1 money in coins or notes. 2 (also cash down) full payment at the time of purchase. 3 colloq. Wealth. —v. Give or obtain cash for (a note, cheque, etc.). cash in 1 obtain cash for. 2 colloq. (usu. Foll. By on) profit (from); take advantage (of). Cash up count and check the day’s takings. [latin: related to *case2]
Cash and carry n. 1 system (esp. In wholesaling) of cash payment for goods taken away by the purchaser. 2 store where this operates.
Cash-book n. Book for recording receipts and cash payments.
Cashcard n. Plastic card for withdrawing money from a cash dispenser.
Cash crop n. Crop produced for sale.
Cash desk n. Counter etc. Where payment is made in a shop.
Cash dispenser n. Automatic machine for the withdrawal of cash, esp. With a
Cash dispenser n. Automatic machine for the withdrawal of cash, esp. With a cashcard.
Cashew n. 1 evergreen tree bearing kidney-shaped nuts. 2 this edible nut. [portuguese from tupi]
Cash flow n. Movement of money into and out of a business.
Cashier1 n. Person dealing with cash transactions in a shop, bank, etc.
Cashier2 v. Dismiss from service, esp. With disgrace. [french: related to *quash]
Cashmere n. 1 fine soft wool, esp. That of a kashmir goat. 2 material made from this. [kashmir in asia]
Cash on delivery n. Payment for goods when they are delivered.
Cashpoint n. = *cash dispenser.
Cash register n. Till recording sales, totalling receipts, etc.
Casing n. Protective or enclosing cover or material.
Casino n. (pl. -s) public room or building for gambling. [italian diminutive of
Casino n. (pl. -s) public room or building for gambling. [italian diminutive of casa house]
Cask n. 1 barrel, esp. For alcohol. 2 its contents. [french casque or spanish casco helmet]
Casket n. 1 small often ornamental box for jewels etc. 2 us coffin. [latin: related to *case2]
Cassata n. Ice-cream containing fruit and nuts. [italian]
Cassava n. 1 plant with starchy roots. 2 starch or flour from these, used e.g. In tapioca. [taino]
Casserole —n. 1 covered dish for cooking food in the oven. 2 food cooked in this. —v. (-ling) cook in a casserole. [greek kuathion little cup]
Cassette n. Sealed case containing magnetic tape, film etc., ready for insertion in a tape recorder, camera, etc. [french diminutive: related to *case2]
Cassia n. 1 tree from the leaves of which senna is extracted. 2 cinnamon-like bark of this used as a spice. [greek kasia from hebrew]
Cassis n. Blackcurrant flavouring for drinks etc. [french]
Cassock n. Long usu. Black or red clerical garment. cassocked adj. [french from italian]
Cassoulet n. Ragout of meat and beans. [french]
Cassowary n. (pl. -ies) large flightless australasian bird. [malay]
Cast —v. (past and past part. Cast) 1 throw, esp. Deliberately or forcefully. 2 (often foll. By on, over) a direct or cause (one’s eyes, a glance, light, a shadow, a spell, etc.) To fall. B express (doubts, aspersions, etc.). 3 throw out (a fishing-line etc.) Into the water. 4 let down (an anchor etc.). 5 a throw off, get rid of. B shed or lose (horns, skin, a horseshoe, etc.). 6 register (a vote). 7 a shape (molten metal etc.) In a mould. B make thus. 8 a (usu. Foll. By as) assign (an actor) to a role. B allocate roles in (a play etc.). 9 (foll. By in, into) arrange (facts etc.) In a specified form. 10 reckon, add up (accounts or figures). 11 calculate (a horoscope). —n. 1 throwing of a missile, dice, line, net, etc. 2 a object made in a mould. B moulded mass of solidified material, esp. Plaster for a broken limb. 3 actors in a play etc. 4 form, type, or quality. 5 tinge or shade of colour. 6 slight squint. 7 worm-cast. cast about (or around) search. Cast adrift leave to drift. Cast aside abandon. Cast loose detach (oneself). Cast lots see *lot. Cast off 1 abandon. 2 finish a piece of knitting. 3 set a ship free from a quay etc. Cast on make the first row of a piece of knitting. Cast up 1 deposit on the shore. 2 add up (figures etc.). [old norse]
Castanet n. (usu. In pl.) Each of a pair of hand-held pieces of wood etc., clicked together as an accompaniment, esp. By spanish dancers. [latin: related to *chestnut]
Caste n. 1 any of the hindu hereditary classes whose members have no social contact with other classes. 2 exclusive social class or system of classes. lose caste descend in social order. [spanish and portuguese: related to *chaste]
Casteism n. Caste system.
Castellated adj. 1 having battlements. 2 castle-like. castellation n. [medieval latin: related to *castle]
Caster var. Of *castor.
Castigate v. (-ting) rebuke or punish severely. castigation n. Castigator n. [latin castus pure]
Casting n. Cast, esp. Of molten metal.
Casting vote n. Deciding vote when the votes on two sides are equal. [from an obsolete sense of cast, = turn the scale]
Cast iron n. Hard alloy of iron, carbon, and silicon cast in a mould.
Cast-iron adj. 1 of cast iron. 2 very strong; rigid; unchallengeable.
Castle —n. 1 large fortified building with towers and battlements. 2 chess =
Castle —n. 1 large fortified building with towers and battlements. 2 chess = *rook2. —v. (-ling) chess move a rook next to the king and the king to the other side of the rook. castles in the air day-dream; impractical scheme. [latin castellum]
Cast-off —adj. Abandoned, discarded. —n. Cast-off thing, esp. A garment.
Castor n. (also caster) 1 small swivelled wheel on the leg or underside of a piece of furniture. 2 small perforated container for sprinkling sugar, flour, etc. [from *cast]
Castor oil n. Oil from the seeds of a tropical plant, used as a purgative and lubricant. [origin uncertain]
Castor sugar n. Finely granulated white sugar.
Castrate v. (-ting) 1 remove the testicles of; geld. 2 deprive of vigour. castration n. [latin castro]
Castrato n. (pl. -ti) hist. Castrated male soprano or alto singer. [italian: related to *castrate]
Casual —adj. 1 accidental; chance. 2 not regular or permanent (casual work). 3 a unconcerned. B careless; unthinking. 4 (of clothes) informal. —n. 1 casual worker. 2 (usu. In pl.) Casual clothes or shoes. casually adv. Casualness n. [french and latin: related to *case1]
Casualty n. (pl. -ies) 1 person killed or injured in a war or accident. 2 thing lost or destroyed. 3 = casualty department. 4 accident, mishap. [medieval latin: related to casual]
Casualty department n. Part of a hospital where casualties are dealt with.
Casuist n. 1 person who uses clever but false reasoning in matters of conscience etc. 2 sophist, quibbler. casuistic adj. Casuistry n. [latin: related to *case1]
Cat n. 1 small soft-furred four-legged domesticated animal. 2 wild animal of the same family, e.g. Lion, tiger. 3 colloq. Malicious or spiteful woman. 4 = *cat-o’-nine-tails. the cat’s whiskers colloq. Excellent person or thing. Let the cat out of the bag reveal a secret. Like a cat on hot bricks very agitated. Put (or set) the cat among the pigeons cause trouble. Rain cats and dogs rain hard. [latin cattus]
Cata-prefix 1 down. 2 wrongly. [greek]
Catabolism n. Breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to release energy; destructive metabolism. catabolic adj. [greek katabole throwing down]
Catachresis n. (pl. -chreses) incorrect use of words. catachrestic adj. [greek khraomai use]
Cataclysm n. 1 a violent upheaval or disaster. B great change. 2 great flood. cataclysmic adj. [greek kluzo wash]
Catacomb n. (often in pl.) Underground cemetery, esp. Roman. [french from latin]
Catafalque n. Decorated bier, used esp. In state funerals or for lying in state. [french from italian]
Catalan —n. Native or language of catalonia in spain. —adj. Of catalonia. [french from spanish]
Catalepsy n. Trance or seizure with unconsciousness and rigidity of the body. cataleptic adj. & n. [greek lepsis seizure]
Catalog (brit. Catalogue) —n. 1 complete alphabetical or otherwise ordered list of items, often with a description of each. 2 extensive list (catalog of disasters). —v. (-logs, -loged, -loging; brit. -logues, -logued, -loguing) 1 make a catalog of. 2 enter in a catalog. [greek lego choose]
Catalogue (us catalog) —n. 1 complete alphabetical or otherwise ordered list of items, often with a description of each. 2 extensive list (catalogue of disasters). —v. (-logues, -logued, -loguing; us -logs, -loged, -loging) 1 make a catalogue of. 2 enter in a catalogue. [greek lego choose]
Catalpa n. Tree with long pods and showy flowers. [n. American indian]
Catalyse v. (us -yze) (-sing or -zing) produce (a reaction) by catalysis.
Catalysis n. (pl. -lyses) acceleration of a chemical reaction by a catalyst. [greek luo set free]
Catalyst n. 1 substance that does not itself change, but speeds up a chemical reaction. 2 person or thing that precipitates change.
Catalytic adj. Of or involving catalysis.
Catalytic converter n. Device incorporated in a vehicle’s exhaust system, with a catalyst for converting pollutant gases into harmless products.
Catalyze v. (brit. -yse) produce (a reaction) by catalysis.
Catamaran n. 1 boat with parallel twin hulls. 2 raft of yoked logs or boats. [tamil]
Catamite n. Passive partner (esp. A boy) in homosexual practices. [latin, = ganymede]
Cat-and-dog adj. (of a relationship etc.) Quarrelsome.
Catapult —n. 1 forked stick etc. With elastic for shooting stones. 2 mil hist. Machine for hurling large stones etc. 3 device for launching a glider etc. —v. 1 a hurl from or launch with a catapult. B fling forcibly. 2 leap or be hurled forcibly. [latin from greek]
Cataract n. 1 a large waterfall. B downpour; rush of water. 2 eye condition in which the lens becomes progressively opaque. [greek katarrhaktes, = down-rushing]
Catarrh n. 1 inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, air-passages, etc. 2 mucus caused by this. catarrhal adj. [greek rheo flow]
Catastrophe n. 1 great and usu. Sudden disaster. 2 denouement of a drama. catastrophic adj. Catastrophically adv. [greek strepho turn]
Catatonia n. 1 schizophrenia with intervals of catalepsy and sometimes violence. 2 catalepsy. catatonic adj. & n. [greek: related to cata-, tone]
Cat burglar n. Burglar who enters by climbing to an upper storey.
Catcall —n. Shrill whistle of disapproval. —v. Make a catcall.
Catch —v. (past and past part. Caught) 1 capture in a trap, one’s hands, etc. 2 detect or surprise (esp. A guilty person). 3 a intercept and hold (a moving thing) in the hands etc. B cricket dismiss (a batsman) by catching the ball before it reaches the ground. 4 a contract (a disease) from an infected person. B acquire (a quality etc.) From another. 5 a reach in time and board (a train, bus, etc.). B be in time to see etc. (a person or thing about to leave or finish). 6 apprehend with the senses or mind (esp. A thing occurring quickly or briefly). 7 (of an artist etc.) Reproduce faithfully. 8 a (cause to) become fixed, entangled, or checked. B (often foll. By on) hit, deal a blow to (caught his elbow on the table). 9 draw the
attention of; captivate (caught his eye; caught her fancy). 10 begin to burn. 11 reach or overtake (a person etc. Ahead). 12 (foll. By at) try to grasp. —n. 1 a act of catching. B cricket etc. Chance or act of catching the ball. 2 a amount of a thing caught, esp. Of fish. B thing or person caught or worth catching, esp. In marriage. 3 a question, trick, etc., intended to deceive, incriminate, etc. B unexpected or hidden difficulty or disadvantage. 4 device for fastening a door or window etc. 5 mus. Round, esp. With words arranged to produce a humorous effect. catch fire see *fire. Catch hold of grasp, seize. Catch it slang be punished. Catch on colloq. 1 become popular. 2 understand what is meant. Catch out 1 detect in a mistake etc. 2 take unawares. 3 = sense 3b of v. Catch up 1 a (often foll. By with) reach a person etc. Ahead (caught us up; caught up with us). B (often foll. By with, on) make up arrears. 2 pick up hurriedly. 3 (often in passive) a involve; entangle (caught up in crime). B fasten up (hair caught up in a ribbon). [latin capto try to catch]
Catch-all n. (often attrib.) Thing designed to be all-inclusive.
Catch-as-catch-can n. Wrestling with few holds barred.
Catching adj. (of a disease, practice, etc.) Infectious.
Catchline n. Short line of type, esp. At the head of copy or as a running headline.
Catchment n. Collection of rainfall.
Catchment area n. 1 area served by a school, hospital, etc. 2 area from which rainfall flows into a river etc.
Catchpenny attrib. Adj. Intended merely to sell quickly; superficially attractive.
Catch-phrase n. Phrase in frequent use.
Catch-22 n. (often attrib.) Colloq. Unresolvable situation containing conflicting or mutually dependent conditions.
Catchweight —adj. Unrestricted as regards weight. —n. Unrestricted weight category in sports.
Catchword n. 1 phrase, word, or slogan in frequent current use. 2 word so placed as to draw attention.
Catchy adj. (-ier, -iest) (of a tune) easy to remember, attractive.
Cat door var. Of *cat flap.
Catechism n. 1 a principles of a religion in the form of questions and answers. B book containing this. 2 series of questions. [church latin: related to *catechize]
Catechist n. Religious teacher, esp. One using a catechism.
Catechize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) instruct by using a catechism. [greek katekheo cause to hear]
katekheo cause to hear]
Catechumen n. Christian convert under instruction before baptism. [church latin catechumenus]
Categorical adj. Unconditional, absolute; explicit. categorically adv. [related to *category]
Categorize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) place in a category. categorization n.
Category n. (pl. -ies) class or division (of things, ideas, etc.). [greek, = statement]
Cater v. 1 supply food. 2 (foll. By for) provide what is needed or desired (caters for all tastes). 3 (foll. By to) pander to (esp. Low tastes). [anglo-french acatour buyer, from latin capto: related to *catch]
Caterer n. Professional supplier of food for social events.
Caterpillar n. 1 larva of a butterfly or moth. 2 (caterpillar) a (in full caterpillar track or tread) propr. Steel band passing round the wheels of a tractor etc. For travel on rough ground. B vehicle with these. [anglo-french, = hairy cat]
Caterwaul —v. Make the shrill howl of a cat. —n. This noise. [from *cat, -waul imitative]
Catfish n. (pl. Same) freshwater fish with whisker-like barbels round the mouth.
Cat flap n. (also cat door) small swinging flap in an outer door, for a cat to pass in and out.
Catgut n. Material used for the strings of musical instruments and surgical sutures, made of intestines of the sheep, horse, etc. (but not cat).
Catharsis n. (pl. Catharses) 1 emotional release in drama or art. 2 psychol. Freeing and elimination of repressed emotion. 3 emptying of the bowels. [greek katharos clean]
Cathedral n. Principal church of a diocese. [greek kathedra seat]
Catherine wheel n. Flat coiled firework spinning when lit. [st catherine, who was martyred on a spiked wheel]
Catheter n. Tube inserted into a body cavity for introducing or removing fluid. [greek kathiemi send down]
Cathode n. Electr. 1 negative electrode in an electrolytic cell. 2 positive terminal
of a battery etc. [greek kathodos way down]
Cathode ray n. Beam of electrons from the cathode of a vacuum tube.
Cathode-ray tube n. Vacuum tube in which cathode rays produce a luminous image on a fluorescent screen.
Catholic —adj. 1 all-embracing; of wide sympathies or interests. 2 of interest or use to all; universal. 3 (catholic) a roman catholic. B including all christians, or all of the western church. —n. (catholic) roman catholic. catholicism n. Catholicity n. [greek holos whole]
Cation n. Positively charged ion. cationic adj. [from cata-, ion]
Catkin n. Small spike of usu. Hanging flowers on a willow, hazel, etc. [dutch, = kitten]
Catlick n. Colloq. Perfunctory wash.
Catmint n. Pungent plant attractive to cats.
Catnap —n. Short sleep. —v. (-pp-) have a catnap.
Catnip n. = catmint. [from cat, dial. Nip catmint]
Cat-o’-nine-tails n. Hist. Whip with nine knotted lashes.
Cat’s cradle n. Child’s game of forming patterns from a loop of string.
Cat’s-eye n. Propr. Reflector stud set into a road.
Cat’s-eye n. Precious stone.
Cat’s-paw n. 1 person used as a tool by another. 2 slight breeze.
Catsuit n. Close-fitting garment with trouser legs, covering the whole body.
Catsup us var. Of *ketchup.
Cattery n. (pl. -ies) place where cats are boarded or bred.
Cattle n.pl. Large ruminant animals with horns and cloven hoofs, esp. Bred for milk or meat. [anglo-french catel: related to *capital]
Cattle-grid n. Grid over a ditch, allowing people and vehicles but not livestock to pass over.
Catty adj. (-ier, -iest) spiteful. cattily adv. Cattiness n.
Catwalk n. Narrow footway or platform.
Caucasian —adj. 1 of the white or light-skinned race. 2 of the caucasus. —n. Caucasian person. [caucasus in georgia]
Caucasoid adj. Of caucasians.
Caucus n. (pl. -es) 1 us meeting of party members, esp. In the senate etc., to decide policy. 2 often derog. A meeting of a group within a larger organization or party. B such a group. [perhaps from algonquian]
Caudal adj. 1 of or like a tail. 2 of the posterior part of the body. [latin cauda tail]
Caudate adj. Tailed.
Caught past and past part. Of *catch.
Caul n. 1 membrane enclosing a foetus. 2 part of this occasionally found on a child’s head at birth. [french]
Cauldron n. (also caldron) large deep vessel used for boiling. [latin caldarium hot bath]
Cauliflower n. Cabbage with a large white flower-head. [french chou fleuri flowered cabbage]
Cauliflower ear n. Ear thickened by repeated blows.
Caulk v. (also calk) 1 stop up (the seams of a boat etc.). 2 make (esp. A boat) watertight. [latin calco tread]
Causal adj. 1 of or forming a cause. 2 relating to cause and effect. causally adv.
Causality n. 1 relation of cause and effect. 2 principle that everything has a cause.
Causation n. 1 act of causing. 2 = *causality.
Causative adj. Acting as or expressing a cause.
Cause —n. 1 a thing that produces an effect. B person or thing that occasions or produces something. C reason or motive. 2 adequate reason (show cause). 3 principle, belief, or purpose. 4 a matter to be settled at law. B case offered at law (plead a cause). —v. (-sing) be the cause of, produce, make happen. [latin causa]
Cause célèbre n. (pl. Causes célèbres pronunc. Same) lawsuit that attracts much interest. [french]
Causerie n. (pl. -s pronunc. Same) informal article or talk. [french]
Causeway n. 1 raised road across low ground or water. 2 raised path by a road. [anglo-french caucée from latin *calx]
Cauterize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) burn (tissue), esp. To stop bleeding. [french: related to *caustic]
Caution —n. 1 attention to safety; prudence, carefulness. 2 a law warning, esp. A formal one. B warning and reprimand. 3 colloq. Amusing or surprising person or thing. —v. 1 warn or admonish. 2 issue a caution to. [latin caveo take heed]
Cautionary adj. Giving or serving as a warning.
Cautious adj. Having or showing caution. cautiously adv. Cautiousness n.
Cavalcade n. Procession or assembly of riders, vehicles, etc. [italian: related to *chevalier]
Cavalier —n. 1 hist. (cavalier) supporter of charles i in the civil war. 2 courtly gentleman. 3 archaic horseman. —adj. Offhand, supercilious, curt. [related to *cavalcade]
Cavalry n. (pl. -ies) (usu. Treated as pl.) Soldiers on horseback or in armoured vehicles. [related to *cavalcade]
Cave —n. Large hollow in the side of a cliff, hill, etc., or underground. —v. (-ving) explore caves. cave in 1 (cause to) subside or collapse. 2 yield, give up. [latin cavus hollow]
Caveat n. 1 warning, proviso. 2 law process in court to suspend proceedings. [latin, = let him beware]
Caveat emptor n. Principle that the buyer alone is responsible if dissatisfied. [latin, = let the buyer beware]
Caveman n. 1 prehistoric person living in caves. 2 crude person.
Cavern n. Cave, esp. A large or dark one. cavernous adj. [latin caverna: related to *cave]
Caviar n. (brit. Caviare) pickled roe of sturgeon or other large fish. [italian from
Caviar n. (brit. Caviare) pickled roe of sturgeon or other large fish. [italian from turkish]
Caviare n. (us caviar) pickled roe of sturgeon or other large fish. [italian from turkish]
Cavil —v. (-ll-, us -l-) (usu. Foll. By at, about) make petty objections; carp. —n. Petty objection. [latin cavillor]
Cavity n. (pl. -ies) 1 hollow within a solid body. 2 decayed part of a tooth. [latin: related to *cave]
Cavity wall n. Double wall with a space between.
Cavort v. Caper excitedly. [origin uncertain]
Cavy n. (pl. -ies) small s. American rodent, esp. The guinea pig. [latin from galibi]
Caw —n. Harsh cry of a rook, crow, etc. —v. Utter this cry. [imitative]
Cayenne n. (in full cayenne pepper) powdered red pepper. [tupi]
Cayman n. (also caiman) (pl. -s) s. American alligator-like reptile. [spanish and
Cayman n. (also caiman) (pl. -s) s. American alligator-like reptile. [spanish and portuguese from carib]
Cb abbr. 1 citizens’ band. 2 companion of the order of the bath.
Cbe abbr. Commander of the order of the british empire.
Cbi abbr. Confederation of british industry.
Cc abbr. (also c.c.) 1 cubic centimetre(s). 2 copy or copies (to).
Cd abbr. 1 compact disc. 2 civil defence. 3 corps diplomatique.
Cd symb. Cadmium.
Cd abbr. Candela.
Cd-rom abbr. Compact disc read-only memory (for the retrieval of text or data on a vdu screen).
Cdt abbr. Craft, design, and technology.
Cd-video n. (pl. -s) 1 system of simultaneously reproducing high-quality sound
Cd-video n. (pl. -s) 1 system of simultaneously reproducing high-quality sound and video pictures from a compact disc. 2 such a compact disc.
Ce symb. Cerium.
Cease formal —v. (-sing) stop; bring or come to an end. —n. (in without cease) unending. [latin cesso]
Cease-fire n. 1 period of truce. 2 order to stop firing.
Ceaseless adj. Without end. ceaselessly adv.
Cecum n. (brit. Caecum) (pl. -ca) blind-ended pouch at the junction of the small and large intestines. [latin caecus blind]
Cedar n. 1 spreading evergreen conifer. 2 its hard fragrant wood. [greek kedros]
Cede v. (-ding) formal give up one’s rights to or possession of. [latin cedo cess-yield]
Cedilla n. 1 mark written under c, esp. In french, to show it is sibilant (as in façade). 2 similar mark under s in turkish etc. [spanish diminutive of zeda z]
Ceefax n. Propr. Teletext service provided by the bbc. [representing a
Ceefax n. Propr. Teletext service provided by the bbc. [representing a pronunciation of seeing + facsimile]
Ceilidh n. Informal gathering for music, dancing, etc. [gaelic]
Ceiling n. 1 upper interior surface of a room or other compartment. 2 upper limit. 3 maximum altitude a given aircraft can reach. [origin uncertain]
Celandine n. Yellow-flowered plant. [greek khelidon a swallow]
Celebrant n. Person who performs a rite, esp. The priest at the eucharist.
Celebrate v. (-ting) 1 mark with or engage in festivities. 2 perform (a rite or ceremony). 3 praise publicly. celebration n. Celebrator n. Celebratory adj. [latin celeber renowned]
Celebrity n. (pl. -ies) 1 well-known person. 2 fame. [latin: related to *celebrate]
Celeriac n. Variety of celery. [from *celery]
Celerity n. Archaic or literary swiftness. [latin celer swift]
Celery n. Plant with crisp long whitish leaf-stalks used as a vegetable. [greek selinon parsley]
Celesta n. Small keyboard instrument with steel plates struck to give a bell-like sound. [french: related to *celestial]
Celestial adj. 1 of the sky or heavenly bodies. 2 heavenly; divinely good; sublime. [latin caelum sky]
Celestial equator n. The great circle of the sky in the plane perpendicular to the earth’s axis.
Celestial sphere n. Imaginary sphere, of any radius, of which the observer is the centre and in which celestial bodies are represented as lying.
Celibate —adj. 1 unmarried or committed to sexual abstention, esp. For religious reasons. 2 having no sexual relations. —n. Celibate person. celibacy n. [latin caelebs unmarried]
Cell n. 1 small room, esp. In a prison or monastery. 2 small compartment, e.g. In a honeycomb. 3 small, active, esp. Subversive, political group. 4 a smallest structural and functional unit of living matter, consisting of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a membrane. B enclosed cavity in an organism etc. 5 vessel containing electrodes for current-generation or electrolysis. [latin cella]
Cellar —n. 1 storage room below ground level in a house. 2 stock of wine in a cellar. —v. Store in a cellar. [latin cellarium: related to *cell]
Cello n. (pl. -s) bass instrument of the violin family, held between the legs of the seated player. cellist n. [abbreviation of *violoncello]
seated player. cellist n. [abbreviation of *violoncello]
Cellular adj. Consisting of cells, of open texture; porous. cellularity n. [french: related to *cell]
Cellular radio n. System of mobile radio-telephone transmission with an area divided into ‘cells’, each served by a small transmitter.
Cellulite n. Lumpy fat, esp. On the hips and thighs of women. [french: related to *cell]
Celluloid n. 1 plastic made from camphor and cellulose nitrate. 2 cinema film.
Cellulose n. 1 carbohydrate forming plant-cell walls, used in textile fibres. 2 (in general use) paint or lacquer consisting of esp. Cellulose acetate or nitrate in solution. [latin: related to *cell]
Celsius adj. Of a scale of temperature on which water freezes at 0° and boils at 100°. [name of an astronomer]
Usage see note at centigrade.
Celt n. (also kelt) member of an ethnic group, including the inhabitants of ireland, wales, scotland, cornwall, and brittany. [latin from greek]
Celtic —adj. Of the celts. —n. Group of celtic languages, including gaelic and irish, welsh, cornish, and breton.
Cement —n. 1 powdery substance of calcined lime and clay, mixed with water to form mortar or used in concrete. 2 similar substance. 3 uniting factor or principle. 4 substance used in filling teeth, doing hip replacements, etc. —v. 1 a unite with or as with cement. B establish or strengthen (a friendship etc.). 2 apply cement to. 3 line or cover with cement. cementation n. [latin caedo cut]
Cemetery n. (pl. -ies) burial ground, esp. One not in a churchyard. [greek koimao put to sleep]
Cenobite n. (brit. Coenobite) member of a monastica community. [greek koinos bios common life]
Cenotaph n. Tomblike monument to a person whose body is elsewhere. [greek kenos empty, taphos tomb]
Cenozoic (also cainozoic, caenozoic) —adj. Of the most recent geological era, marked by the evolution and development of mammals etc. —n. This era. [greek kainos new, zoion animal]
Censer n. Vessel for burning incense. [anglo-french: related to *incense1]
Censor —n. Official authorized to suppress or expurgate books, films, news, etc., on grounds of obscenity, threat to security, etc. —v. 1 act as a censor of. 2 make deletions or changes in. censorial adj. Censorship n. [latin censeo assess]
Usage as a verb, censor is often confused with censure.
Censure —v. (-ring) criticize harshly; reprove. —n. Hostile criticism; disapproval. [latin: related to *censor]
Usage as a verb, censure is often confused with censor.
Census n. (pl. -suses) official count of population etc. [latin: related to *censor]
Cent n. 1 a one-hundredth of a dollar or other decimal currency unit. B coin of this value. 2 colloq. Very small amount. [latin centum 100]
Centaur n. Creature in greek mythology with the upper half of a man and the lower half of a horse. [latin from greek]
Centenarian —n. Person a hundred or more years old. —adj. A hundred or more
Centenarian —n. Person a hundred or more years old. —adj. A hundred or more years old.
Centenary —n. (pl. -ies) 1 hundredth anniversary. 2 celebration of this. —adj. 1 of a centenary. 2 occurring every hundred years. [latin centeni 100 each]
Centennial —adj. 1 lasting for a hundred years. 2 occurring every hundred years. —n. Us = centenary n. [latin centum 100: cf. biennial]
Center (brit. Centre) —n. 1 middle point. 2 pivot or axis of rotation. 3 a place or buildings forming a central point or a main area for an activity (shopping centre; town centre). B (with a preceding word) equipment for a number of connected functions (music centre). 4 point of concentration or dispersion; nucleus, source. 5 political party or group holding moderate opinions. 6 filling in chocolate etc. 7 sport a middle player in a line in some field games. B kick or hit from the side to the centre of a pitch. 8 (attrib.) Of or at the centre. —v. (-ring) 1 (foll. By in, on, round) have as its main centre. 2 place in the centre. 3 (foll. By in etc.) Concentrate. [greek kentron sharp point]
Centerboard n. (brit. Centreboard) board lowered through a boat’s keel to prevent leeway.
Centerfold n. (brit. Centrefold) centre spread of a magazine etc., esp. With nude photographs.
Centesimal adj. Reckoning or reckoned by hundredths. [latin centum 100]
Centi-comb. Form 1 one-hundredth. 2 hundred. [latin centum 100]
Centi-comb. Form 1 one-hundredth. 2 hundred. [latin centum 100]
Centigrade adj. 1 = *celsius. 2 having a scale of a hundred degrees. [latin gradus step]
Usage in sense 1, celsius is usually preferred in technical contexts.
Centigram n. (also centigramme) metric unit of mass, equal to 0.01 gram.
Centiliter n. (brit. Centilitre) 0.01 litre.
Centilitre n. (us centiliter) 0.01 litre.
Centime n. 1 one-hundredth of a franc. 2 coin of this value. [latin centum 100]
Centimeter n. (brit. Centimetre) 0.01 metre.
Centimetre n. (us centimeter) 0.01 metre.
Centipede n. Arthropod with a segmented wormlike body and many legs. [latin pes ped-foot]
Central adj. 1 of, at, or forming the centre. 2 from the centre. 3 chief, essential,
Central adj. 1 of, at, or forming the centre. 2 from the centre. 3 chief, essential, most important. centrality n. Centrally adv.
Central bank n. National bank issuing currency etc.
Central heating n. Method of heating a building by pipes, radiators, etc., fed from a central source.
Centralism n. System that centralizes (esp. Administration). centralist n.
Centralize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 concentrate (esp. Administration) at a single centre. 2 subject (a state) to this system. centralization n.
Central nervous system n. Brain and spinal cord.
Central processor n. (also central processing unit) principal operating part of a computer.
Centre (us center) —n. 1 middle point. 2 pivot or axis of rotation. 3 a place or buildings forming a central point or a main area for an activity (shopping centre; town centre). B (with a preceding word) equipment for a number of connected functions (music centre). 4 point of concentration or dispersion; nucleus, source. 5 political party or group holding moderate opinions. 6 filling in chocolate etc. 7 sport a middle player in a line in some field games. B kick or hit from the side to the centre of a pitch. 8 (attrib.) Of or at the centre. —v. (-ring) 1 (foll. By in, on, round) have as its main centre. 2 place in the centre. 3 (foll. By in etc.) Concentrate. [greek kentron sharp point]
Usage the use of the verb in sense 1 with round is common and used by good writers, but is still considered incorrect by some people.
Centre back n. Sport middle player or position in a half-back line.
Centreboard n. (us centerboard) board lowered through a boat’s keel to prevent leeway.
Centrefold n. (us centerfold) centre spread of a magazine etc., esp. With nude photographs.
Centre forward n. Sport middle player or position in a forward line.
Centre half n. = *centre back.
Centre of gravity n. (also centre of mass) point at which the weight of a body may be considered to act.
Centre-piece n. 1 ornament for the middle of a table. 2 principal item.
Centre spread n. Two facing middle pages of a newspaper etc.
Centric adj. 1 at or near the centre. 2 from a centre. centrical adj. Centrically adv.
Centrifugal adj. Moving or tending to move from a centre. centrifugally adv. [from *centre, latin fugio flee]
Centrifugal force n. Apparent force that acts outwards on a body moving about a centre.
Centrifuge n. Rapidly rotating machine designed to separate liquids from solids etc.
Centripetal adj. Moving or tending to move towards a centre. centripetally adv. [latin peto seek]
Centripetal force n. Force acting on a body causing it to move towards a centre.
Centrist n. Polit. Often derog. Person holding moderate views. centrism n.
Centurion n. Commander of a century in the ancient roman army. [latin: related to *century]
Century n. (pl. -ies) 1 a 100 years. B any century reckoned from the birth of christ (twentieth century = 1901–2000; fifth century bc = 500–401 bc). 2 score etc. Of 100 esp. By one batsman in cricket. 3 company in the ancient roman army, orig. Of 100 men. [latin centuria: related to *cent]
Usage strictly speaking, since the first century ran from the year 1 to 100, the first year of a given century should be that ending in 01. However, in popular use this has been moved back a year, and so the twenty-first century will commonly be regarded as running from 2000–2099.
Cephalic adj. Of or in the head. [greek kephale head]
Cephalopod n. Mollusc with a distinct tentacled head, e.g. The octopus. [from *cephalic, greek pous pod-foot]
Ceramic —adj. 1 made of (esp.) Baked clay. 2 of ceramics. —n. Ceramic article or product. [greek keramos pottery]
Ceramics n.pl. 1 ceramic products collectively. 2 (usu. Treated as sing.) Art of making ceramic articles.
Cereal —n. 1 a grain used for food. B wheat, maize, rye, etc. Producing this. 2 breakfast food made from a cereal. —adj. Of edible grain. [latin ceres goddess of agriculture]
Cerebellum n. (pl. -s or -bella) part of the brain at the back of the skull. [latin diminutive of *cerebrum]
Cerebral adj. 1 of the brain. 2 intellectual; unemotional. [related to *cerebrum]
Cerebral palsy n. Paralysis resulting from brain damage before or at birth,
Cerebral palsy n. Paralysis resulting from brain damage before or at birth, involving spasm of the muscles and involuntary movements.
Cerebration n. Working of the brain.
Cerebrospinal adj. Of the brain and spine.
Cerebrum n. (pl. -bra) principal part of the brain in vertebrates, at the front of the skull. [latin]
Ceremonial —adj. Of or with ceremony; formal. —n. System of rites or ceremonies. ceremonially adv.
Ceremonious adj. Fond of or characterized by ceremony; formal. ceremoniously adv.
Ceremony n. (pl. -ies) 1 formal procedure, esp. At a public event or anniversary. 2 formalities, esp. Ritualistic. 3 excessively polite behaviour. stand on ceremony insist on formality. [latin caerimonia worship]
Cerise n. Light clear red. [french: related to *cherry]
Cerium n. Silvery metallic element of the lanthanide series. [ceres, name of an asteroid]
Cern abbr. European organization for nuclear research. [french conseil européen pour la recherche nucléaire, former title]
Cert n. (esp. Dead cert) slang a certainty. [abbreviation]
Cert. Abbr. 1 certificate. 2 certified.
Cern abbr. European organization for nuclear research. [french conseil européen pour la recherche nucléaire, former title]
Cert n. (esp. Dead cert) slang a certainty. [abbreviation]
Cert. Abbr. 1 certificate. 2 certified.
Certain —adj. 1 a confident, convinced. B indisputable (it is certain that he is guilty). 2 (often foll. By to + infin.) Sure; destined (it is certain to rain; certain to win). 3 unerring, reliable. 4 that need not be specified or may not be known to the reader or hearer (of a certain age; a certain john smith). 5 some but not much (a certain reluctance). —pron. (as pl.) Some but not all (certain of them knew). for certain without doubt. [latin certus]
Certainly adv. 1 undoubtedly. 2 (in answer) yes; by all means.
Certainty n. (pl. -ies) 1 a undoubted fact. B indubitable prospect. 2 absolute conviction. 3 reliable thing or person.
Cert. Ed. Abbr. Certificate in education.
Certifiable adj. 1 able or needing to be certified. 2 colloq. Insane.
Certificate —n. Formal document attesting a fact, esp. Birth, marriage, or death, a medical condition, or a qualification. —v. (-ting) (esp. As certificated adj.) Provide with, license, or attest by a certificate. certification n. [latin: related to *certify]
Certificate of secondary education n. Hist. Secondary-school leaving examination in england, wales, and northern ireland.
Usage this examination was replaced in 1988 by the general certificate of secondary education (gcse).
Certified cheque n. Cheque guaranteed by a bank.
Certify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 attest; attest to, esp. Formally. 2 declare by certificate. 3 officially declare insane. [latin certus]
Certitude n. Feeling of certainty. [latin: related to *certain]
Cerulean adj. & n. Literary deep sky-blue. [latin caeruleus]
Cervical adj. Of the neck or the cervix (cervical vertebrae). [related to *cervix]
Cervical screening n. Mass routine examination for cervical cancer.
Cervical smear n. Specimen from the neck of the womb for examination.
Cervix n. (pl. Cervices) 1 necklike structure, esp. The neck of the womb. 2 the neck. [latin]
Cesarean (brit. Caesarean) —adj. (of birth) effected by caesarean section. —n. Caesarean section. [from *caesar: julius caesar was supposedly born this way]
Cesium n. (brit. Caesium) soft silver-white element. [latin caesius blue-grey]
Cessation n. Ceasing or pause. [latin: related to *cease]
Cession n. 1 ceding. 2 territory etc. Ceded. [latin: related to *cede]
Cesspit n. (also cesspool) covered pit for the temporary storage of liquid waste or sewage. [origin uncertain]
Cetacean —n. Marine mammal, e.g. The whale. —adj. Of cetaceans. [greek ketos whale]
Cetane n. Liquid hydrocarbon used in standardizing ratings of diesel fuel. [from *spermaceti]
Cf symb. Californium.
Cf. Abbr. Compare. [latin confer]
Cfc abbr. Chlorofluorocarbon, a usu. Gaseous compound of carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine, used in refrigerants, aerosol propellants, etc., and thought to harm the ozone layer.
Cfe abbr. College of further education.
Cg abbr. Centigram(s).
Ch abbr. Companion of honour.
Chablis n. (pl. Same) very dry white wine from chablis in e. France.
Cha-cha n. (also cha-cha-cha) 1 latin-american dance. 2 music for this. [american spanish]
[american spanish]
Chaconne n. 1 musical variations over a ground bass. 2 dance performed to this. [french from spanish]
Chafe —v. (-fing) 1 make or become sore or damaged by rubbing. 2 make or become annoyed; fret. 3 rub (esp. The skin to restore warmth or sensation). —n. Sore caused by rubbing. [latin calefacio make warm]
Chaff —n. 1 separated husks of corn etc. 2 chopped hay or straw. 3 light-hearted teasing. 4 worthless things. —v. Tease, banter. [old english]
Chaffinch n. A common european finch. [old english: related to chaff, finch]
Chafing-dish n. Vessel in which food is cooked or kept warm at table.
Chagrin —n. Acute annoyance or disappointment. —v. Affect with chagrin. [french]
Chain —n. 1 a connected flexible series of esp. Metal links. B thing resembling this. 2 (in pl.) Fetters; restraining force. 3 sequence, series, or set. 4 group of associated hotels, shops, etc. 5 badge of office in the form of a chain worn round the neck. 6 unit of length (66 ft). —v. (often foll. By up) secure or confine with a chain. [latin catena]
Chain-gang n. Hist. Team of convicts chained together to work out of doors.
Chain-mail n. Armour made of interlaced rings.
Chain reaction n. 1 chemical or nuclear reaction forming products which initiate further reactions. 2 series of events, each caused by the previous one.
Chain-saw n. Motor-driven saw with teeth on an endless chain.
Chain-smoke v. Smoke continually, esp. By lighting the next cigarette etc. From the previous one. chain-smoker n.
Chain store n. One of a series of similar shops owned by one firm.
Chair —n. 1 seat for one person usu. With a back. 2 professorship. 3 a chairperson. B seat or office of a chairperson. 4 us = *electric chair. —v. 1 preside over (a meeting). 2 carry (a person) aloft in triumph. take the chair preside over a meeting. [greek kathedra]
Chair-lift n. Series of chairs on a looped cable, for carrying passengers up and down a mountain etc.
Chairman n. (fem. Also chairwoman) 1 person chosen to preside over a meeting. 2 permanent president of a committee, board of directors, etc.
Chairperson n. Chairman or chairwoman.
Chairperson n. Chairman or chairwoman.
Chaise n. Esp. Hist. Horse-drawn usu. Open carriage for one or two persons. [french]
Chaise longue n. (pl. Chaise longues or chaises longues pronunc. Same) sofa with only one arm rest. [french, = long chair]
Chalcedony n. (pl. -ies) type of quartz with many varieties, e.g. Onyx. [latin from greek]
Chalet n. 1 swiss mountain hut or cottage with overhanging eaves. 2 house in a similar style. 3 small cabin in a holiday camp etc. [swiss french]
Chalice n. 1 goblet. 2 eucharistic cup. [latin *calix]
Chalk —n. 1 white soft limestone. 2 a similar substance, sometimes coloured, for writing or drawing. B piece of this. —v. 1 rub, mark, draw, or write with chalk. 2 (foll. By up) a write or record with chalk. B register or gain (success etc.). by a long chalk by far. chalky adj. (-ier, -iest). Chalkiness n. [latin *calx]
Challenge —n. 1 summons to take part in a contest etc. Or to prove or justify something. 2 demanding or difficult task. 3 objection made to a jury member. 4 call to respond. —v. (-ging) 1 issue a challenge to. 2 dispute, deny. 3 (as challenging adj.) Stimulatingly difficult. 4 object to (a jury member, evidence, etc.). challenger n. [latin calumnia calumny]
Chalybeate adj. (of water etc.) Impregnated with iron salts. [latin chalybs steel, from greek]
Chamber n. 1 a hall used by a legislative or judicial body. B body that meets in it, esp. Any of the houses of a parliament. 2 (in pl.) A rooms used by a barrister or barristers, esp. In inns of court. B judge’s room for hearing cases not needing to be taken in court. 3 archaic room, esp. A bedroom. 4 mus. (attrib.) Of or for a small group of instruments. 5 cavity or compartment in the body, machinery, etc. (esp. The part of a gun-bore that contains the charge). [greek kamara vault]
Chamberlain n. 1 officer managing a royal or noble household. 2 treasurer of a corporation etc. [germanic: related to *chamber]
Chambermaid n. Woman who cleans hotel bedrooms.
Chamber of commerce n. Association to promote local commercial interests.
Chamber-pot n. Receptacle for urine etc., used in the bedroom.
Chameleon n. 1 small lizard able to change colour for camouflage. 2 variable or inconstant person. [greek, = groundlion]
Chamfer —v. Bevel symmetrically (a right-angled edge or corner). —n. Bevelled surface at an edge or corner. [french chant edge, fraint broken]
Chamois n. (pl. Same) 1 agile european and asian mountain antelope. 2 (in full chamois leather) a soft leather from sheep, goats, deer, etc. B piece of this. [french]
Chamomile var. Of *camomile.
Champ1 —v. Munch or chew noisily. —n. Chewing noise. champ at the bit be restlessly impatient. [imitative]
Champ2 n. Slang champion. [abbreviation]
Champagne n. 1 a white sparkling wine from champagne. B similar wine from elsewhere. 2 pale cream colour. [champagne, former province in e. France]
Usage the use of this word in sense 1b is, strictly speaking, incorrect.
Champers n. Slang champagne.
Champion —n. 1 (often attrib.) Person or thing that has defeated or surpassed all rivals. 2 person who fights or argues for a cause or another person. —v. Support the cause of, defend. —adj. Colloq. Splendid. —adv. Colloq. Splendidly. [medieval latin campio fighter]
Championship n. 1 (often in pl.) Contest to decide the champion in a sport etc. 2 position of champion.
Chance —n. 1 possibility. 2 (often in pl.) Probability. 3 unplanned occurrence. 4 opportunity. 5 fortune; luck. 6 (often chance) course of events regarded as a power; fate. —attrib. Adj. Fortuitous, accidental. —v. (-cing) 1 colloq. Risk. 2 happen (i chanced to find it). by any chance perhaps. By chance fortuitously. Chance one’s arm try though unlikely to succeed. Chance on (or upon) happen to find, meet, etc. Game of chance one decided by luck, not skill. On the off chance just in case (the unlikely occurs). Stand a chance have a prospect of success etc. Take a chance (or chances) risk failure; behave riskily. Take a (or one’s) chance on (or with) risk the consequences of. [latin cado fall]
Chancel n. Part of a church near the altar. [latin cancelli grating]
Chancellery n. (pl. -ies) 1 chancellor’s department, staff, or residence. 2 us office attached to an embassy or consulate.
Chancellor n. 1 state or legal official. 2 head of government in some european countries. 3 non-resident honorary head of a university. [latin cancellarius secretary]
Chancellor of the exchequer n. Uk finance minister.
Chancery n. (pl. -ies) 1 (chancery) lord chancellor’s division of the high court of justice. 2 records office. 3 chancellery. [contraction of *chancellery]
Chandelier n. Ornamental branched hanging support for lighting. [french: related to *candle]
Chandler n. Dealer in candles, oil, soap, paint, etc. [french: related to *candle]
Change —n. 1 a making or becoming different. B alteration or modification. 2 a money exchanged for money in larger units or a different currency. B money returned as the balance of that given in payment. 3 new experience; variety (need a change). 4 substitution of one thing for another (change of scene). 5 (in full change of life) colloq. Menopause. 6 (usu. In pl.) One of the different orders in which bells can be rung. —v. (-ging) 1 undergo, show, or subject to change; make or become different. 2 a take or use another instead of; go from one to another (change one’s socks; changed trains). B (usu. Foll. By for) give up or get rid of in exchange (changed the car for a van). 3 give or get money in exchange for. 4 put fresh clothes or coverings on. 5 (often foll. By with) give and receive, exchange. 6 change trains etc. 7 (of the moon) arrive at a fresh phase. change down engage a lower gear. Change gear engage a different gear. Change hands 1 pass to a different owner. 2 substitute one hand for the other. Change one’s mind adopt a different opinion or plan. Change over change from one system or situation to another.
Changeable adj. 1 inconstant. 2 that can change or be changed.
Changeling n. Child believed to be substituted for another.
Change of clothes n. Second outfit in reserve.
Change of heart n. Conversion to a different view.
Change-over n. Change from one system to another.
Channel —n. 1 a piece of water wider than a strait, joining esp. Two seas. B (the channel) the english channel. 2 medium of communication; agency. 3 band of frequencies used in radio and television transmission, esp. By a particular station. 4 course in which anything moves. 5 a hollow bed of water. B navigable part of a waterway. 6 passage for liquid. 7 lengthwise strip on recording tape etc. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 guide, direct. 2 form channel(s) in. [latin: related to *canal]
Chant —n. 1 spoken singsong phrase. 2 a simple tune used for singing unmetrical words, e.g. Psalms. B song, esp. Monotonous or repetitive. —v. 1 talk or repeat monotonously. 2 sing or intone (a psalm etc.). [latin canto from cano sing]
Chanter n. Melody-pipe of bagpipes.
Chanticleer n. Name given to a domestic cock in stories. [french: related to *chant, *clear]
Chantry n. (pl. -ies) 1 endowment for the singing of masses. 2 priests, chapel, etc., so endowed. [french: related to *chant]
Chaos n. 1 utter confusion. 2 formless matter supposed to have existed before the creation of the universe. chaotic adj. Chaotically adv. [latin from greek]
Chap1 n. Colloq. Man, boy, fellow. [abbreviation of *chapman]
Chap1 n. Colloq. Man, boy, fellow. [abbreviation of *chapman]
Chap2 —v. (-pp-) 1 (esp. Of the skin) develop cracks or soreness. 2 (of the wind, cold, etc.) Cause to chap. —n. (usu. In pl.) Crack in the skin etc. [origin uncertain]
Chaparral n. Us dense tangled brushwood. [spanish]
Chapatti n. (also chapati, chupatty) (pl. Chapat(t)is or chupatties) flat thin cake of unleavened bread. [hindi]
Chapel n. 1 a place for private christian worship in a cathedral or large church, with its own altar. B this attached to a private house etc. 2 a place of worship for nonconformists. B chapel service. 3 members or branch of a printers’ trade union at a place of work. [medieval latin cappa cloak: the first chapel was a sanctuary in which st martin’s cloak (cappella) was preserved]
Chaperon —n. Person, esp. An older woman, ensuring propriety by accompanying a young unmarried woman on social occasions. —v. Act as chaperon to. chaperonage n. [french from chape cope: related to *cape1]
Chaplain n. Member of the clergy attached to a private chapel, institution, ship, regiment, etc. chaplaincy n. (pl. -ies). [latin: related to *chapel]
Chaplet n. 1 garland or circlet for the head. 2 short string of beads; rosary. [latin: related to *cap]
Chapman n. Hist. Pedlar. [old english: related to cheap, man]
Chappie n. Colloq. = *chap1.
Chapter n. 1 main division of a book. 2 period of time (in a person’s life etc.). 3 a canons of a cathedral or members of a religious community. B meeting of these. [latin diminutive of caput head]
Chapter and verse n. Exact reference or details.
Chapter of accidents n. Series of misfortunes.
Char1 v. (-rr-) 1 make or become black by burning; scorch. 2 burn to charcoal. [from *charcoal]
Char2 colloq. —n. = *charwoman. —v. (-rr-) work as a charwoman. [old english, = turn]
Char3 n. Slang tea. [chinese cha]
Char4 n. (pl. Same) a kind of small trout. [origin unknown]
Charabanc n. Hist. Early form of motor coach. [french char à bancs seated carriage]
carriage]
Character n. 1 collective qualities or characteristics that distinguish a person or thing. 2 a moral strength. B reputation, esp. Good reputation. 3 a person in a novel, play, etc. B part played by an actor; role. 4 colloq. Person, esp. An eccentric one. 5 printed or written letter, symbol, etc. 6 written description of a person’s qualities. 7 characteristic (esp. Of a biological species). in (or out of) character consistent (or inconsistent) with a person’s character. characterless adj. [greek kharakter]
Characterize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 a describe the character of. B (foll. By as) describe as. 2 be characteristic of. 3 impart character to. characterization n.
Charade n. 1 (usu. In pl., treated as sing.) Game of guessing a word from acted clues. 2 absurd pretence. [provençal charra chatter]
Charcoal n. 1 a form of carbon consisting of black residue from partially burnt wood etc. B piece of this for drawing. C a drawing in charcoal. 2 (in full charcoal grey) dark grey. [origin unknown]
Charge —v. (-ging) 1 a ask (an amount) as a price. B ask (a person) for an amount as a price. 2 a (foll. By to, up to) debit the cost of to (a person or account). B debit (a person or account). 3 a (often foll. By with) accuse (of an offence). B (foll. By that + clause) make an accusation that. 4 (foll. By to + infin.) Instruct or urge. 5 (foll. By with) entrust with. 6 make a rushing attack
(on). 7 (often foll. By up) a give an electric charge to. B store energy in (a battery). 8 (often foll. By with) load or fill (a vessel, gun, etc.) To the full or proper extent. 9 (usu. As charged adj.) A (foll. By with) saturated with. B (usu. Foll. By with) pervaded (with strong feelings etc.). —n. 1 a price asked for services or goods. B financial liability or commitment. 2 accusation. 3 a task, duty, commission. B care, custody. C person or thing entrusted. 4 a impetuous rush or attack, esp. In battle. B signal for this. 5 appropriate amount of material to be put into a receptacle, mechanism, etc. At one time, esp. Of explosive for a gun. 6 a property of matter causing electrical phenomena. B quantity of this carried by the body. C energy stored chemically for conversion into electricity. 7 exhortation; directions, orders. 8 heraldic device or bearing. in charge having command. Take charge (often foll. By of) assume control. chargeable adj. [latin carrus *car]
Charge-capping n. Imposition of an upper limit on the community charge leviable by a local authority.
Charge card n. = *credit card.
Chargé d’affaires n. (pl. Chargés pronunc. Same) 1 ambassador’s deputy. 2 envoy to a minor country. [french]
Charger n. 1 cavalry horse. 2 apparatus for charging a battery.
Chariot n. Hist. Two-wheeled vehicle drawn by horses, used in ancient warfare and racing. [french: related to *car]
Charioteer n. Chariot-driver.
Charisma n. 1 power to inspire or attract others; exceptional charm. 2 divinely conferred power or talent. charismatic adj. [greek kharis grace]
Charitable adj. 1 generous in giving to those in need. 2 of or relating to a charity or charities. 3 generous in judging others. charitably adv.
Charity n. (pl. -ies) 1 giving voluntarily to those in need. 2 organization set up to help those in need or for the common good. 3 a kindness, benevolence. B tolerance in judging others. C love of fellow men. [latin caritas from carus dear]
Charlady n. = *charwoman.
Charlatan n. Person falsely claiming knowledge or skill. charlatanism n. [italian, = babbler]
Charleston n. (also charleston) lively dance of the 1920s with side-kicks from the knee. [charleston in s. Carolina]
Charlotte n. Pudding of stewed fruit covered with bread etc. [french]
Charm —n. 1 power or quality of delighting, arousing admiration, or influencing; fascination, attractiveness. 2 trinket on a bracelet etc. 3 object, act, or word(s) supposedly having magic power. —v. 1 delight, captivate. 2 influence or protect as if by magic (a charmed life). 3 obtain or gain by charm (charmed his way into the bbc). charmer n. [latin carmen song]
Charming adj. Delightful. charmingly adv.
Charnel-house n. Repository of corpses or bones. [latin: related to *carnal]
Chart —n. 1 geographical map or plan, esp. For navigation. 2 sheet of information in the form of a table, graph, or diagram. 3 (usu. In pl.) Colloq. Listing of the currently best-selling pop records. —v. Make a chart of, map. [latin charta: related to *card1]
Charter —n. 1 a document granting rights, issued esp. By a sovereign or legislature. B written constitution or description of an organization’s functions etc. 2 contract to hire an aircraft, ship, etc., for a special purpose. —v. 1 grant a charter to. 2 hire (an aircraft, ship, etc.). [latin chartula: related to *chart]
Chartered attrib. Adj. (of an accountant, engineer, librarian, etc.) Qualified member of a professional body that has a royal charter.
Charter flight n. Flight by chartered aircraft.
Chartism n. Hist. Uk parliamentary reform movement of 1837–48. chartist n. [from *charter: name taken from ‘people’s charter’]
Chartreuse n. Pale green or yellow brandy-based liqueur. [chartreuse, monastery in s. France]
Charwoman n. Woman employed as a cleaner in a house.
Charwoman n. Woman employed as a cleaner in a house.
Chary adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 cautious, wary. 2 sparing; ungenerous. [old english: related to *care]
Charybdis see *scylla and charybdis.
Chase1 —v. (-sing) 1 run after; pursue. 2 (foll. By from, out of, to, etc.) Force to run away or flee. 3 a (foll. By after) hurry in pursuit of. B (foll. By round etc.) Colloq. Act or move about hurriedly. 4 (usu. Foll. By up) colloq. Pursue (a thing overdue). 5 colloq. A try to attain. B court persistently. —n. 1 pursuit. 2 unenclosed hunting-land. 3 (prec. By the) hunting, esp. As a sport. [latin capto: related to *catch]
Chase2 v. (-sing) emboss or engrave (metal). [french: related to *case2]
Chaser n. 1 horse for steeplechasing. 2 colloq. Drink taken after another of a different kind.
Chasm n. 1 deep cleft or opening in the earth, rock, etc. 2 wide difference of feeling, interests, etc. [latin from greek]
Chassis n. (pl. Same) 1 base-frame of a motor vehicle, carriage, etc. 2 frame to carry radio etc. Components. [latin: related to *case2]
Chaste adj. 1 abstaining from extramarital, or from all, sexual intercourse. 2
Chaste adj. 1 abstaining from extramarital, or from all, sexual intercourse. 2 pure, virtuous. 3 simple, unadorned. chastely adv. Chasteness n. [latin castus]
Chasten v. 1 (esp. As chastening, chastened adjs.) Subdue, restrain. 2 discipline, punish.
Chastise v. (-sing) 1 rebuke severely. 2 punish, esp. By beating. chastisement n.
Chastity n. Being chaste.
Chasuble n. Loose sleeveless usu. Ornate outer vestment worn by a celebrant at mass or the eucharist. [latin casubla]
Chat —v. (-tt-) talk in a light familiar way. —n. 1 pleasant informal talk. 2 any of various songbirds. chat up colloq. Chat to, esp. Flirtatiously or with an ulterior motive. [shortening of *chatter]
Château n. (pl. -x) large french country house or castle. [french: related to *castle]
Chatelaine n. 1 mistress of a large house. 2 hist. Set of short chains attached to a woman’s belt, for carrying keys etc. [medieval latin castellanus: related to *castle]
Chatline n. Telephone service which sets up a conference call among youngsters.
Chat show n. Television or radio broadcast in which celebrities are interviewed informally.
Chattel n. (usu. In pl.) Movable possession. [french: related to *cattle]
Chatter —v. 1 talk quickly, incessantly, trivially, or indiscreetly. 2 (of a bird, monkey, etc.) Emit short quick sounds. 3 (of teeth) click repeatedly together. — n. Chattering talk or sounds. [imitative]
Chatterbox n. Talkative person.
Chatty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 fond of chatting. 2 resembling chat. chattily adv. Chattiness n.
Chauffeur —n. (fem. Chauffeuse) person employed to drive a car. —v. Drive (a car or person) as a chauffeur. [french, = stoker]
Chauvinism n. 1 exaggerated or aggressive patriotism. 2 excessive or prejudiced support or loyalty for one’s cause or group. [chauvin, name of a character in a french play 1831]
Chauvinist n. 1 person exhibiting chauvinism. 2 (in full male chauvinist) man who shows prejudice against women. chauvinistic adj. Chauvinistically adv.
Cheap —adj. 1 low in price; worth more than its cost. 2 charging low prices; offering good value. 3 of poor quality; inferior. 4 costing little effort and hence
offering good value. 3 of poor quality; inferior. 4 costing little effort and hence of little worth. —adv. Cheaply. on the cheap cheaply. cheaply adv. Cheapness n. [old english, = price, bargain]
Cheapen v. Make or become cheap; depreciate, degrade.
Cheapjack —n. Seller of inferior goods at low prices. —adj. Inferior, shoddy.
Cheapskate n. Esp. Us colloq. Stingy person.
Cheat —v. 1 a (often foll. By into, out of) deceive or trick. B (foll. By of) deprive of. 2 gain an unfair advantage by deception or breaking rules. —n. 1 person who cheats. 2 trick, deception. cheat on colloq. Be sexually unfaithful to. [from *escheat]
Check —v. 1 a examine the accuracy or quality of. B make sure, verify. 2 a stop or slow the motion of; curb. B colloq. Rebuke. 3 chess directly threaten (the opposing king). 4 us agree on comparison. 5 us mark with a tick etc. 6 us deposit (luggage etc.). —n. 1 means or act of testing or ensuring accuracy, quality, etc. 2 a stopping or slowing of motion. B rebuff or rebuke. C person or thing that restrains. 3 a pattern of small squares. B fabric so patterned. C (attrib.) So patterned. 4 (also as int.) Chess exposure of a king to direct attack. 5 us restaurant bill. 6 us = *cheque. 7 esp. Us token of identification for left luggage etc. 8 us cards counter used in games. 9 temporary loss of the scent in hunting. check in 1 arrive or register at a hotel, airport, etc. 2 record the arrival of. Check into register one’s arrival at (a hotel etc.). Check off mark on a list etc. As having been examined. Check on examine, verify, keep watch on. Check out 1 (often foll. By of) leave a hotel etc. With due formalities. 2 esp. Us investigate. Check up make sure, verify. Check up on = check on. [persian, = king]
Checked adj. Having a check pattern.
Checker1 n. Person etc. That examines, esp. In a factory etc.
Checker2 n. 1 var. Of *chequer. 2 us a (in pl., usu. Treated as sing.) Draughts. B piece used in this game.
Checkin n. Act or place of checking in.
Checkmate —n. (also as int.) Chess check from which a king cannot escape. — v. (-ting) 1 chess put into checkmate. 2 frustrate. [french: related to *check, persian mat is dead]
Checkout n. 1 act of checking out. 2 pay-desk in a supermarket etc.
Checkpoint n. Place, esp. A barrier or entrance, where documents, vehicles, etc., are inspected.
Check-up n. Thorough (esp. Medical) examination.
Cheddar n. A kind of firm smooth cheese. [cheddar in somerset]
Cheek —n. 1 a side of the face below the eye. B side-wall of the mouth. 2 a impertinence; cool confidence. B impertinent speech. 3 slang buttock. —v. Be
impertinence; cool confidence. B impertinent speech. 3 slang buttock. —v. Be impertinent to. cheek by jowl close together; intimate. [old english]
Cheek-bone n. Bone below the eye.
Cheeky adj. (-ier, -iest) impertinent. cheekily adv. Cheekiness n.
Cheep —n. Weak shrill cry of a young bird. —v. Make such a cry. [imitative]
Cheer —n. 1 shout of encouragement or applause. 2 mood, disposition (full of good cheer). 3 (in pl.; as int.) Colloq. A expressing good wishes on parting or before drinking. B expressing gratitude. —v. 1 a applaud with shouts. B (usu. Foll. By on) urge with shouts. 2 shout for joy. 3 gladden; comfort. cheer up make or become less depressed. [latin cara face, from greek]
Cheerful adj. 1 in good spirits, noticeably happy. 2 bright, pleasant. cheerfully adv. Cheerfulness n.
Cheerio int. Colloq. Expressing good wishes on parting.
Cheer-leader n. Person who leads cheers of applause etc.
Cheerless adj. Gloomy, dreary.
Cheery adj. (-ier, -iest) cheerful. cheerily adv. Cheeriness n.
Cheese n. 1 a food made from curds of milk. B cake of this with rind. 2 conserve with the consistency of soft cheese. cheesy adj. [latin caseus]
Cheeseburger n. Hamburger with cheese in or on it.
Cheesecake n. 1 tart filled with sweetened curds etc. 2 slang portrayal of women in a sexually stimulating manner.
Cheese plant n. Climbing plant with holes in its leaves.
Cheetah n. Swift-running spotted leopard-like feline. [hindi]
Chef n. (usu. Male) cook, esp. The chief cook in a restaurant. [french]
Chelsea bun n. Currant bun in the form of a flat spiral. [chelsea in london]
Chelsea pensioner n. Inmate of the chelsea royal hospital for old or disabled soldiers.
Chemical —adj. Of, made by, or employing chemistry or chemicals. —n. Substance obtained or used in chemistry. chemically adv. [french or medieval latin: related to *alchemy]
Chemical engineering n. Creation and operation of industrial chemical plants.
Chemical warfare n. Warfare using poison gas and other chemicals.
Chemise n. Hist. Woman’s loose-fitting undergarment or dress. [latin camisia shirt]
Chemist n. 1 dealer in medicinal drugs etc. 2 expert in chemistry. [french: related to *alchemy]
Chemistry n. (pl. -ies) 1 branch of science dealing with the elements and the compounds they form and the reactions they undergo. 2 chemical composition and properties of a substance. 3 colloq. Sexual attraction.
Chemotherapy n. Treatment of disease, esp. Cancer, by chemical substances.
Chenille n. 1 tufty velvety cord or yarn. 2 fabric of this. [french, = caterpillar, from latin canicula little dog]
Cheque n. 1 written order to a bank to pay the stated sum from the drawer’s account. 2 printed form on which this is written. [from *check]
Cheque-book n. Book of forms for writing cheques.
Cheque card n. Card issued by a bank to guarantee the honouring of cheques up to a stated amount.
Cheque card n. Card issued by a bank to guarantee the honouring of cheques up to a stated amount.
Chequer —n. 1 (often in pl.) Pattern of squares often alternately coloured. 2 var. Of *checker2 2. —v. 1 mark with chequers. 2 variegate; break the uniformity of. 3 (as chequered adj.) With varied fortunes (chequered career). [from *exchequer]
Cherish v. 1 protect or tend lovingly. 2 hold dear, cling to (hopes, feelings, etc.). [french cher dear, from latin carus]
Cheroot n. Cigar with both ends open. [french from tamil]
Cherry —n. (pl. -ies) 1 a small soft round stone-fruit. B tree bearing this or grown for its ornamental flowers. C its wood. 2 light red colour. —adj. Of light
grown for its ornamental flowers. C its wood. 2 light red colour. —adj. Of light red colour. [greek kerasos]
Cherub n. 1 (pl. -im) angelic being of the second order of the celestial hierarchy. 2 a representation of a winged child or its head. B beautiful or innocent child. cherubic adj. [ultimately from hebrew]
Chervil n. Herb used for flavouring. [greek khairephullon]
Cheshire n. A kind of firm crumbly cheese. like a cheshire cat with a broad fixed grin. [cheshire in england]
Chess n. Game for two with 16 men each, played on a chessboard. [french: related to *check]
Chessboard n. Chequered board of 64 squares on which chess and draughts are played.
Chessman n. Any of the 32 pieces and pawns with which chess is played.
Chest n. 1 large strong box. 2 a part of the body enclosed by the ribs. B front surface of the body from the neck to the bottom of the ribs. 3 small cabinet for medicines etc. get a thing off one’s chest colloq. Disclose a secret etc. To relieve one’s anxiety about it. [latin cista]
Chesterfield n. Sofa with arms and back of the same height and curved outwards
Chesterfield n. Sofa with arms and back of the same height and curved outwards at the top. [earl of chesterfield]
Chestnut —n. 1 a glossy hard brown edible nut. B tree bearing it. 2 = *horse chestnut. 3 wood of any chestnut. 4 horse of a reddish-brown colour. 5 colloq. Stale joke etc. 6 reddish-brown. —adj. Reddish-brown. [greek kastanea nut]
Chest of drawers n. Piece of furniture consisting of a set of drawers in a frame.
Chesty adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Inclined to or symptomatic of chest disease. chestily adv. Chestiness n.
Cheval-glass n. Tall mirror swung on an upright frame. [latin caballus horse]
Chevalier n. Member of certain orders of knighthood, or of the french legion of honour etc. [medieval latin caballarius horseman]
Chevron n. V-shaped line or stripe. [latin caper goat]
Chew —v. Work (food etc.) Between the teeth. —n. 1 act of chewing. 2 chewy sweet. chew on 1 work continuously between the teeth. 2 think about. Chew over 1 discuss, talk over. 2 think about. [old english]
Chewing-gum n. Flavoured gum for chewing.
Chewy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 needing much chewing. 2 suitable for chewing. chewiness n.
Chez prep. At the home of. [latin casa cottage]
Chi n. Twenty-second letter of the greek alphabet (c, c). [greek]
Chianti n. (pl. -s) red wine from the chianti area in italy.
Chiaroscuro n. 1 treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting. 2 use of contrast in literature etc. [italian, = clear dark]
Chicane —n. 1 artificial barrier or obstacle on a motor racecourse. 2 chicanery. —v. (-ning) archaic 1 use chicanery. 2 (usu. Foll. By into, out of, etc.) Cheat (a person). [french]
Chicanery n. (pl. -ies) 1 clever but misleading talk. 2 trickery, deception. [french]
Chick n. 1 young bird. 2 slang young woman. [old english: related to *chicken]
Chicken —n. 1 a domestic fowl. B its flesh as food. 2 young bird of a domestic fowl. 3 youthful person (is no chicken). —adj. Colloq. Cowardly. —v. (foll. By out) colloq. Withdraw through cowardice. [old english]
Chicken-feed n. 1 food for poultry. 2 colloq. Trivial amount, esp. Of money.
Chickenpox n. Infectious disease, esp. Of children, with a rash of small blisters.
Chicken-wire n. Light wire netting with a hexagonal mesh.
Chick-pea n. Yellow pea-like seed used as a vegetable. [latin cicer]
Chickweed n. Small weed with tiny white flowers.
Chicle n. Milky juice of a tropical tree, used in chewing-gum. [spanish from nahuatl]
Chicory n. (pl. -ies) 1 plant with leaves used in salads. 2 its root, roasted and ground and used with or instead of coffee. 3 esp. Us = *endive. [greek kikhorion]
Chide v. (past chided or chid; past part. Chided or chidden) archaic scold, rebuke. [old english]
Chief —n. 1 a leader or ruler. B head of a tribe, clan, etc. 2 head of a department; highest official. —adj. 1 first in position, importance, influence, etc. 2 prominent, leading. [latin caput head]
Chief constable n. Head of the police force of a county etc.
Chiefly adv. Above all; mainly but not exclusively.
Chief of staff n. Senior staff officer of a service or command.
Chieftain n. Leader of a tribe, clan, etc. chieftaincy n. (pl. -ies). [latin: related to *chief]
Chiffchaff n. Small european warbler. [imitative]
Chiffon n. Light diaphanous fabric of silk, nylon, etc. [french chiffe rag]
Chignon n. Coil of hair at the back of a woman’s head. [french]
Chihuahua n. Dog of a very small smooth-haired breed. [chihuahua in mexico]
Chilblain n. Painful itching swelling on a hand, foot, etc., caused by exposure to cold. [from *chill, blain inflamed sore, blister]
Child n. (pl. Children) 1 a young human being below the age of puberty. B unborn or newborn human being. 2 one’s son or daughter. 3 (foll. By of) descendant, follower, or product of. 4 childish person. childless adj. [old english]
Child abuse n. Maltreatment of a child, esp. By physical violence or sexual molestation.
Child benefit n. Regular payment by the state to the parents of a child up to a certain age.
Childbirth n. Giving birth to a child.
Child care n. The care of children, esp. By a local authority.
Childhood n. State or period of being a child.
Childish adj. 1 of, like, or proper to a child. 2 immature, silly. childishly adv. Childishness n.
Childlike adj. Having the good qualities of a child, such as innocence, frankness, etc.
Child-minder n. Person looking after children for payment.
Child’s play n. Easy task.
Chili var. Of *chilli.
Chill —n. 1 a unpleasant cold sensation; lowered body temperature. B feverish cold. 2 unpleasant coldness (of air, water, etc.). 3 depressing influence. 4 coldness of manner. —v. 1 make or become cold. 2 depress; horrify. 3 preserve (food or drink) by cooling. —adj. Literary chilly. [old english]
Chilli n. (also chili) (pl. -es) hot-tasting dried red capsicum pod. [spanish from aztec]
Chilli con carne n. Dish of chilli-flavoured mince and beans.
Chilly adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 somewhat cold. 2 sensitive to the cold. 3 unfriendly; unemotional.
Chiltern hundreds n.pl. Crown manor, whose administration is a nominal office for which an mp applies as a way of resigning from the house of commons. [chiltern hills in s. England]
Chime —n. 1 set of attuned bells. 2 sounds made by this. —v. (-ming) 1 (of bells) ring. 2 show (the time) by chiming. 3 (usu. Foll. By together, with) be in
Agreement. chime in 1 interject a remark. 2 join in harmoniously. 3 (foll. By with) agree with. [old english: related to *cymbal]
with) agree with. [old english: related to *cymbal]
Chimera n. 1 (in greek mythology) monster with a lion’s head, goat’s body, and serpent’s tail. 2 bogey. 3 wild or fantastic conception. chimerical adj. [latin from greek]
Chimney n. (pl. -s) 1 channel conducting smoke etc. Up and away from a fire, engine, etc. 2 part of this above a roof. 3 glass tube protecting the flame of a lamp. 4 narrow vertical crack in a rock-face. [latin caminus oven, from greek]
Chimney-breast n. Projecting wall surrounding a chimney.
Chimney-pot n. Earthenware or metal pipe at the top of a chimney.
Chimney-stack n. Number of chimneys grouped in one structure.
Chimney-sweep n. Person who removes soot from inside chimneys.
Chimp n. Colloq. = *chimpanzee. [abbreviation]
Chimpanzee n. Small african manlike ape. [french from kongo]
Chin n. Front of the lower jaw. keep one’s chin up colloq. Remain cheerful. Take on the chin suffer a severe blow from; endure courageously. [old english]
Take on the chin suffer a severe blow from; endure courageously. [old english]
China —n. 1 fine white or translucent ceramic ware, porcelain, etc. 2 things made of this. —adj. Made of china. [china in asia]
China clay n. Kaolin.
Chinaman n. 1 archaic or derog. (now usu. Offens.) Native of china. 2 cricket ball bowled by a left-handed bowler that spins from off to leg.
Chinchilla n. 1 a small s. American rodent. B its soft grey fur. 2 breed of cat or rabbit. [spanish chinche bug]
Chine —n. 1 a backbone. B joint of meat containing all or part of this. 2 ridge. —v. (-ning) cut (meat) through the backbone. [latin spina *spine]
Chinese —adj. Of china. —n. 1 chinese language. 2 (pl. Same) a native or national of china. B person of chinese descent.
Chinese lantern n. 1 collapsible paper lantern. 2 plant with an orange-red papery calyx.
Chinese leaf n. Lettuce-like cabbage.
Chink n. Slang offens. A chinese. [abbreviation]
Chink n. Slang offens. A chinese. [abbreviation]
Chink1 n. Narrow opening; slit. [related to chine narrow ravine]
Chink2 —v. (cause to) make a sound like glasses or coins striking together. —n. This sound. [imitative]
Chinless adj. Colloq. Weak or feeble in character.
Chinless wonder n. Ineffectual esp. Upper-class person.
Chinoiserie n. 1 imitation of chinese motifs in painting and in decorating furniture. 2 object(s) in this style. [french]
Chintz n. Printed multicoloured usu. Glazed cotton fabric. [hindi from sanskrit]
Chintzy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 like chintz. 2 gaudy, cheap. 3 characteristic of décor associated with chintz soft furnishings.
Chin-wag slang —n. Talk or chat. —v. (-gg-) chat.
Chip —n. 1 small piece removed by chopping etc. 2 place or mark where a piece has been broken off. 3 a strip of potato, usu. Deep-fried. B us potato crisp. 4
counter used in some games to represent money. 5 = *microchip. —v. (-pp-) 1 (often foll. By off, away) cut or break (a piece) from a hard material. 2 (often foll. By at, away at) cut pieces off (a hard material) to alter its shape etc. 3 be apt to break at the edge. 4 (usu. As chipped adj.) Make (potatoes) into chips. chip in colloq. 1 interrupt. 2 contribute (money etc.). A chip off the old block child resembling its parent, esp. In character. A chip on one’s shoulder colloq. Inclination to feel resentful or aggrieved. When the chips are down colloq. When it comes to the point. [old english]
Chipboard n. Board made from compressed wood chips.
Chipmunk n. Striped n. American ground squirrel. [algonquian]
Chipolata n. Small thin sausage. [french from italian]
Chippendale adj. (of furniture) of an elegantly ornate 18th-c. Style. [name of a cabinet-maker]
Chiro-comb. Form hand. [greek kheir]
Chiromancy n. Palmistry. [greek mantis seer]
Chiropody n. Treatment of the feet and their ailments. chiropodist n. [greek pous podos foot]
Chiropractic n. Treatment of disease by manipulation of esp. The spinal column. chiropractor n. [greek pratto do]
Chirp —v. 1 (of small birds, grasshoppers, etc.) Utter a short sharp note. 2 speak or utter merrily. —n. Chirping sound. [imitative]
Chisel —n. Hand tool with a squared bevelled blade for shaping wood, stone, or metal. —v. 1 (-ll-; us -l-) cut or shape with a chisel. 2 (as chiselled adj.) (of facial features) clear-cut, fine. 3 slang cheat. [latin caedo cut]
Chit1 n. 1 derog. Or joc. Young small woman (esp. A chit of a girl). 2 young child. [originally = whelp, cub]
Chit2 n. 1 note of requisition, of a sum owed, etc. 2 note or memorandum. [hindi from sanskrit]
Chit-chat n. Colloq. Light conversation; gossip. [reduplication of *chat]
Chivalrous adj. 1 gallant, honourable. 2 of or showing chivalry. chivalrously adv. [latin: related to *chevalier]
Chivalry n. 1 medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code. 2 honour, courtesy, and readiness to help the weak. chivalric adj.
2 honour, courtesy, and readiness to help the weak. chivalric adj.
Chive n. Small plant with long onion-flavoured leaves. [latin cepa onion]
Chivvy v. (-ies, -ied) urge persistently, nag. [probably from ballad of chevy chase]
Chloral n. 1 colourless liquid aldehyde used in making ddt. 2 (in full chloral hydrate) pharm. Crystalline solid made from this and used as a sedative. [french: related to chlorine, alcohol]
Chloride n. 1 compound of chlorine and another element or group. 2 bleaching agent containing this.
Chlorinate v. (-ting) impregnate or treat with chlorine. chlorination n.
Chlorine n. Poisonous gaseous element used for purifying water etc. [greek khloros green]
Chlorofluorocarbon see *cfc.
Chloroform —n. Colourless volatile liquid formerly used as a general anaesthetic. —v. Render unconscious with this. [from chlorine, formic acid]
Chlorophyll n. Green pigment found in most plants. [greek khloros green, phullon leaf]
Choc n. Colloq. Chocolate. [abbreviation]
Choc-ice n. Bar of ice-cream covered with chocolate.
Chock —n. Block or wedge to check the motion of a wheel etc. —v. Make fast with chocks. [french]
Chock-a-block predic. Adj. (often foll. By with) crammed together or full.
Chock-full predic. Adj. (often foll. By of) crammed full.
Chocolate —n. 1 a food preparation in the form of a paste or solid block made from ground cacao seeds and usu. Sweetened. B sweet made of or coated with this. C drink containing this. 2 deep brown. —adj. 1 made from chocolate. 2 deep brown. [aztec chocolatl]
Choice —n. 1 a act of choosing. B thing or person chosen. 2 range from which to choose. 3 power or opportunity to choose. —adj. Of superior quality. [germanic: related to *choose]
Choir n. 1 regular group of singers, esp. In a church. 2 part of a cathedral or large church between the altar and nave. [latin: related to *chorus]
Choirboy n. (fem. Choirgirl) boy singer in a church choir.
Choke —v. (-king) 1 stop the breathing of (a person or animal), esp. By constricting the windpipe or (of gas, smoke, etc.) By being unbreathable. 2 suffer a stoppage of breath. 3 make or become speechless from emotion. 4 retard the growth of or kill (esp. Plants) by depriving of light etc. 5 (often foll. By back) suppress (feelings) with difficulty. 6 block or clog (a passage, tube, etc.). 7 (as choked adj.) Colloq. Disgusted, disappointed. —n. 1 valve in a carburettor controlling the intake of air. 2 device for smoothing the variations of an alternating current. choke up block (a channel etc.). [old english]
Choker n. Close-fitting necklace.
Cholecalciferol n. A vitamin (d3) produced by the action of sunlight on a steroid in the skin. [from *choler, *calciferol]
Choler n. 1 hist. One of the four humours, bile. 2 poet. Or archaic anger, irascibility. [greek khole bile]
Cholera n. Infectious often fatal bacterial disease of the small intestine. [related to *choler]
Choleric adj. Irascible, angry.
Cholesterol n. Sterol found in most body tissues, including the blood where high concentrations promote arteriosclerosis. [from *choler, greek stereos stiff]
Chomp v. = *champ1. [imitative]
Choose v. (-sing; past chose; past part. Chosen) 1 select out of a greater number. 2 (usu. Foll. By between, from) take or select one or another. 3 (usu. Foll. By to + infin.) Decide, be determined. 4 select as (was chosen leader). nothing (or little) to choose between them they are very similar. [old english]
Choosy adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Fastidious. choosiness n.
Chop1 —v. (-pp-) 1 (usu. Foll. By off, down, etc.) Cut or fell by the blow of an axe etc. 2 (often foll. By up) cut into small pieces. 3 strike (esp. A ball) with a short heavy edgewise blow. —n. 1 cutting blow. 2 thick slice of meat (esp. Pork or lamb) usu. Including a rib. 3 short chopping stroke in cricket etc. 4 (prec. By the) slang a = sack1 n. 2. B killing or being killed. [related to chap2]
Chop2 n. (usu. In pl.) Jaw. [origin unknown]
Chop3 v. (-pp-) chop and change vacillate; change direction frequently. Chop logic argue pedantically. [perhaps related to *cheap]
Chopper n. 1 a short axe with a large blade. B butcher’s cleaver. 2 colloq. Helicopter. 3 colloq. Type of bicycle or motor cycle with high handlebars.
Choppy adj. (-ier, -iest) (of the sea etc.) Fairly rough. choppily adv. Choppiness n. [from *chop1]
Chopstick n. Each of a pair of sticks held in one hand as eating utensils by the chinese, japanese, etc. [pidgin english from chinese, = nimble ones]
Chopsuey n. (pl. -s) chinese-style dish of meat fried with vegetables and rice. [chinese, = mixed bits]
Choral adj. Of, for, or sung by a choir or chorus. [medieval latin: related to *chorus]
Chorale n. 1 simple stately hymn tune; harmonized form of this. 2 esp. Us choir. [german: related to *choral]
Chord1 n. Group of notes sounded together. [originally cord from *accord]
Chord2 n. 1 straight line joining the ends of an arc or curve. 2 poet. String of a harp etc. strike a chord elicit sympathy. [var. Of *cord]
Chordate —n. Animal having a cartilaginous skeletal rod at some stage of its development. —adj. Of chordates. [latin chorda *chord2 after vertebrata etc.]
Chore n. Tedious or routine task, esp. Domestic. [from *char2]
Choreograph v. Compose choreography for (a ballet etc.). choreographer n.
Choreography n. Design or arrangement of a ballet etc. choreographic adj. [greek khoreia dance]
Chorister n. Member of a choir, esp. A choirboy. [french: related to *choir]
Chortle —n. Gleeful chuckle. —v. (-ling) utter or express with a chortle. [probably from *chuckle, *snort]
Chorus —n. (pl. -es) 1 group of singers; choir. 2 music composed for a choir. 3 refrain or main part of a song. 4 simultaneous utterance. 5 group of singers and dancers performing together. 6 gk antiq. A group of performers who comment on the action in a greek play. B utterance made by it. 7 character speaking the prologue in a play. —v. (-s-) speak or utter simultaneously. [latin from greek]
Chose past of *choose.
Chosen past part. Of *choose.
Chough n. Bird with glossy blue-black plumage and red legs. [imitative]
Choux pastry n. Very light pastry enriched with eggs. [french]
Chow n. 1 slang food. 2 dog of a chinese breed with long woolly hair. [chinese chow-chow]
chow-chow]
Chow mein n. Chinese-style dish of fried noodles with shredded meat or shrimps etc. And vegetables. [chinese chao mian fried flour]
Christ —n. 1 title, also now treated as a name, given to jesus. 2 messiah as prophesied in the old testament. —int. Slang expressing surprise, anger, etc. [greek, = anointed]
Christen v. 1 baptize as a sign of admission to the christian church. 2 give a name to. 3 colloq. Use for the first time. christening n. [latin: related to *christian]
Christendom n. Christians worldwide.
Christian —adj. 1 of christ’s teaching. 2 believing in or following the religion of christ. 3 showing the associated qualities. 4 colloq. Kind. —n. Adherent of christianity. [latin christianus of *christ]
Christian era n. Era reckoned from christ’s birth.
Christianity n. 1 christian religion. 2 being a christian; christian quality or character.
Christian name n. Forename, esp. As given at baptism.
Christian science n. Christian sect believing in the power of healing by prayer alone. christian scientist n.
Christmas n. 1 (also christmas day) annual festival of christ’s birth, celebrated on 25 dec. 2 period around this. christmassy adj. [old english: related to *christ, *mass2]
Christmas-box n. Present or gratuity given at christmas.
Christmas eve n. 24 dec.
Christmas pudding n. Rich boiled pudding of flour, suet, dried fruit, etc.
Christmas rose n. White-flowered winter-blooming hellebore.
Christmas tree n. Evergreen tree or imitation of this set up and decorated at christmas.
Chromatic adj. 1 of colour; in colours. 2 mus. A of or having notes not belonging to a particular diatonic scale. B (of a scale) ascending or descending by semitones. chromatically adv. [greek khroma -mat-colour]
Chromatin n. Chromosome material in a cell nucleus which stains with basic dyes. [greek: related to *chrome]
Chromatography n. Separation of the components of a mixture by slow passage through or over material which adsorbs them differently. [greek: related to *chrome]
Chrome n. 1 chromium, esp. As plating. 2 (in full chrome yellow) yellow pigment got from a certain compound of chromium. [greek khroma colour]
Chromite n. Mineral of chromium and iron oxides.
Chromium n. Metallic element used as a shiny decorative or protective coating.
Chromium plate n. Protective coating of chromium.
Chromosome n. Threadlike structure, usu. Found in the cell nucleus of animals and plants, carrying genes. [greek: related to *chrome, soma body]
Chronic adj. 1 (esp. Of an illness) long-lasting. 2 having a chronic complaint. 3 colloq. Very bad; intense, severe. 4 colloq. Habitual, inveterate (a chronic liar). chronically adv. [greek khronos time]
Usage the use of chronic in sense 3 is very informal, and its use in sense 4 is considered incorrect by some people.
Chronicle —n. Register of events in order of occurrence. —v. (-ling) record
Chronicle —n. Register of events in order of occurrence. —v. (-ling) record (events) thus. [greek khronika: related to *chronic]
Chronological adj. 1 according to order of occurrence. 2 of chronology. chronologically adv.
Chronology n. (pl. -ies) 1 science of determining dates. 2 a arrangement of events etc. In order of occurrence. B table or document displaying this. [greek khronos time, *-logy]
Chronometer n. Time-measuring instrument, esp. One used in navigation. [from chronology, -meter]
Chrysalis n. (pl. -lises) 1 pupa of a butterfly or moth. 2 case enclosing it. [greek khrusos gold]
Chrysanthemum n. Garden plant of the daisy family blooming in autumn. [greek, = gold flower]
Chrysoberyl n. Yellowish-green gem. [greek khrusos gold, *beryl]
Chrysolite n. Precious variety of olivine. [greek khrusos gold, lithos stone]
Chrysoprase n. Apple-green variety of chalcedony. [greek khrusos gold, prason leek]
Chub n. (pl. Same) thick-bodied river fish. [origin unknown]
Chubb n. (in full chubb lock) propr. Lock with a device for fixing the bolt immovably should someone try to pick it. [chubb, name of a locksmith]
Chubby adj. (-ier, -iest) plump and rounded. [from *chub]
Chuck1 —v. 1 colloq. Fling or throw carelessly or casually. 2 (often foll. By in, up) colloq. Give up; reject. 3 touch playfully, esp. Under the chin. —n. 1 playful touch under the chin. 2 toss. the chuck slang dismissal; rejection. Chuck out colloq. 1 expel (a person) from a gathering etc. 2 get rid of, discard. [perhaps from french chuquer knock]
Chuck2 —n. 1 cut of beef from neck to ribs. 2 device for holding a workpiece or bit. —v. Fix to a chuck. [var. Of *chock]
Chuckle —v. (-ling) laugh quietly or inwardly. —n. Quiet or suppressed laugh. [chuck cluck]
Chuff v. (of an engine etc.) Work with a regular sharp puffing sound. [imitative]
Chuffed adj. Slang delighted. [dial. Chuff]
Chug —v. (-gg-) 1 emit a regular muffled explosive sound, as of an engine running slowly. 2 move with this sound. —n. Chugging sound. [imitative]
Chukka boot n. Ankle-high leather boot.
Chukker n. (also chukka) period of play in polo. [sanskrit cakra wheel]
Chum n. Colloq. Close friend. chum up (-mm-) (often foll. By with) become a close friend (of). chummy adj. (-ier, -iest). Chummily adv. Chumminess n. [abbreviation of chamber-fellow]
Chump n. 1 colloq. Foolish person. 2 thick end of a loin of lamb or mutton (chump chop). 3 short thick block of wood. off one’s chump slang crazy. [blend of *chunk, *lump1]
Chunk n. 1 thick piece cut or broken off. 2 substantial amount. [var. Of *chuck2]
Chunky adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 consisting of or resembling chunks; thick, substantial. 2 small and sturdy. chunkiness n.
Chunter v. Colloq. Mutter, grumble. [probably imitative]
Chupatty var. Of *chapatti.
Church n. 1 building for public christian worship. 2 public worship (met after church). 3 (church) a body of all christians. B clergy or clerical profession. C organized christian society (the early church). [greek kuriakon lord’s (house)]
organized christian society (the early church). [greek kuriakon lord’s (house)]
Churchgoer n. Person attending church regularly.
Churchman n. Member of the clergy or of a church.
Church of england n. English protestant church.
Churchwarden n. Either of two elected lay representatives of an anglican parish.
Churchyard n. Enclosed ground around a church used for burials.
Churlish adj. Surly; mean. churlishly adv. Churlishness n. [from *churl]
Churn —n. 1 large milk-can. 2 butter-making machine. —v. 1 agitate (milk or cream) in a churn. 2 produce (butter) in a churn. 3 (usu. Foll. By up) upset, agitate. churn out produce in large quantities. [old english]
Chute1 n. Sloping channel or slide for sending things to a lower level. [latin cado fall]
Chute2 n. Colloq. Parachute. [abbreviation]
Chutney n. (pl. -s) pungent condiment of fruits, vinegar, spices, etc. [hindi]
Chutzpah n. Slang shameless audacity. [yiddish]
Chyle n. Milky fluid of food materials formed in the intestine after digestion. [greek khulos juice]
Chyme n. Acid pulp formed from partly-digested food. [greek khumos juice]
Cia abbr. (in the us) central intelligence agency.
Ciao int. Colloq. 1 goodbye. 2 hello. [italian]
Cicada n. Large transparent-winged insect making a rhythmic chirping sound. [latin]
Cicatrice n. Scar left by a wound. [latin]
Cicely n. (pl. -ies) flowering plant related to parsley and chervil. [greek seselis]
Cicerone n. (pl. -roni pronunc. Same) person who guides sightseers. [latin cicero, name of a roman statesman]
Cid abbr. Criminal investigation department.
-cide suffix 1 person or substance that kills (regicide; insecticide). 2 killing of (infanticide). [latin caedo kill]
-cide suffix 1 person or substance that kills (regicide; insecticide). 2 killing of (infanticide). [latin caedo kill]
Cider n. Drink of fermented apple juice. [hebrew, = strong drink]
Cigar n. Tight roll of tobacco-leaves for smoking. [french or spanish]
Cigarette n. Finely-cut tobacco rolled in paper for smoking. [french diminutive]
Cilium n. (pl. Cilia) 1 minute hairlike structure on the surface of many animal cells. 2 eyelash. ciliary adj. Ciliate adj. [latin, = eyelash]
Cinchona n. 1 a s. American evergreen tree or shrub. B its bark, containing
Cinchona n. 1 a s. American evergreen tree or shrub. B its bark, containing quinine. 2 drug from this. [countess of chinchón]
Cincture n. Literary girdle, belt, or border. [latin cingo gird]
Cinder n. 1 residue of coal or wood etc. After burning. 2 (in pl.) Ashes. [old english sinder = slag]
Cinderella n. Person or thing of unrecognized or disregarded merit or beauty. [name of a girl in a fairy tale]
Cine-comb. Form cinematographic (cine-camera). [abbreviation]
Cinema n. 1 theatre where films are shown. 2 a films collectively. B art or industry of producing films. cinematic adj. [french: related to *kinematics]
Cinematography n. Art of making films. cinematographer n. Cinematographic adj.
Cineraria n. Composite plant with bright flowers and ash-coloured down on its leaves. [latin cinis -ner-ashes]
Cinnabar n. 1 bright red mercuric sulphide. 2 vermilion. 3 moth with reddish-marked wings. [latin from greek]
Cinnamon n. 1 aromatic spice from the bark of a se asian tree. 2 this tree. 3 yellowish-brown. [greek kinnamon]
Cinque n. The five on dice. [latin quinque five]
Cinquefoil n. 1 plant with compound leaves of five leaflets. 2 archit. Five-cusped ornament in a circle or arch. [latin: related to *cinque, folium leaf]
Cinque ports n.pl. Group of (orig. Five) ports in se england with ancient privileges. [latin quinque portus five ports]
Cipher (also cypher) —n. 1 a secret or disguised writing. B thing so written. C key to it. 2 arithmetical symbol (0) used to occupy a vacant place in decimal etc. Numeration. 3 person or thing of no importance. —v. Write in cipher. [arabic sifr]
Circa prep. (preceding a date) about. [latin]
Circadian adj. Physiol. Occurring about once per day. [from *circa, latin dies day]
Circle —n. 1 round plane figure whose circumference is everywhere equidistant from its centre. 2 circular or roundish enclosure or structure. 3 curved upper tier of seats in a theatre etc. 4 circular route. 5 persons grouped round a centre of interest. 6 set or restricted group (literary circles). —v. (-ling) 1 (often foll. By
round, about) move in a circle. 2 a revolve round. B form a circle round. come full circle return to the starting-point. [latin diminutive: related to *circus]
Circlet n. 1 small circle. 2 circular band, esp. As an ornament.
Circuit n. 1 line or course enclosing an area; the distance round. 2 a path of an electric current. B apparatus through which a current passes. 3 a judge’s itinerary through a district to hold courts. B such a district. C lawyers following a circuit. 4 chain of theatres, cinemas, etc. Under a single management. 5 motor-racing track. 6 itinerary or specific sphere of operation (election circuit; cabaret circuit). 7 sequence of sporting events or athletic exercises. [latin: related to *circum-, eo it-go]
Circuit-breaker n. Automatic device for interrupting an electric circuit.
Circuitous adj. 1 indirect. 2 going a long way round.
Circuitry n. (pl. -ies) 1 system of electric circuits. 2 equipment forming this.
Circular —adj. 1 a having the form of a circle. B moving (roughly) in a circle, finishing at the starting-point (circular walk). 2 (of reasoning) using the point it is trying to prove as evidence for its conclusion, hence invalid.
Circularize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) distribute circulars to.
Circular saw n. Power saw with a rapidly rotating toothed disc.
Circulate v. (-ting) 1 be in circulation; spread. 2 a put into circulation. B send circulars to. 3 move about among guests etc. [latin: related to *circle]
Circulation n. 1 movement to and fro, or from and back to a starting-point, esp. That of the blood from and to the heart. 2 a transmission or distribution. B number of copies sold. in (or out of) circulation active (or not active) socially.
Circulatory adj. Of circulation, esp. Of the blood.
Circum-comb. Form round, about. [latin]
Circumcise v. (-sing) cut off the foreskin or clitoris of. circumcision n. [latin caedo cut]
Circumference n. 1 enclosing boundary, esp. Of a circle. 2 distance round. circumferential adj. [latin fero carry]
Circumflex n. (in full circumflex accent) mark (ˆ) placed over a vowel to show contraction, length, etc. [latin: related to *flex1]
Circumlocution n. 1 a roundabout expression. B evasive talk. 2 verbosity. circumlocutory adj.
Circumnavigate v. (-ting) sail round (esp. The world). circumnavigation n.
Circumnavigate v. (-ting) sail round (esp. The world). circumnavigation n.
Circumscribe v. (-bing) 1 (of a line etc.) Enclose or outline. 2 lay down the limits of; confine, restrict. 3 geom. Draw (a figure) round another, touching it at points but not cutting it. circumscription n. [latin scribo write]
Circumspect adj. Cautious; taking everything into account. circumspection n. Circumspectly adv. [latin specio spect-look]
Circumstance n. 1 fact, occurrence, or condition, esp. (in pl.) Connected with or influencing an event; (bad) luck (victim of circumstance(s)). 2 (in pl.) One’s financial or material condition. 3 ceremony, fuss. in (or under) the circumstances the state of affairs being what it is. In (or under) no circumstances not at all; never. circumstanced adj. [latin sto stand]
Circumstantial adj. 1 giving full details (circumstantial account). 2 (of evidence etc.) Indicating a conclusion by inference from known facts hard to explain otherwise. circumstantiality n.
Circumvent v. 1 evade, find a way round. 2 baffle, outwit. circumvention n. [latin venio vent-come]
Circus n. (pl. -es) 1 travelling show of performing acrobats, clowns, animals, etc. 2 colloq. A scene of lively action. B group of people in a common activity, esp. Sport. 3 open space in a town, where several streets converge. 4 rom. Antiq. Arena for sports and games. [latin, = ring]
Cirrhosis n. Chronic liver disease, as a result of alcoholism etc. [greek kirrhos tawny]
Cirrus n. (pl. Cirri) 1 white wispy cloud at high altitude. 2 tendril or appendage of a plant or animal. [latin, = curl]
Cisalpine adj. On the south side of the alps. [latin cis-on this side of]
Cissy var. Of *sissy.
Cistercian —n. Monk or nun of the order founded as a stricter branch of the benedictines. —adj. Of the cistercians. [french cîteaux in france]
Cistern n. 1 tank for storing water. 2 underground reservoir. [latin cista box, from greek]
Cistus n. Shrub with large white or red flowers. [latin from greek]
Citadel n. Fortress, usu. On high ground, protecting or dominating a city. [french citadelle]
Citation n. 1 citing; passage cited. 2 mil. Mention in dispatches. 3 description of the reasons for an award.
Cite v. (-ting) 1 mention as an example etc. 2 quote (a book etc.) In support. 3 mil. Mention in dispatches. 4 summon to appear in court. [latin cieo set in motion]
Citizen n. 1 member of a state, either native or naturalized. 2 inhabitant of a city. 3 us civilian. citizenry n. Citizenship n. [anglo-french: related to *city]
Citizen’s band n. System of local intercommunication by individuals on special radio frequencies.
Citrate n. A salt of citric acid.
Citric adj. Derived from citrus fruit.
Citric acid n. Sharp-tasting acid in citrus fruits.
Citron n. 1 tree with large lemon-like fruits. 2 this fruit. [french from latin *citrus]
Citronella n. 1 a fragrant oil. 2 grass from s. Asia yielding it.
Citrus n. (pl. -es) 1 tree of a group including the lemon, orange, and grapefruit. 2 (in full citrus fruit) fruit of such a tree. [latin]
City n. (pl. -ies) 1 large town, strictly one created by charter and containing a cathedral. 2 (the city) a part of london governed by the lord mayor and
cathedral. 2 (the city) a part of london governed by the lord mayor and corporation. B business part of this. C commercial circles. [latin civitas: related to *civic]
City-state n. Esp. Hist. City that with its surrounding territory forms an independent state.
Civet n. 1 (in full civet-cat) catlike animal of central africa. 2 strong musky perfume obtained from it. [french ultimately from arabic]
Civic adj. 1 of a city. 2 of citizens or citizenship. civically adv. [latin civis citizen]
Civic centre n. 1 area where municipal offices etc. Are situated. 2 the offices themselves.
Civics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) The study of the rights and duties of citizenship.
Civil adj. 1 of or belonging to citizens. 2 of ordinary citizens; non-military. 3 polite, obliging, not rude. 4 law concerning private rights and not criminal offences. 5 (of the length of a day, year, etc.) Fixed by custom or law, not natural or astronomical. civilly adv. [latin civilis: related to *civic]
Civil defence n. Organizing of civilians for protection during wartime attacks.
Civil disobedience n. Refusal to comply with certain laws as a peaceful protest.
Civil engineer n. One who designs or maintains roads, bridges, dams, etc.
Civilian —n. Person not in the armed services or police force. —adj. Of or for civilians.
Civility n. (pl. -ies) 1 politeness. 2 act of politeness. [latin: related to *civil]
Civilization n. (also -isation) 1 advanced stage or system of social development. 2 peoples of the world that are regarded as having this. 3 a people or nation (esp. Of the past) regarded as an element of social evolution (inca civilization).
Civilize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 bring out of a barbarous or primitive stage of society. 2 enlighten; refine and educate. [french: related to *civil]
Civil liberty n. (often in pl.) Freedom of action subject to the law.
Civil list n. Annual allowance voted by parliament for the royal family’s household expenses.
Civil marriage n. One solemnized without religious ceremony.
Civil rights n.pl. Rights of citizens to freedom and equality.
Civil rights n.pl. Rights of citizens to freedom and equality.
Civil servant n. Member of the civil service.
Civil service n. Branches of state administration, excluding military and judicial branches and elected politicians.
Civil war n. War between citizens of the same country.
Civvy street n. Slang civilian life. [abbreviation]
Cl symb. Chlorine.
Cl abbr. Centilitre(s).
Clack —v. 1 make a sharp sound as of boards struck together. 2 chatter. —n. Clacking noise or talk. [imitative]
Clad adj. 1 clothed. 2 provided with cladding. [past part. Of *clothe]
Cladding n. Covering or coating on a structure or material etc.
Cladistics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Biol. Method of classifying animals and plants on the basis of shared characteristics. [greek klados branch]
Claim —v. 1 state, declare, assert. 2 demand as one’s due or property. 3 represent oneself as having or achieving (claim victory). 4 (foll. By to + infin.) Profess. 5 have as an achievement or consequence (fire claimed two victims). 6 (of a thing) deserve (attention etc.). —n. 1 demand or request for a thing considered one’s due (lay claim to; put in a claim). 2 (foll. By to, on) right or title to a thing. 3 assertion. 4 thing claimed. [latin clamo call out]
Claimant n. Person making a claim, esp. In a lawsuit, or claiming state benefit.
Clairvoyance n. Supposed faculty of perceiving the future or things beyond normal sensory perception. clairvoyant n. & adj. [french: related to *clear, voir see]
Clam —n. Edible bivalve mollusc. —v. (-mm-) (foll. By up) colloq. Refuse to talk. [related to *clamp1]
Clamber —v. Climb laboriously using hands and feet. —n. Difficult climb. [from *climb]
Clammy adj. (-ier, -iest) unpleasantly damp and sticky. clammily adv. Clamminess n. [clam to daub]
Clamor (brit. Clamour) —n. 1 loud or vehement shouting or noise. 2 protest,
Clamor (brit. Clamour) —n. 1 loud or vehement shouting or noise. 2 protest, demand. —v. 1 make a clamour. 2 utter with a clamour. clamorous adj. [latin: related to *claim]
Clamour (us clamor) —n. 1 loud or vehement shouting or noise. 2 protest, demand. —v. 1 make a clamour. 2 utter with a clamour. clamorous adj. [latin: related to *claim]
Clamp1 —n. 1 device, esp. A brace or band of iron etc., for strengthening or holding things together. 2 device for immobilizing an illegally parked vehicle. —v. 1 strengthen or fasten with a clamp; fix firmly. 2 immobilize (a vehicle) with a clamp. clamp down (usu. Foll. By on) become stricter (about); suppress. [low german or dutch]
Clamp2 n. Potatoes etc. Stored under straw or earth. [dutch: related to *clump]
Clamp-down n. Sudden policy of suppression.
Clan n. 1 group of people with a common ancestor, esp. In the scottish highlands. 2 large family as a social group. 3 group with a strong common interest. [gaelic]
Clandestine adj. Surreptitious, secret. [latin]
Clang —n. Loud resonant metallic sound. —v. (cause to) make a clang. [imitative: cf. Latin clango resound]
Clanger n. Slang mistake, blunder.
Clangor n. (brit. Clangour) prolonged clanging. clangorous adj.
Clangour n. (us clangor) prolonged clanging. clangorous adj.
Clank —n. Sound as of metal on metal. —v. (cause to) make a clank. [imitative]
Clannish adj. Often derog. (of a family or group) associating closely with each other; inward-looking.
Clansman n. (fem. Clanswoman) member or fellow-member of a clan.
Clap1 —v. (-pp-) 1 a strike the palms of one’s hands together, esp. Repeatedly as applause. B strike (the hands) together in this way. 2 applaud thus. 3 put or place quickly or with determination (clapped him in prison; clap a tax on whisky). 4 (foll. By on) give a friendly slap (clapped him on the back). —n. 1 act of clapping, esp. As applause. 2 explosive sound, esp. Of thunder. 3 slap, pat. clap eyes on colloq. See. [old english]
Clap2 n. Coarse slang venereal disease, esp. Gonorrhoea. [french]
Clapped out adj. Slang worn out; exhausted.
Clapper n. Tongue or striker of a bell. like the clappers slang very fast or hard.
Clapperboard n. Device in film-making of hinged boards struck together to synchronize the starting of picture and sound machinery.
Claptrap n. Insincere or pretentious talk, nonsense.
Claque n. Group of people hired to applaud. [french]
Claret n. 1 red wine, esp. From bordeaux. 2 purplish-red. [french: related to *clarify]
Clarify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make or become clearer. 2 a free (liquid etc.) From impurities. B make transparent. clarification n. [latin: related to *clear]
Clarinet n. Woodwind instrument with a single reed. clarinettist n. (us clarinetist). [french diminutive of clarine, a kind of bell]
Clarion n. 1 clear rousing sound. 2 hist. Shrill war-trumpet. [latin: related to *clear]
Clarity n. Clearness.
Clash —n. 1 a loud jarring sound as of metal objects struck together. B collision. 2 a conflict. B discord of colours etc. —v. 1 (cause to) make a clashing sound. 2 collide; coincide awkwardly. 3 (often foll. By with) a come into conflict or be at variance. B (of colours) be discordant. [imitative]
Clasp —n. 1 device with interlocking parts for fastening. 2 a embrace. B grasp, handshake. 3 bar on a medal-ribbon. —v. 1 fasten with or as with a clasp. 2 a grasp, hold closely. B embrace. [old english]
Clasp-knife n. Folding knife, usu. With a catch to hold the blade open.
Class —n. 1 any set of persons or things grouped together, or graded or differentiated from others esp. By quality (first class; economy class). 2 division or order of society (upper class). 3 colloq. Distinction, high quality. 4 a group of students taught together. B occasion when they meet. C their course of instruction. 5 division of candidates by merit in an examination. 6 biol. Next grouping of organisms below a division or phylum. —v. Assign to a class or category. in a class of (or on) its (or one’s) own unequalled. classless adj. [latin classis assembly]
Class-conscious adj. Aware of social divisions or one’s place in them. class-consciousness n.
Classic —adj. 1 first-class; of lasting value and importance. 2 very typical (a classic case). 3 a of ancient greek and latin literature, art, etc. B (of style) simple, harmonious. 4 famous because long-established. —n. 1 classic writer, artist, work, or example. 2 (in pl.) Ancient greek and latin. [latin classicus: related to *class]
Classical adj. 1 a of ancient greek or roman literature or art. B (of a language) having the form used by ancient standard authors. 2 (of music) serious or conventional, or of the period from c.1750–1800. 3 restrained in style. classicality n. Classically adv.
Classicism n. 1 following of a classic style. 2 classical scholarship. 3 ancient greek or latin idiom. classicist n.
Classify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 a arrange in classes or categories. B assign to a class or category. 2 designate as officially secret or not for general disclosure. classifiable adj. Classification n. Classificatory adj. [french: related to *class]
Classmate n. Person in the same class at school.
Classroom n. Room where a class of students is taught.
Clatter —n. Sound as of hard objects struck together. —v. (cause to) make a clatter. [old english]
Clause n. 1 gram. Part of a sentence, including a subject and predicate. 2 single statement in a treaty, law, contract, etc. clausal adj. [latin clausula: related to *close2]
Clause 28 n. Clause in the local government bill (and later act) banning local
Clause 28 n. Clause in the local government bill (and later act) banning local authorities from promoting homosexuality.
Claustrophobia n. Abnormal fear of confined places. claustrophobic adj. [latin claustrum *cloister, *-phobia]
Clavichord n. Small keyboard instrument with a very soft tone. [medieval latin: related to *clavicle]
Clavicle n. Collar-bone. [latin clavis key]
Claw —n. 1 a pointed nail on an animal’s foot. B foot armed with claws. 2 pincers of a shellfish. 3 device for grappling, holding, etc. —v. Scratch, maul, or pull with claws or fingernails. [old english]
Claw back v. Regain laboriously or gradually.
Claw-hammer n. Hammer with one side of the head forked for extracting nails.
Claw-hammer n. Hammer with one side of the head forked for extracting nails.
Clay n. 1 stiff sticky earth, used for making bricks, pottery, etc. 2 poet. Substance of the human body. clayey adj. [old english]
Claymore n. Hist. Scottish two-edged broadsword. [gaelic, = great sword]
Clay pigeon n. Breakable disc thrown up from a trap as a target for shooting.
Clean —adj. 1 free from dirt or impurities, unsoiled. 2 clear; unused; pristine (clean air; clean page). 3 not obscene or indecent. 4 attentive to personal hygiene and cleanliness. 5 complete, clear-cut. 6 showing no record of crime, disease, etc. 7 fair (a clean fight). 8 streamlined; well-formed. 9 adroit, skilful. 10 (of a nuclear weapon) producing relatively little fallout. —adv. 1 completely, outright, simply. 2 in a clean manner. —v. Make or become clean. —n. Act or process of cleaning. clean out 1 clean thoroughly. 2 slang empty or deprive (esp. Of money). Clean up 1 a clear away (a mess). B (also absol.) Put (things) tidy. C make (oneself) clean. 2 restore order or morality to. 3 slang acquire as or make a profit. Come clean colloq. Confess fully. Make a clean breast of see *breast. [old english]
Clean bill of health n. Declaration that there is no disease or defect.
Clean-cut adj. 1 sharply outlined or defined. 2 (of a person) clean and tidy.
Cleaner n. 1 person employed to clean rooms etc. 2 establishment for cleaning clothes etc. 3 device or substance for cleaning. take a person to the cleaners slang 1 defraud or rob a person. 2 criticize severely.
Cleanly1 adv. In a clean way.
Cleanly2 adj. (-ier, -iest) habitually clean; with clean habits. cleanliness n.
Cleanse v. (-sing) make clean or pure. cleanser n.
Clean-shaven adj. Without beard or moustache.
Clean sheet n. (also clean slate) freedom from commitments or imputations; removal of these from one’s record.
Clean-up n. Act of cleaning up.
Clear —adj. 1 free from dirt or contamination. 2 (of weather, the sky, etc.) Not dull. 3 transparent. 4 a easily perceived; distinct; evident (a clear voice; it is clear that). B easily understood. 5 discerning readily and accurately (clear mind). 6 confident, convinced. 7 (of a conscience) free from guilt. 8 (of a road etc.) Unobstructed. 9 a net, without deduction. B complete (three clear days). 10 (often foll. By of) free, unhampered; unencumbered. —adv. 1 clearly. 2 completely (got clear away). 3 apart, out of contact (keep clear). —v. 1 make or become clear. 2 (often foll. By of) make or become free from obstruction etc. 3 (often foll. By of) show (a person) to be innocent. 4 approve (a person etc.) For a special duty, access, etc. 5 pass over or by, safely or without touching. 6 make (an amount of money) as a net gain or to balance expenses. 7 pass (a cheque) through a clearing-house. 8 pass through (customs etc.). 9 disappear (mist cleared). clear the air remove suspicion, tension, etc. Clear away 1 remove (esp. Dishes etc.). 2 disappear. Clear the decks prepare for action. Clear off colloq. Go away. Clear out 1 empty, tidy by emptying. 2 remove. 3 colloq. Go away. Clear up 1 tidy up. 2 solve. 3 (of weather) become fine. 4 disappear (cold has cleared up). Clear a thing with get approval or authorization for it from (a person). In the clear free from suspicion or difficulty. clearly adj. Clearness n. [latin clarus]
Clearance n. 1 removal of obstructions etc. 2 space allowed for the passing of two objects or parts in machinery etc. 3 special authorization. 4 a clearing by customs. B certificate showing this. 5 clearing of cheques. 6 clearing out.
Clear-cut adj. Sharply defined.
Clear-headed adj. Thinking clearly, sensible.
Clearing n. Open area in a forest.
Clearing bank n. Bank which is a member of a clearing-house.
Clearing-house n. 1 bankers’ establishment where cheques and bills are exchanged, only the balances being paid in cash. 2 agency for collecting and distributing information etc.
Clear-out n. Tidying by emptying and sorting.
Clear-sighted adj. Seeing, thinking, or understanding clearly.
Clear-up n. 1 tidying up. 2 (usu. Attrib.) Solving of crimes (clear-up rates).
Clearway n. Main road (other than a motorway) on which vehicles may not normally stop.
Cleat n. 1 piece of metal, wood, etc., bolted on for fastening ropes to, or to strengthen woodwork etc. 2 projecting piece on a spar, gangway, etc. To prevent slipping. [old english]
Cleavage n. 1 hollow between a woman’s breasts. 2 division, splitting. 3 line along which rocks, crystals, etc. Split.
Cleave1 v. (-ving; past clove or cleft or cleaved; past part. Cloven or cleft or cleaved) literary 1 chop or break apart; split, esp. Along the grain or line of cleavage. 2 make one’s way through (air or water). [old english]
Cleave2 v. (-ving) (foll. By to) literary stick fast; adhere. [old english]
Cleaver n. Butcher’s heavy chopping tool.
Clef n. Mus. Symbol indicating the pitch of notes on a staff. [latin clavis key]
Cleft1 adj. Split, partly divided. [past part. Of *cleave1]
Cleft2 n. Split, fissure. [old english: related to *cleave1]
Cleft palate n. Congenital split in the roof of the mouth.
Clematis n. Climbing plant with white, pink, or purple flowers. [greek]
Clementine n. Small tangerine-like citrus fruit. [french]
Clench —v. 1 close (the teeth, fingers, etc.) Tightly. 2 grasp firmly. —n. Clenching action; clenched state. [old english]
Clerestory n. (pl. -ies) upper row of windows in a cathedral or large church, above the level of the aisle roofs. [clear storey]
Clergy n. (pl. -ies) (usu. Treated as pl.) Those ordained for religious duties. [french (related to *cleric) and church latin]
Clergyman n. Member of the clergy.
Cleric n. Member of the clergy. [greek klerikos from kleros lot, heritage]
Clerical adj. 1 of clergy or clergymen. 2 of or done by clerks.
Clerical collar n. Stiff upright white collar fastening at the back.
Clerical collar n. Stiff upright white collar fastening at the back.
Clerihew n. Short comic biographical verse in two rhyming couplets. [e. Clerihew bentley, name of its inventor]
Clerk —n. 1 person employed to keep records, accounts, etc. 2 secretary or agent of a local council, court, etc. 3 lay officer of a church. —v. Work as clerk. [old english and french: related to *cleric]
Clever adj. (-er, -est) 1 skilful, talented; quick to understand and learn. 2 adroit, dexterous. 3 ingenious. cleverly adv. Cleverness n. [old english]
Cliché n. 1 hackneyed phrase or opinion. 2 metal casting of a stereotype or electrotype. clichéd adj. (also cliché‘d). [french]
Click —n. Slight sharp sound. —v. 1 (cause to) make a click. 2 colloq. A become clear or understood. B be popular. C (foll. By with) strike up a rapport. [imitative]
Client n. 1 person using the services of a lawyer, architect, or other professional person. 2 customer. [latin cliens]
Clientele n. 1 clients collectively. 2 customers. [french and latin: related to *client]
Cliff n. Steep rock-face, esp. On a coast. [old english]
Cliff n. Steep rock-face, esp. On a coast. [old english]
Cliff-hanger n. Story etc. With a strong element of suspense.
Climacteric n. Period of life when fertility and sexual activity are in decline. [greek: related to *climax]
Climate n. 1 prevailing weather conditions of an area. 2 region with particular weather conditions. 3 prevailing trend of opinion or feeling. climatic adj. Climatically adv. [greek klima]
Climax —n. 1 event or point of greatest intensity or interest; culmination. 2 orgasm. —v. Colloq. Reach or bring to a climax. climactic adj. [greek, = ladder]
Climb —v. 1 (often foll. By up) ascend, mount, go or come up. 2 grow up a wall etc. By clinging or twining. 3 progress, esp. In social rank. —n. 1 ascent by climbing. 2 hill etc. Climbed or to be climbed. climb down 1 descend, esp. Using hands. 2 withdraw from a stance taken up in an argument etc. climber n. [old english]
Climb-down n. Withdrawal from a stance taken up.
Climbing-frame n. Structure of joined bars etc. For children to climb on.
Clime n. Literary 1 region. 2 climate. [latin: related to *climate]
Clinch —v. 1 confirm or settle (an argument, bargain, etc.) Conclusively. 2 (of boxers etc.) Become too closely engaged. 3 secure (a nail or rivet) by driving the point sideways when through. —n. 1 a clinching action. B clinched state. 2 colloq. Embrace. [var. Of *clench]
Clincher n. Colloq. Point or remark that settles an argument etc.
Cling v. (past and past part. Clung) 1 (often foll. By to) adhere. 2 (foll. By to) be unwilling to give up; be emotionally dependent on (a habit, idea, friend, etc.). 3 (often foll. By to) maintain grasp; keep hold; resist separation. clingy adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Cling film n. Thin transparent plastic covering for food.
Clinic n. 1 private or specialized hospital. 2 place or occasion for giving medical treatment or specialist advice. 3 gathering at a hospital bedside for medical teaching. [greek kline bed]
Clinical adj. 1 of or for the treatment of patients. 2 dispassionate, coolly detached. 3 (of a room, building, etc.) Bare, functional. clinically adv. [greek: related to *clinic]
Clinical death n. Death judged by professional observation of a person’s condition.
Clink1 —n. Sharp ringing sound. —v. (cause to) make a clink. [dutch: imitative]
Clink2 n. Slang prison. [origin unknown]
Clinker n. 1 mass of slag or lava. 2 stony residue from burnt coal. [dutch: related to *clink1]
Clinker-built adj. (of a boat) having external planks overlapping downwards and secured with clinched nails. [clink, northern english var. Of *clinch]
Clip1 —n. 1 device for holding things together or for attaching something. 2 piece of jewellery fastened by a clip. 3 set of attached cartridges for a firearm. — v. (-pp-) fix with a clip. [old english]
Clip2 —v. (-pp-) 1 cut (hair, wool, etc.) Short with shears or scissors. 2 trim or remove the hair or wool of. 3 colloq. Hit smartly. 4 a omit (a letter etc.) From a word. B omit letters or syllables of (words uttered). 5 punch a hole in (a ticket) to show it has been used. 6 cut from a newspaper etc. 7 slang swindle, rob. —n. 1 act of clipping. 2 colloq. Smart blow. 3 sequence from a motion picture. 4 yield of wool etc. 5 colloq. Speed, esp. Rapid. [old norse]
Clipboard n. Small board with a spring clip for holding papers etc.
Clip-joint n. Slang club etc. Charging exorbitant prices.
Clip-on adj. Attached by a clip.
Clipper n. 1 (usu. In pl.) Instrument for clipping hair etc. 2 hist. Fast sailing-ship.
Clipping n. Piece clipped, esp. From a newspaper.
Clique n. Small exclusive group of people. cliquey adj. (cliquier, cliquiest). Cliquish adj. [french]
Clitoris n. Small erectile part of the female genitals at the upper end of the vulva. clitoral adj. [latin from greek]
Cllr. Abbr. Councillor.
Cloak —n. 1 outdoor usu. Long and sleeveless over-garment. 2 covering (cloak of snow). —v. 1 cover with a cloak. 2 conceal, disguise. under the cloak of using as pretext. [ultimately from medieval latin clocca bell]
Cloak-and-dagger adj. Involving intrigue and espionage.
Cloakroom n. 1 room where outdoor clothes or luggage may be left. 2 euphem. Lavatory.
Clobber2 n. Slang clothing, belongings. [origin unknown]
Clobber2 n. Slang clothing, belongings. [origin unknown]
Cloche n. 1 small translucent cover for protecting outdoor plants. 2 (in full cloche hat) woman’s close-fitting bell-shaped hat. [french, = bell, medieval latin clocca]
Clock1 —n. 1 instrument for measuring and showing time. 2 a measuring device resembling this. B colloq. Speedometer, taximeter, or stopwatch. 3 slang person’s face. 4 seed-head of the dandelion. —v. 1 colloq. A (often foll. By up) attain or register (a stated time, distance, or speed). B time (a race) with a stopwatch. 2 slang hit. clock in (or on) register one’s arrival at work. Clock off (or out) register one’s departure from work. Round the clock all day and (usu.) Night. [medieval latin clocca bell]
Clock2 n. Ornamental pattern on the side of a stocking or sock near the ankle. [origin unknown]
Clockwise adj. & adv. In a curve corresponding in direction to that of the hands of a clock.
Clockwork n. 1 mechanism like that of a clock, with a spring and gears. 2 (attrib.) Driven by clockwork. like clockwork smoothly, regularly, automatically.
Clod n. Lump of earth, clay, etc. [var. Of *clot]
Cloddish adj. Loutish, foolish, clumsy.
Clodhopper n. (usu. In pl.) Colloq. Large heavy shoe.
Clog —n. Shoe with a thick wooden sole. —v. (-gg-) 1 (often foll. By up) obstruct or become obstructed; choke. 2 impede. [origin unknown]
Cloister —n. 1 covered walk round a quadrangle, esp. In a college or ecclesiastical building. 2 monastic life or seclusion. —v. Seclude. cloistered adj. Cloistral adj. [latin claustrum: related to *close2]
Clomp var. Of *clump v. 2.
Clone —n. 1 a group of organisms produced asexually from one stock or ancestor. B one such organism. 2 colloq. Person or thing regarded as identical to another. —v. (-ning) propagate as a clone. clonal adj. [greek klon twig]
Clonk —n. Abrupt heavy sound of impact. —v. 1 make this sound. 2 colloq. Hit. [imitative]
Close1 —adj. 1 (often foll. By to) situated at a short distance or interval. 2 a having a strong or immediate relation or connection (close friend). B in intimate friendship or association. C corresponding almost exactly (close resemblance). 3 in or almost in contact (close combat). 4 dense, compact, with no or only slight intervals. 5 (of a contest etc.) In which competitors are almost equal. 6 leaving no gaps or weaknesses, rigorous (close reasoning). 7 concentrated, searching. 8 (of air etc.) Stuffy, humid. 9 closed, shut. 10 limited to certain persons etc. (close corporation). 11 hidden, secret; secretive. 12 niggardly. —adv. At only a short
distance or interval. —n. 1 street closed at one end. 2 precinct of a cathedral. at close quarters very close together. closely adv. Closeness n. [latin clausus from claudo shut]
Close2 —v. (-sing) 1 a shut. B block up. 2 bring or come to an end. 3 end the day’s business. 4 bring or come closer or into contact. 5 make (an electric circuit etc.) Continuous. —n. Conclusion, end. close down (of a shop etc.) Discontinue business. Close in 1 enclose. 2 come nearer. 3 (of days) get successively shorter. Close up 1 (often foll. By to) move closer. 2 shut. 3 block up. 4 (of an aperture) grow smaller. [latin: related to *close1]
Closed book n. Subject one does not understand.
Closed-circuit adj. (of television) transmitted by wires to a restricted set of receivers.
Closed shop n. Business etc. Where employees must belong to a specified trade union.
Close harmony n. Harmony in which the notes of a chord are close together.
Close-knit adj. Tightly interlocked; closely united in friendship.
Close season n. Season when the killing of game etc. Is illegal.
Close shave n. (also close thing) colloq. Narrow escape.
Close shave n. (also close thing) colloq. Narrow escape.
Closet —n. 1 small room. 2 cupboard. 3 = water-closet. 4 (attrib.) Secret (closet homosexual). —v. (-t-) shut away, esp. In private conference or study. [french diminutive: related to close2]
Close-up n. Photograph etc. Taken at close range.
Closure n. 1 closing. 2 closed state. 3 procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote. [latin: related to *close2]
Clot —n. 1 thick mass of coagulated liquid etc., esp. Of blood. 2 colloq. Foolish person. —v. (-tt-) form into clots. [old english]
Cloth n. 1 woven or felted material. 2 piece of this, esp. For a particular purpose; tablecloth, dishcloth, etc. 3 fabric for clothes. 4 a status, esp. Of the clergy, as shown by clothes. B (prec. By the) the clergy. [old english]
Clothe v. (-thing; past and past part. Clothed or formal clad) 1 put clothes on; provide with clothes. 2 cover as with clothes. [old english]
Clothes n.pl. 1 garments worn to cover the body and limbs. 2 bedclothes. [old english]
Clothes-horse n. Frame for airing washed clothes.
Clothes-line n. Rope etc. On which clothes are hung to dry.
Clothes-peg n. Clip etc. For securing clothes to a clothes-line.
Clothier n. Seller of men’s clothes.
Clothing n. Clothes collectively.
Clotted cream n. Thick cream obtained by slow scalding.
Cloud —n. 1 visible mass of condensed watery vapour floating high above the ground. 2 mass of smoke or dust. 3 (foll. By of) mass of insects etc. Moving together. 4 state of gloom, trouble, or suspicion. —v. 1 cover or darken with clouds or gloom or trouble. 2 (often foll. By over, up) become overcast or gloomy. 3 make unclear. on cloud nine colloq. Extremely happy. Under a cloud out of favour, under suspicion. With one’s head in the clouds day-dreaming. cloudless adj. [old english]
Cloudburst n. Sudden violent rainstorm.
Cloud chamber n. Device containing vapour for tracking the paths of charged particles, x-rays, and gamma rays.
Cloud-cuckoo-land n. Fanciful or ideal place. [translation of greek nephelokokkugia in aristophanes’ birds]
Cloudy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of the sky, weather) covered with clouds, overcast. 2 not transparent; unclear. cloudily adv. Cloudiness n.
Clout —n. 1 heavy blow. 2 colloq. Influence, power of effective action. 3 dial. Piece of cloth or clothing. —v. Hit hard. [old english]
Clove1 n. Dried bud of a tropical plant used as a spice. [latin clavus nail (from its shape)]
Clove2 n. Small segment of a compound bulb, esp. Of garlic. [old english: related to *cleave1]
Clove3 past of *cleave1.
Clove hitch n. Knot by which a rope is secured to a spar etc. [clove, old past part. Of *cleave1]
Cloven adj. Split, partly divided. [past part. Of *cleave1]
Cloven hoof n. (also cloven foot) divided hoof, esp. Of oxen, sheep, or goats, or of the devil.
Clover n. Trefoil fodder plant. in clover in ease and luxury. [old english]
Clown —n. 1 comic entertainer, esp. In a circus. 2 foolish or playful person. —v. (often foll. By about, around) behave like a clown. [origin uncertain]
Cloy v. Satiate or sicken with sweetness, richness, etc. [obsolete acloy from anglo-french: related to *enclave]
Club —n. 1 heavy stick with a thick end, esp. As a weapon. 2 stick with a head used in golf. 3 association of persons meeting periodically for a shared activity. 4 organization or premises offering members social amenities, meals, temporary residence, etc. 5 a playing-card of the suit denoted by a black trefoil. B (in pl.) This suit. 6 commercial organization offering subscribers special deals (book club). —v. (-bb-) 1 beat with or as with a club. 2 (foll. By together, with) combine, esp. To raise a sum of money for a purpose. [old norse]
Clubbable adj. Sociable; fit for club membership.
Club class n. Class of fare on an aircraft etc. Designed for business travellers.
Club-foot n. Congenitally deformed foot.
Club-foot n. Congenitally deformed foot.
Clubhouse n. Premises of a (usu. Sporting) club.
Clubland n. Area where there are many nightclubs.
Club-root n. Disease of cabbages etc. With swelling at the base of the stem.
Club sandwich n. Sandwich with two layers of filling between three slices of toast or bread.
Cluck —n. Guttural cry like that of a hen. —v. Emit cluck(s). [imitative]
Clue —n. 1 fact or idea that serves as a guide, or suggests a line of inquiry, in a problem or investigation. 2 piece of evidence etc. In the detection of a crime. 3 verbal formula as a hint to what is to be inserted in a crossword. —v. (clues, clued, cluing or clueing) provide a clue to. clue in (or up) slang inform. Not have a clue colloq. Be ignorant or incompetent. [var. Of old english clew]
Clueless adj. Colloq. Ignorant, stupid.
Clump —n. (foll. By of) cluster or mass, esp. Of trees. —v. 1 a form a clump. B heap or plant together. 2 (also clomp) walk with a heavy tread. [low german or dutch]
Clumsy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 awkward in movement or shape; ungainly. 2 difficult to handle or use. 3 tactless. clumsily adv. Clumsiness n. [obsolete clumse be numb with cold]
Clung past and past part. Of *cling.
Clunk —n. Dull sound as of thick pieces of metal meeting. —v. Make such a sound. [imitative]
Cluster —n. Close group or bunch of similar people or things growing or occurring together. —v. 1 bring into, come into, or be in cluster(s). 2 (foll. By round, around) gather. [old english]
Clutch1 —v. 1 seize eagerly; grasp tightly. 2 (foll. By at) try desperately to seize. —n. 1 tight grasp. 2 (in pl.) Grasping hands; cruel or relentless grasp or control. 3 a (in a vehicle) device for connecting and disconnecting the engine and the transmission. B pedal operating this. [old english]
Clutch2 n. 1 set of eggs for hatching. 2 brood of chickens. [old norse, = hatch]
Clutch bag n. Slim flat handbag without handles.
Clutter —n. 1 crowded and untidy collection of things. 2 untidy state. —v. (often foll. By up, with) crowd untidily, fill with clutter. [related to *clot]
Cm symb. Curium.
Cm abbr. Centimetre(s).
Cmg abbr. Companion (of the order) of st michael and st george.
Cmg abbr. Companion (of the order) of st michael and st george.
Cnd abbr. Campaign for nuclear disarmament.
Co abbr. Commanding officer.
Co symb. Cobalt.
Co. Abbr. 1 company. 2 county.
Co-prefix added to: 1 nouns, with the sense ‘joint, mutual, common’ (co-author; coequality). 2 adjectives and adverbs, with the sense ‘jointly, mutually’ (coequal). 3 verbs, with the sense ‘together with another or others’ (cooperate). [var. Of *com-]
C/o abbr. Care of.
Coach —n. 1 single-decker bus, usu. Comfortably equipped for long journeys. 2 railway carriage. 3 closed horse-drawn carriage. 4 a instructor or trainer in a sport. B private tutor. —v. Train or teach as a coach. [french from magyar]
Coachload n. Group of tourists etc. Taken by coach.
Coachman n. Driver of a horse-drawn carriage.
Coachman n. Driver of a horse-drawn carriage.
Coachwork n. Bodywork of a road or rail vehicle.
Coagulate v. (-ting) 1 change from a fluid to a semisolid. 2 clot, curdle. coagulant n. Coagulation n. [latin coagulum rennet]
Coal n. 1 hard black rock, mainly carbonized plant matter, found underground and used as a fuel. 2 piece of this, esp. One that is burning. coals to newcastle something brought to a place where it is already plentiful. Haul (or call) over the coals reprimand. [old english]
Coalesce v. (-cing) come together and form a whole. coalescence n. Coalescent adj. [latin alo nourish]
Coalface n. Exposed working surface of coal in a mine.
Coalfield n. Extensive area yielding coal.
Coal gas n. Mixed gases formerly extracted from coal and used for lighting and heating.
Coalition n. 1 temporary alliance, esp. Of political parties. 2 fusion into one whole. [medieval latin: related to *coalesce]
Coalman n. Man who carries or delivers coal.
Coalman n. Man who carries or delivers coal.
Coalmine n. Mine in which coal is dug. coalminer n.
Coal-scuttle n. Container for coal for a domestic fire.
Coal tar n. Thick black oily liquid distilled from coal and used as a source of benzene.
Coal-tit n. Small greyish bird with a black head.
Coaming n. Raised border round a ship’s hatches etc. To keep out water. [origin unknown]
Coarse adj. 1 rough or loose in texture; made of large particles. 2 lacking refinement; crude, obscene. coarsely adv. Coarseness n. [origin unknown]
Coarse fish n. Freshwater fish other than salmon and trout.
Coarsen v. Make or become coarse.
Coast —n. Border of land near the sea; seashore. —v. 1 ride or move, usu.
Coast —n. Border of land near the sea; seashore. —v. 1 ride or move, usu. Downhill, without the use of power. 2 make progress without much effort. 3 sail along the coast. the coast is clear there is no danger of being observed or caught. coastal adj. [latin costa side]
Coaster n. 1 ship that travels along the coast. 2 small tray or mat for a bottle or glass.
Coastguard n. 1 member of a group of people employed to keep watch on coasts to save life, prevent smuggling, etc. 2 such a group.
Coastline n. Line of the seashore, esp. With regard to its shape.
Coat —n. 1 outer garment with sleeves, usu. Extending below the hips; overcoat or jacket. 2 animal’s fur or hair. 3 covering of paint etc. Laid on a surface at one time. —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By with, in) cover with a coat or layer. 2 (of paint etc.) Form a covering to. [french from germanic]
Coat-hanger see *hanger 2.
Coating n. 1 layer of paint etc. 2 material for coats.
Coat of arms n. Heraldic bearings or shield of a person, family, or corporation.
Coat of mail n. Jacket covered with mail.
Coat-tail n. Each of the flaps formed by the back of a tailcoat.
Coax v. 1 persuade gradually or by flattery. 2 (foll. By out of) obtain (a thing from a person) thus. 3 manipulate (a thing) carefully or slowly. [obsolete cokes a fool]
Coaxial adj. 1 having a common axis. 2 electr. (of a cable or line) transmitting by means of two concentric conductors separated by an insulator.
Cob n. 1 roundish lump. 2 domed loaf. 3 = *corn-cob. 4 large hazelnut. 5 sturdy riding-horse with short legs. 6 male swan. [origin unknown]
Cobalt n. 1 silvery-white metallic element. 2 a pigment made from this. B its deep-blue colour. [german, probably = kobold demon in mines]
Cobber n. Austral. & nz colloq. Companion, friend. [origin uncertain]
Cobble1 —n. (in full cobblestone) small rounded stone used for paving. —v. (-ling) pave with cobbles. [from *cob]
Cobble2 v. (-ling) 1 mend or patch up (esp. Shoes). 2 (often foll. By together) join or assemble roughly. [from *cobbler]
Cobbler n. 1 person who mends shoes professionally. 2 stewed fruit topped with
Cobbler n. 1 person who mends shoes professionally. 2 stewed fruit topped with scones. 3 (in pl.) Slang nonsense. [origin unknown]
Cobol n. Computer language for use in commerce. [common business oriented language]
Cobra n. Venomous hooded snake of africa and asia. [latin colubra snake]
Cobweb n. 1 fine network spun by a spider from liquid it secretes. 2 thread of this. cobwebby adj. [obsolete coppe spider]
Coca n. 1 s. American shrub. 2 its dried leaves, chewed as a stimulant. [spanish from quechua]
Cocaine n. Drug from coca, used as a local anaesthetic and as a stimulant.
Coccyx n. (pl. Coccyges) small triangular bone at the base of the spinal column. [greek, = cuckoo (from shape of its bill)]
Cochineal n. 1 scarlet dye used esp. For colouring food. 2 insects whose dried bodies yield this. [latin coccinus scarlet, from greek]
Cock1 —n. 1 male bird, esp. Of the domestic fowl. 2 slang (as a form of address) friend; fellow. 3 coarse slang penis. 4 slang nonsense. 5 a firing lever in a gun, raised to be released by the trigger. B cocked position of this. 6 tap or valve controlling flow. —v. 1 raise or make upright or erect. 2 turn or move (the
valve controlling flow. —v. 1 raise or make upright or erect. 2 turn or move (the eye or ear) attentively or knowingly.
Cock2 n. Conical heap of hay or straw. [perhaps from scandinavian]
Cockade n. Rosette etc. Worn in the hat as a badge. [french: related to *cock1]
Cock-a-doodle-doo n. Cock’s crow.
Cock-a-hoop adj. Exultant.
Cock-a-leekie n. Scottish soup of boiling fowl and leeks.
Cock-and-bull story n. Absurd or incredible account.
Cockatoo n. Crested parrot. [dutch from malay]
Cockchafer n. Large pale-brown beetle. [from *cock1]
Cock crow n. Dawn.
Cocker n. (in full cocker spaniel) small spaniel with a silky coat. [related to *cock1]
Cockle n. 1 a edible bivalve shellfish. B its shell. 2 (in full cockle-shell) small shallow boat. 3 pucker or wrinkle in paper, glass, etc. warm the cockles of one’s heart make one contented. [french coquille from greek: related to *conch]
Cockney —n. (pl. -s) 1 native of london, esp. Of the east end. 2 dialect or accent used there. —adj. Of cockneys or their dialect. [cokeney ‘cock’s egg’]
Cockpit n. 1 a compartment for the pilot (and crew) of an aircraft or spacecraft. B driver’s seat in a racing car. C space for the helmsman in some yachts. 2 arena of war or other conflict. 3 place for cock-fights.
Cockroach n. Flat dark-brown beetle-like insect infesting kitchens, bathrooms, etc. [spanish cucaracha]
Cockscomb n. Crest of a cock.
Cocksure adj. Arrogantly confident. [from *cock1]
Cocktail n. 1 drink made of various spirits, fruit juices, etc. 2 appetizer containing shellfish or fruit. 3 any hybrid mixture. [origin unknown]
Cocktail dress n. Short evening dress worn at a drinks party.
Cocktail stick n. Small pointed stick for serving an olive, cherry, etc.
Cod3 n. Slang nonsense. [abbreviation of *codswallop]
Coda n. 1 mus. Final additional passage of a piece or movement. 2 concluding section of a ballet. [latin cauda tail]
section of a ballet. [latin cauda tail]
Coddle v. (-ling) 1 treat as an invalid; protect attentively; pamper. 2 cook (an egg) in water below boiling point. coddler n. [a dialect form of caudle invalids’ gruel]
Code —n. 1 system of words, letters, symbols, etc., used to represent others for secrecy or brevity. 2 system of prearranged signals used to ensure secrecy in transmitting messages. 3 computing piece of program text. 4 systematic set of laws etc. 5 prevailing standard of moral behaviour. —v. (-ding) put into code. [latin *codex]
Codeine n. Alkaloid derived from morphine, used to relieve pain. [greek kodeia poppy-head]
Codependency n. Addiction to a supportive role in a relationship. codependent adj. & n.
Codex n. (pl. Codices) 1 ancient manuscript text in book form. 2 collection of descriptions of drugs etc. [latin, = tablet, book]
Codfish n. (pl. Same) = *cod1.
Codger n. (usu. In old codger) colloq. Person, esp. A strange one. [origin uncertain]
Codicil n. Addition to a will. [latin diminutive of *codex]
Codify v. (-ies, -ied) arrange (laws etc.) Systematically into a code. codification n. Codifier n.
Codling1 n. (also codlin) 1 a kind of cooking apple. 2 moth whose larva feeds on apples. [anglo-french quer de lion lion-heart]
Codling2 n. Small codfish.
Cod-liver oil n. Oil from cod livers, rich in vitamins d and a.
Codpiece n. Hist. Bag or flap at the front of a man’s breeches. [cod scrotum]
Codswallop n. Slang nonsense. [origin unknown]
Coed colloq. —n. 1 school for both sexes. 2 esp. Us female pupil of a coed school. —adj. Coeducational. [abbreviation]
Coeducation n. Education of pupils of both sexes together. coeducational adj.
Coefficient n. 1 math. Quantity placed before and multiplying an algebraic expression. 2 physics multiplier or factor by which a property is measured (coefficient of expansion). [related to *co-, *efficient]
Coelacanth n. Large sea fish formerly thought to be extinct. [greek koilos hollow, akantha spine]
Coelenterate n. Marine animal with a simple tube-shaped or cup-shaped body, e.g. Jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones. [greek koilos hollow, enteron intestine]
Coeliac disease n. Disease of the small intestine, brought on by contact with dietary gluten. [latin coeliacus from greek koilia belly]
Coenobite n. (us cenobite) member of a monastic community. [greek koinos bios common life]
Coequal adj. & n. Archaic or literary equal.
Coerce v. (-cing) persuade or restrain by force. coercible adj. Coercion n. Coercive adj. [latin coerceo restrain]
Coeval formal —adj. Of the same age; existing at the same time; contemporary. —n. Coeval person or thing. coevally adv. [latin aevum age]
Coexist v. (often foll. By with) 1 exist together. 2 (esp. Of nations) exist in mutual tolerance of each other’s ideologies etc. coexistence n. Coexistent adj.
Coextensive adj. Extending over the same space or time.
Coextensive adj. Extending over the same space or time.
C. Of e. Abbr. Church of england.
Coffee n. 1 a drink made from roasted and ground beanlike seeds of a tropical shrub. B cup of this. 2 a the shrub. B its seeds. 3 pale brown. [turkish from arabic]
Coffee bar n. Bar or café serving coffee and light refreshments from a counter.
Coffee-mill n. Small machine for grinding roasted coffee beans.
Coffee morning n. Morning gathering, esp. For charity, at which coffee is served.
Coffee shop n. Small informal restaurant, esp. In a hotel or department store.
Coffee-table n. Small low table.
Coffee-table book n. Large lavishly illustrated book.
Coffer n. 1 large strong box for valuables. 2 (in pl.) Treasury, funds. 3 sunken panel in a ceiling etc. [latin cophinus basket]
Coffer-dam n. Watertight enclosure pumped dry to permit work below the waterline, e.g. Building bridges etc. Or repairing a ship.
Coffin n. Box in which a corpse is buried or cremated. [latin: related to *coffer]
Cog n. 1 each of a series of projections on the edge of a wheel or bar transferring motion by engaging with another series. 2 unimportant member of an organization etc. [probably scandinavian]
Cogent adj. (of an argument etc.) Convincing, compelling. cogency n. Cogently adv. [latin cogo drive]
Cogitate v. (-ting) ponder, meditate. cogitation n. Cogitative adj. [latin cogito]
Cognac n. High-quality brandy, properly that distilled in cognac in w. France.
Cognate —adj. 1 related to or descended from a common ancestor. 2 (of a word) having the same linguistic family or derivation. —n. 1 relative. 2 cognate word. [latin cognatus]
Cognate object n. Gram. Object related in origin and sense to its verb (as in live a good life).
Cognition n. 1 knowing, perceiving, or conceiving as an act or faculty distinct from emotion and volition. 2 result of this. cognitional adj. Cognitive adj. [latin cognitio: related to *cognizance]
cognitio: related to *cognizance]
Cognizance n. Formal 1 knowledge or awareness; perception. 2 sphere of observation or concern. 3 heraldry distinctive device or mark. [latin cognosco get to know]
Cognizant adj. (foll. By of) formal having knowledge or being aware of.
Cognomen n. 1 nickname. 2 ancient roman’s third or fourth name designating a branch of a family, as in marcus tullius cicero, or as an epithet, as in p. Cornelius scipio africanus. [latin]
Cognoscente n. (pl. -ti) connoisseur. [italian]
Cog-wheel n. Wheel with cogs.
Cohabit v. (-t-) (esp. Of an unmarried couple) live together as husband and wife. cohabitation n. Cohabitee n. [latin habito dwell]
Cohere v. (-ring) 1 (of parts or a whole) stick together, remain united. 2 (of reasoning etc.) Be logical or consistent. [latin haereo haes-stick]
Coherent adj. 1 intelligible and articulate. 2 (of an argument etc.) Consistent; easily followed. 3 cohering. 4 physics (of waves) having a constant phase relationship. coherence n. Coherently adv.
Cohesion n. 1 a sticking together. B tendency to cohere. 2 chem. Force with which molecules cohere. cohesive adj.
Cohort n. 1 ancient roman military unit, one-tenth of a legion. 2 band of warriors. 3 a persons banded together. B group of persons with a common statistical characteristic. [latin]
Coif n. Hist. Close-fitting cap. [latin cofia helmet]
Coiff v. (usu. As coiffed adj.) Dress or arrange (the hair). [french coiffer]
Coiffeur n. (fem. Coiffeuse) hairdresser. [french]
Coiffure n. Hairstyle. [french]
Coil —v. 1 arrange or be arranged in spirals or concentric rings. 2 move sinuously. —n. 1 coiled arrangement. 2 coiled length of rope etc. 3 single turn of something coiled. 4 flexible loop as a contraceptive device in the womb. 5 coiled wire for the passage of an electric current and acting as an inductor. [latin: related to *collect1]
Coin —n. 1 stamped disc of metal as official money. 2 (collect.) Metal money. —v. 1 make (coins) by stamping. 2 make (metal) into coins. 3 invent (esp. A new word or phrase). coin money make much money quickly. [latin cuneus wedge]
Coinage n. 1 coining. 2 a coins. B system of coins in use. 3 invention, esp. Of a word.
Coin-box n. 1 telephone operated by inserting coins. 2 receptacle for these.
Coincide v. (-ding) 1 occur at the same time. 2 occupy the same portion of space. 3 (often foll. By with) agree or be identical. [latin: related to *incident]
Coincidence n. 1 coinciding. 2 remarkable concurrence of events etc. Apparently by chance. coincident adj.
Coincidental adj. In the nature of or resulting from a coincidence. coincidentally adv.
Coir n. Coconut fibre used for ropes, matting, etc. [malayalam kayar cord]
Coition n. = *coitus. [latin coitio from eo go]
Coitus n. Sexual intercourse. coital adj. [latin: related to *coition]
Coitus interruptus n. Sexual intercourse with withdrawal of the penis before ejaculation.
Coke1 —n. Solid substance left after gases have been extracted from coal. —v.
Coke1 —n. Solid substance left after gases have been extracted from coal. —v. (-king) convert (coal) into coke. [dial. Colk core]
Coke2 n. Slang cocaine. [abbreviation]
Col. Abbr. Colonel.
Col n. Depression in a chain of mountains. [latin collum neck]
Col. Abbr. Column.
Col-see *com-.
Cola n. (also kola) 1 w. African tree bearing seeds containing caffeine. 2 carbonated drink usu. Flavoured with these. [west african]
Colander n. Perforated vessel used to strain off liquid in cookery. [latin colo strain]
Cold —adj. 1 of or at a low temperature. 2 not heated; cooled after heat. 3 feeling cold. 4 lacking ardour, friendliness, or affection. 5 a depressing, uninteresting. B (of colour) suggestive of cold. 6 a dead. B colloq. Unconscious. 7 (of a scent in hunting) grown faint. 8 (in games) far from finding what is sought. —n. 1 a prevalence of low temperature. B cold weather or environment. 2 infection of the nose or throat with sneezing, catarrh, etc. —adv. Unrehearsed.
in cold blood without emotion, deliberately. Out in the cold ignored, neglected. Throw (or pour) cold water on be discouraging about. coldly adv. Coldness n. [old english]
Cold-blooded adj. 1 having a body temperature varying with that of the environment. 2 callous; deliberately cruel. cold-bloodedly adv. Cold-bloodedness n.
Cold call —n. Marketing call on a person who has previously not shown interest in the product. —v. Visit or telephone (a person) in this way.
Cold chisel n. Chisel for cutting metal, stone, or brick.
Cold comfort n. Poor consolation.
Cold cream n. Ointment for cleansing and softening the skin.
Cold feet n.pl. Colloq. Loss of nerve.
Cold frame n. Unheated glass-topped frame for growing small plants.
Cold fusion n. Nuclear fusion at room temperature, esp. As a possible energy source.
Cold-hearted adj. Lacking sympathy or kindness. cold-heartedly adv. Cold-heartedness n.
Cold shoulder —n. (prec. By the) intentional unfriendliness. —v. (cold-shoulder) be deliberately unfriendly towards.
Cold sore n. Inflammation and blisters in and around the mouth, caused by a virus infection.
Cold storage n. 1 storage in a refrigerator. 2 temporary putting aside (of an idea etc.), postponement.
Cold sweat n. Sweating induced by fear or illness.
Cold table n. Selection of dishes of cold food.
Cold turkey n. Slang abrupt withdrawal from addictive drugs.
Cold war n. Hostility between nations without actual fighting.
Cole n. (usu. In comb.) Cabbage. [latin caulis]
Coleopteron n. Insect with front wings serving as sheaths, e.g. The beetle and
Coleslaw n. Dressed salad of sliced raw cabbage etc. [from *cole, dutch sla salad]
Coleus n. Plant with variegated leaves. [greek koleon sheath]
Coley n. (pl. -s) any of several fish used as food, e.g. The rock-salmon. [origin uncertain]
Colic n. Severe spasmodic abdominal pain. colicky adj. [latin: related to *colon2]
Colitis n. Inflammation of the lining of the colon.
Collaborate v. (-ting) (often foll. By with) 1 work together. 2 cooperate with an enemy. collaboration n. Collaborative adj. Collaborator n. [latin: related to *labour]
Collage n. Form or work of art in which various materials are fixed to a backing. [french, = gluing]
Collagen n. Protein found in animal connective tissue, yielding gelatin on boiling. [greek kolla glue]
Collapse —n. 1 falling down or in of a structure; folding up; giving way. 2 sudden failure of a plan etc. 3 physical or mental breakdown; exhaustion. —v. (-sing) 1 (cause to) undergo collapse. 2 colloq. Lie or sit down and relax, esp. After prolonged effort. 3 fold up. collapsible adj. [latin labor laps-slip]
Collar —n. 1 neckband, upright or turned over. 2 band of leather etc. Round an animal’s neck. 3 band or ring or pipe in machinery. 4 piece of meat rolled up and tied. —v. 1 capture, seize. 2 colloq. Accost. 3 slang appropriate. [latin collum neck]
Collar-bone n. Bone joining the breastbone and shoulder-blade.
Collate v. (-ting) 1 assemble and arrange systematically. 2 compare (texts, statements, etc.). collator n. [latin: related to *confer]
Collateral —n. 1 security pledged as a guarantee for the repayment of a loan. 2 person having the same ancestor as another but by a different line. —adj. 1 descended from the same ancestor but by a different line. 2 side by side; parallel. 3 a additional but subordinate. B contributory. C connected but aside from the main subject, course, etc. collaterally adv. [latin: related to *lateral]
Collation n. 1 collating. 2 thing collated. 3 light meal. [latin: related to *confer]
Colleague n. Fellow worker, esp. In a profession or business. [latin collega]
Collect1 —v. 1 bring or come together; assemble, accumulate. 2 systematically seek and acquire, esp. As a hobby. 3 obtain (contributions etc.) From a number
seek and acquire, esp. As a hobby. 3 obtain (contributions etc.) From a number of people. 4 call for; fetch. 5 a refl. Regain control of oneself. B concentrate (one’s thoughts etc.). C (as collected adj.) Not perturbed or distracted. —adj. & adv. Us (of a telephone call, parcel, etc.) To be paid for by the receiver. [latin lego lect-pick]
Collect2 n. Short prayer of the anglican or roman catholic church. [latin collecta: related to *collect1]
Collection n. 1 collecting or being collected. 2 things collected, esp. Systematically. 3 money collected, esp. At a meeting or church service.
Collective —adj. Of, by, or relating to a group or society as a whole; joint; shared. —n. 1 cooperative enterprise; its members. 2 = *collective noun. collectively adv.
Collective bargaining n. Negotiation of wages etc. By an organized body of employees.
Collective farm n. Jointly-operated esp. State-owned amalgamation of several smallholdings.
Collective noun n. Singular noun denoting a collection or number of individuals (e.g. Assembly, family, troop).
Collective ownership n. Ownership of land etc., by all for the benefit of all.
Collectivism n. Theory and practice of collective ownership of land and the means of production. collectivist n. & adj.
Collectivize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) organize on the basis of collective ownership. collectivization n.
Collector n. 1 person who collects things of interest. 2 person who collects money etc. Due.
Collector’s item n. (also collector’s piece) thing of interest to collectors.
Colleen n. Ir. Girl. [irish cailín]
College n. 1 establishment for further, higher, or professional education. 2 college premises (lived in college). 3 students and teachers in a college. 4 school. 5 organized body of persons with shared functions and privileges. [latin: related to *colleague]
Collegiate adj. 1 of, or constituted as, a college; corporate. 2 (of a university) consisting of different colleges.
Collegiate church n. Church endowed for a chapter of canons but without a
Collegiate church n. Church endowed for a chapter of canons but without a bishop’s see.
Collide v. (-ding) (often foll. By with) come into collision or conflict. [latin collido -lis-clash]
Collie n. Sheepdog of an orig. Scottish breed. [perhaps from coll *coal]
Collier n. 1 coalminer. 2 a coal ship. B member of its crew. [from *coal]
Colliery n. (pl. -ies) coalmine and its buildings.
Collision n. 1 violent impact of a moving body with another or with a fixed object. 2 clashing of interests etc. [latin: related to *collide]
Collocate v. (-ting) juxtapose (a word etc.) With another. collocation n. [latin: related to *locus]
Colloid n. 1 substance consisting of ultramicroscopic particles. 2 mixture of such particles dispersed in another substance. colloidal adj. [greek kolla glue]
Colloquial adj. Of ordinary or familiar conversation, informal. colloquially adv. [latin: related to *colloquy]
Colloquialism n. 1 colloquial word or phrase. 2 use of these.
Colloquium n. (pl. -s or -quia) academic conference or seminar. [latin: related to *colloquy]
Colloquy n. (pl. -quies) literary conversation, talk. [latin loquor speak]
Collude v. (-ding) conspire together. collusion n. Collusive adj. [latin ludo lus-play]
Collywobbles n.pl. Colloq. 1 rumbling or pain in the stomach. 2 apprehensive feeling. [from *colic, *wobble]
Cologne n. Eau-de-cologne or similar toilet water. [abbreviation]
Colon1 n. Punctuation mark (:), used esp. To mark illustration or antithesis. [greek, = clause]
Colon2 n. Lower and greater part of the large intestine. [latin from greek]
Colonel n. Army officer in command of a regiment, ranking next below brigadier. colonelcy n. (pl. -ies). [italian colonnello: related to *column]
Colonial —adj. 1 of a colony or colonies. 2 of colonialism. —n. Inhabitant of a colony.
Colonialism n. 1 policy of acquiring or maintaining colonies. 2 derog. Exploitation of colonies. colonialist n. & adj.
Colonist n. Settler in or inhabitant of a colony.
Colonize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 establish a colony in. 2 join a colony. colonization n.
Colonnade n. Row of columns, esp. Supporting an entablature or roof. colonnaded adj. [french: related to *column]
Colony n. (pl. -ies) 1 a settlement or settlers in a new country, fully or partly subject to the mother country. B their territory. 2 a people of one nationality, occupation, etc., esp. Forming a community in a city. B separate or segregated group (nudist colony). 3 group of animals, plants, etc., living close together. [latin colonia farm]
Colophon n. 1 publisher’s imprint, esp. On the title-page. 2 tailpiece in a manuscript or book, giving the writer’s or printer’s name, date, etc. [greek, = summit]
Color (brit. Colour) —n. 1 sensation produced on the eye by rays of light when resolved as by a prism into different wavelengths. 2 one, or any mixture, of the constituents into which light can be separated as in a spectrum or rainbow, sometimes including (loosely) black and white. 3 colouring substance, esp. Paint. 4 use of all colours in photography etc. 5 a pigmentation of the skin, esp.
When dark. B this as ground for discrimination. 6 ruddiness of complexion. 7 (in pl.) Appearance or aspect (saw them in their true colours). 8 (in pl.) A coloured ribbon or uniform etc. Worn to signify membership of a school, club, team, etc. B flag of a regiment or ship. 9 quality, mood, or variety in music, literature, etc. 10 show of reason; pretext (lend colour to; under colour of). —v. 1 apply colour to, esp. By painting, dyeing, etc. 2 influence. 3 misrepresent, exaggerate. 4 take on colour; blush. show one’s true colours reveal one’s true character or intentions. [latin color]
Colorado beetle n. Yellow and black beetle, with larva destructive to the potato plant. [colorado in us]
Coloration n. (also colouration) 1 appearance as regards colour. 2 act or mode of colouring. [latin: related to *colour]
Coloratura n. 1 elaborate ornamentation of a vocal melody. 2 soprano skilled in this. [italian: related to *colour]
Colored (brit. Coloured) —adj. 1 having colour. 2 (coloured) often offens. A wholly or partly of non-white descent. B s.afr. Of mixed descent. —n. 1 (coloured) often offens. A coloured person.
Colored (brit. Coloured) —adj. 1 having colour. 2 (coloured) often offens. A wholly or partly of non-white descent. B s.afr. Of mixed descent. —n. 1 (coloured) often offens. A coloured person. B s.afr. Person of mixed descent. 2 (in pl.) Coloured clothing etc. For washing.
Colorful adj. (brit. Colour-) 1 full of colour; bright. 2 full of interest; vivid. colourfully adv.
Coloring n. (brit. Colour-) 1 appearance as regards colour, esp. Facial complexion. 2 use or application of colour. 3 substance giving colour.
Colorless adj. (brit. Colour-) 1 without colour. 2 lacking character or interest.
Colossus n. (pl. -ssi or -ssuses) 1 statue much bigger than life size. 2 gigantic or remarkable person etc. 3 imperial power personified. [latin from greek]
Colostomy n. (pl. -ies) operation on the colon to make an opening in the abdominal wall to provide an artificial anus. [from *colon2]
Colour (us color) —n. 1 sensation produced on the eye by rays of light when resolved as by a prism into different wavelengths. 2 one, or any mixture, of the constituents into which light can be separated as in a spectrum or rainbow, sometimes including (loosely) black and white. 3 colouring substance, esp. Paint. 4 use of all colours in photography etc. 5 a pigmentation of the skin, esp. When dark. B this as ground for discrimination. 6 ruddiness of complexion. 7 (in pl.) Appearance or aspect (saw them in their true colours). 8 (in pl.) A coloured ribbon or uniform etc. Worn to signify membership of a school, club, team, etc. B flag of a regiment or ship. 9 quality, mood, or variety in music, literature, etc. 10 show of reason; pretext (lend colour to; under colour of). —v. 1 apply colour to, esp. By painting, dyeing, etc. 2 influence. 3 misrepresent, exaggerate. 4 take on colour; blush. show one’s true colours reveal one’s true character or intentions. [latin color]
Colouration var. Of *coloration.
Colour bar n. Racial discrimination against non-white people.
Colour-blind adj. Unable to distinguish certain colours. colour-blindness n.
Colour code —n. Use of colours as a means of identification. —v. (colour-code) identify by means of a colour code.
Coloured (us colored) —adj. 1 having colour. 2 (coloured) often offens. A wholly or partly of non-white descent. B s.afr. Of mixed descent. —n. 1 (coloured) often offens. A coloured person. B s.afr. Person of mixed descent. 2 (in pl.) Coloured clothing etc. For washing.
Colourful adj. (us color-) 1 full of colour; bright. 2 full of interest; vivid. colourfully adv.
Colouring n. (us color-) 1 appearance as regards colour, esp. Facial complexion. 2 use or application of colour. 3 substance giving colour.
Colourless adj. (us color-) 1 without colour. 2 lacking character or interest.
Colour scheme n. Arrangement of colours, esp. In interior design.
Colour-sergeant n. Senior sergeant of an infantry company.
Colour supplement n. Magazine with colour printing, as a supplement to a newspaper.
Colposcopy n. Examination of the vagina and neck of the womb. colposcope n. [greek kolpos womb]
Colt n. 1 young male horse. 2 sport inexperienced player. coltish adj. [old english]
Colter n. (brit. Coulter) vertical blade in front of a ploughshare. [latin culter knife]
Coltsfoot n. (pl. -s) wild plant with large leaves and yellow flowers.
Columbine n. Garden plant with purple-blue flowers like a cluster of doves. [latin columba dove]
Column n. 1 pillar, usu. Of circular section and with a base and capital. 2 column-shaped object. 3 vertical cylindrical mass of liquid or vapour. 4 vertical division of a printed page. 5 part of a newspaper etc. Regularly devoted to a particular subject.
Columnist n. Journalist contributing regularly to a newspaper etc.
Usage com-is used before b, m, p, and occasionally before vowels and f; co-esp. Before vowels, h, and gn; col-before l, cor-before r, and con-before other consonants.
Coma n. (pl. -s) prolonged deep unconsciousness. [latin from greek]
Comatose adj. 1 in a coma. 2 drowsy, sleepy.
Comb —n. 1 a toothed strip of rigid material for tidying the hair. B similar curved decorative strip worn in the hair. 2 thing like a comb, esp. A device for tidying and straightening wool etc. 3 red fleshy crest of a fowl, esp. A cock. 4 honeycomb. —v. 1 draw a comb through (the hair). 2 dress (wool etc.) With a comb. 3 colloq. Search (a place) thoroughly. comb out 1 arrange (the hair) loosely by combing. 2 remove with a comb. 3 search out and get rid of. [old english]
Combat —n. Fight, struggle, contest. —v. (-t-) 1 engage in combat (with). 2 oppose; strive against. [latin: related to *battle]
Combatant —n. Person engaged in fighting. —adj. 1 fighting. 2 for fighting.
Combative adj. Pugnacious.
Combe var. Of *coomb.
Combination n. 1 combining or being combined. 2 combined set of things or people. 3 sequence of numbers or letters used to open a combination lock. 4 motor cycle with a side-car attached. 5 (in pl.) Single undergarment for the body and legs. [latin: related to *combine]
Combination lock n. Lock that can be opened only by a specific sequence of movements.
Combine —v. (-ning) 1 join together; unite for a common purpose. 2 possess (qualities usually distinct) together. 3 form or cause to form a chemical compound. 4 harvest with a combine harvester. —n. 1 combination of esp. Commercial interests. 2 (in full combine harvester) machine that reaps and threshes in one operation. [latin bini a pair]
Combings n.pl. Hairs combed off.
Combining form n. Linguistic element used in combination with another to form a word (e.g. Anglo- = english).
Combo n. (pl. -s) slang small jazz or dance band. [abbreviation of *combination]
Combustible —adj. Capable of or used for burning. —n. Combustible substance. combustibility n. [latin comburo -bust-burn up]
Combustion n. 1 burning. 2 development of light and heat from the chemical combination of a substance with oxygen.
Come —v. (-ming; past came; past part. Come) 1 move, be brought towards, or reach a place. 2 reach a specified situation or result (came to no harm). 3 reach or extend to a specified point. 4 traverse or accomplish (with compl.: have come a long way). 5 occur, happen; (of time) arrive in due course (how did you come to break your leg?; the day soon came). 6 take or occupy a specified position in space or time (nero came after claudius). 7 become perceptible or known (it will come to me). 8 be available (comes in three sizes). 9 become (come loose). 10 (foll. By from, of) a be descended from. B be the result of (that comes of complaining). 11 colloq. Play the part of; behave like (don’t come the bully with me). 12 slang have an orgasm. 13 (in subjunctive) colloq. When a specified time is reached (come next month). 14 (as int.) Expressing mild protest or encouragement (come, it cannot be that bad). —n. Slang semen ejaculated. come about happen. Come across 1 meet or find by chance. 2 colloq. Be effective or understood; give a specified impression. Come again colloq. 1 make a further effort.
Comeback n. 1 return to a previous (esp. Successful) state. 2 slang retaliation or retort.
Comecon n. Economic association of socialist countries in e. Europe. [abbreviation of council for mutual economic assistance]
Comedy n. (pl. -ies) 1 a play, film, etc., of amusing character, usu. With a happy ending. B such works as a dramatic genre. 2 humour; amusing aspects. comedic adj. [greek: related to *comic]
Comedy of manners n. Satirical play portraying the social behaviour of the upper classes.
Comer n. Person who comes as an applicant etc. (offered it to the first comer).
Comestibles n.pl. Formal or joc. Food. [french from latin]
Comet n. Hazy object moving in a path about the sun, usu. With a nucleus of ice surrounded by gas and with a tail pointing away from the sun. [greek kometes]
Comeuppance n. Colloq. Deserved punishment. [come up, *-ance]
Comfit n. Archaic sweet consisting of a nut etc. In sugar. [latin: related to *confection]
Comfort —n. 1 a state of physical well-being. B (usu. In pl.) Things that make life easy or pleasant. 2 relief of suffering or grief, consolation. 3 person or thing giving consolation. —v. Soothe in grief; console. [latin fortis strong]
Comfortable adj. 1 giving ease. 2 free from discomfort; at ease. 3 having an easy conscience. 4 a having an adequate standard of living; free from financial worry. B sufficient (comfortable income). 5 a with a wide margin (comfortable win). B appreciable (comfortable margin). comfortably adv.
Comforter n. 1 person who comforts. 2 baby’s dummy. 3 archaic woollen scarf.
Comfortless adj. 1 dreary, cheerless. 2 without comfort.
Comfort station n. Us euphem. Public lavatory.
Comfrey n. (pl. -s) tall bell-flowered plant growing in damp, shady places. [french from latin]
Comic —adj. 1 of or like comedy. 2 funny. —n. 1 comedian. 2 periodical in the
Comic —adj. 1 of or like comedy. 2 funny. —n. 1 comedian. 2 periodical in the form of comic strips. comical adj. Comically adv. [greek komos revel]
Comic strip n. Sequence of drawings telling a story.
Coming —attrib. Adj. 1 approaching, next (the coming week). 2 of potential importance (coming man). —n. Arrival.
Comity n. (pl. -ies) formal 1 courtesy, friendship. 2 a association of nations etc. B (in full comity of nations) mutual recognition by nations of the laws and customs of others. [latin comis courteous]
Comma n. Punctuation mark (,) indicating a pause or break between parts of a sentence etc. [greek, = clause]
Command —v. 1 (often foll. By to + infin., or that + clause) give a formal order or instruction to. 2 (also absol.) Have authority or control over. 3 have at one’s disposal or within reach (a skill, resources, etc.). 4 deserve and get (sympathy, respect, etc.). 5 dominate (a strategic position) from a superior height; look down over. —n. 1 order, instruction. 2 mastery, control, possession. 3 exercise or tenure of authority, esp. Naval or military. 4 a body of troops etc. B district under a commander. [latin: related to *mandate]
Commandant n. Commanding officer, esp. Of a military academy. [french or italian or spanish: related to *command]
Commandeer v. 1 seize (esp. Goods) for military use. 2 take arbitrary possession of. [afrikaans kommanderen]
of. [afrikaans kommanderen]
Commander n. 1 person who commands, esp. A naval officer next below captain. 2 (in full knight commander) member of a higher class in some orders of knighthood.
Commander-in-chief n. (pl. Commanders-in-chief) supreme commander, esp. Of a nation’s forces.
Commanding adj. 1 exalted, impressive. 2 (of a position) giving a wide view. 3 (of an advantage etc.) Substantial (commanding lead).
Commandment n. Divine command.
Command module n. Control compartment in a spacecraft.
Commando n. (pl. -s) 1 unit of shock troops. 2 member of this. [portuguese: related to *command]
Command paper n. Paper laid before parliament by royal command.
Command performance n. Theatrical or film performance given at royal request.
Commemorate v. (-ting) 1 preserve in memory by a celebration or ceremony. 2 be a memorial of. commemoration n. Commemorative adj. [latin: related to *memory]
*memory]
Commence v. (-cing) formal begin. [latin: related to *com-, *initiate]
Commencement n. Formal beginning.
Commend v. 1 praise. 2 entrust, commit. 3 recommend. commendation n. [latin: related to *mandate]
Commendable adj. Praiseworthy. commendably adv.
Commensurable adj. 1 (often foll. By with, to) measurable by the same standard. 2 (foll. By to) proportionate to. 3 math. (of numbers) in a ratio equal to the ratio of integers. commensurability n. [latin: related to *measure]
Commensurate adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By with) coextensive. 2 (often foll. By to, with) proportionate.
Comment —n. 1 brief critical or explanatory remark or note; opinion. 2 commenting; criticism (aroused much comment; his art is a comment on society). —v. (often foll. By on or that) make (esp. Critical) remarks. no comment colloq. I decline to answer your question. [latin]
Commentary n. (pl. -ies) 1 descriptive spoken esp. Broadcast account of an event or performance as it happens. 2 set of explanatory notes on a text etc. [latin]
Commentate v. (-ting) act as a commentator.
Commentator n. 1 person who provides a commentary. 2 person who comments on current events. [latin]
Commerce n. Financial transactions, esp. Buying and selling; trading. [latin: related to *mercer]
Commercial —adj. 1 of or engaged in commerce. 2 having financial profit as its primary aim. 3 (of chemicals) for industrial use. —n. Television or radio advertisement. commercially adv.
Commercial broadcasting n. Broadcasting financed by advertising.
Commercialism n. 1 commercial practices. 2 emphasis on financial profit.
Commercialize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 exploit or spoil for profit. 2 make commercial. commercialization n.
Commercial traveller n. Firm’s representative visiting shops etc. To get orders.
Commie n. Slang derog. Communist. [abbreviation]
Commination n. Literary threatening of divine vengeance. comminatory adj. [latin: related to *menace]
Commingle v. (-ling) literary mingle together.
Comminute v. (-ting) 1 reduce to small fragments. 2 divide (property) into small portions. comminution n. [latin: related to *minute2]
Comminuted fracture n. Fracture producing multiple bone splinters.
Commiserate v. (-ting) (usu. Foll. By with) express or feel sympathy. commiseration n. [latin: related to *miser]
Commissar n. Hist. 1 official of the soviet communist party responsible for political education and organization. 2 head of a government department in the ussr. [latin: related to *commit]
Commissariat n. 1 esp. Mil. A department for the supply of food etc. B food supplied. 2 hist. Government department of the ussr. [related to *commissary]
Commissary n. (pl. -ies) 1 deputy, delegate. 2 us mil. Store for supplies of food etc. [latin: related to *commit]
Commission —n. 1 a authority to perform a task etc. B person(s) entrusted with such authority. C task etc. Given to such person(s). 2 order for something to be produced specially. 3 a warrant conferring the rank of officer in the armed forces. B rank so conferred. 4 pay or percentage paid to an agent. 5 act of committing (a crime etc.). —v. 1 empower by commission.
Commission-agent n. Bookmaker.
Commissionaire n. Uniformed door-attendant. [french: related to *commissioner]
Commissioner n. 1 person appointed by a commission to perform a specific task, e.g. The head of the london police etc. 2 member of a government commission. 3 representative of government in a district, department, etc. [medieval latin: related to *commission]
Commissioner for oaths n. Solicitor authorized to administer an oath in an affidavit etc.
Commit v. (-tt-) 1 do or make (a crime, blunder, etc.). 2 (usu. Foll. By to) entrust or consign for safe keeping or treatment. 3 send (a person) to prison. 4 pledge or bind (esp. Oneself) to a certain course or policy. 5 (as committed adj.) (often foll. By to) a dedicated. B obliged. commit to memory memorize. Commit to paper write down. [latin committo -miss-]
Commitment n. 1 engagement or obligation. 2 committing or being committed. 3 dedication; committing oneself.
Committal n. Act of committing, esp. To prison.
Committal n. Act of committing, esp. To prison.
Committee n. 1 body of persons appointed for a special function by (and usu. Out of) a larger body. 2 (committee) house of commons sitting as a committee. [from commit, -ee]
Committee stage n. Third of five stages of a bill’s progress through parliament.
Commode n. 1 chamber-pot in a chair with a cover. 2 chest of drawers. [latin commodus convenient]
Commodious adj. Roomy.
Commodity n. (pl. -ies) article of trade, esp. A raw material or product as opposed to a service. [latin: related to *commode]
Commodore n. 1 naval officer above captain and below rear-admiral. 2 commander of a squadron or other division of a fleet. 3 president of a yacht-club. [french: related to *commander]
Common —adj. (-er, -est) 1 a occurring often. B ordinary; without special rank or position. 2 a shared by, coming from, more than one (common knowledge). B belonging to the whole community; public. 3 derog. Low-class; vulgar; inferior. 4 of the most familiar type (common cold). 5 math. Belonging to two or more quantities (common denominator). 6 gram. (of gender) referring to individuals of either sex. —n. 1 piece of open public land. 2 slang = *common sense. in common 1 in joint use; shared. 2 of joint interest. In common with in the same way as. [latin communis]
way as. [latin communis]
Commonality n. (pl. -ies) 1 sharing of an attribute. 2 common occurrence. 3 = *commonalty. [var. Of *commonalty]
Commonalty n. (pl. -ies) 1 the common people. 2 the general body (esp. Of mankind). [medieval latin: related to *common]
Commoner n. 1 one of the common people (below the rank of peer). 2 university student without a scholarship. [medieval latin: related to *common]
Common ground n. Point or argument accepted by both sides in a dispute.
Common law n. Unwritten law based on custom and precedent.
Common-law husband n. (also common-law wife) partner recognized by common law without formal marriage.
Commonly adv. Usually, frequently; ordinarily.
Common market n. European community.
Common noun n. Gram. Name denoting a class of objects or a concept, not a particular individual.
Common or garden adj. Colloq. Ordinary.
Common noun n. Gram. Name denoting a class of objects or a concept, not a particular individual.
Common or garden adj. Colloq. Ordinary.
Commonplace —adj. Lacking originality; trite; ordinary. —n. 1 event, topic, etc. That is ordinary or usual. 2 trite remark. [translation of latin locus communis]
Common-room n. Room for the social use of students or teachers at a college etc.
Commons n.pl. 1 (the commons) = *house of commons. 2 the common people.
Common sense n. Sound practical sense.
Commonsensical adj. Having or marked by common sense.
Common time n. Mus. Four crotchets in a bar.
Commonwealth n. 1 independent state or community, esp. A democratic republic. 2 (the commonwealth) a association of the uk with states that were previously part of the british empire. B republican government of britain 1649–
previously part of the british empire. B republican government of britain 1649– 60. 3 federation of states.
Commotion n. Confused and noisy disturbance, uproar. [latin: related to *com-]
Communal adj. 1 shared between members of a group or community; for common use. 2 (of conflict etc.) Between esp. Ethnic or religious communities. communally adv. [latin: related to *commune1]
Commune1 n. 1 group of people sharing accommodation, goods, etc. 2 small district of local government in france etc. [medieval latin: related to *common]
Commune2 v. (-ning) (usu. Foll. By with) 1 speak intimately. 2 feel in close touch (with nature etc.). [french: related to *common]
Communicable adj. (esp. Of a disease) able to be passed on. [latin: related to *communicate]
Communicant n. 1 person who receives holy communion. 2 person who imparts information. [related to *communicate]
Communicate v. (-ting) 1 impart, transmit (news, heat, motion, feelings, disease, ideas, etc.). 2 succeed in conveying information. 3 (often foll. By with) relate socially; have dealings. 4 be connected (they have communicating rooms). communicator n. Communicatory adj. [latin: related to *common]
Communication n. 1 a communicating or being communicated. B information etc. Communicated. C letter, message, etc. 2 connection or means of access. 3 social dealings. 4 (in pl.) Science and practice of transmitting information.
Communication cord n. Cord or chain pulled to stop a train in an emergency.
Communication(s) satellite n. Artificial satellite used to relay telephone circuits or broadcast programmes.
Communicative adj. Ready to talk and impart information.
Communion n. 1 sharing, esp. Of thoughts etc.; fellowship. 2 participation; sharing in common (communion of interests). 3 (communion or holy communion) eucharist. 4 body or group within the christian faith (the methodist communion). [latin: related to *common]
Communiqué n. Official communication, esp. A news report. [french, = communicated]
Communism n. 1 a social system in which most property is publicly owned and each person works for the common benefit. B political theory advocating this. 2 (usu. Communism) the form of socialist society established in cuba, china, etc., and previously, the ussr. [french: related to *common]
Communist —n. 1 person advocating communism. 2 (usu. Communist) supporter of communism or member of a communist party. —adj. 1 of or relating to communism. 2 (usu. Communist) of communists or a communist
relating to communism. 2 (usu. Communist) of communists or a communist party. communistic adj.
Communist party n. Political party advocating communism or communism.
Community n. (pl. -ies) 1 body of people living in one place, district, or country. 2 body of people having religion, ethnic origin, profession, etc., in common. 3 fellowship (community of interest). 4 commune. 5 joint ownership or liability. [latin: related to *common]
Community centre n. Place providing social facilities for a neighbourhood.
Community charge n. Tax levied locally on every adult.
Community charge n. Tax levied locally on every adult.
Usage the community charge, or poll tax, replaced household rates in 1989-90 and is itself to be replaced by a council tax in 1993.
Community home n. Centre housing young offenders and other juveniles.
Community service n. Unpaid work in the community, esp. By an offender.
Community singing n. Singing by a large group, esp. Of old popular songs or hymns.
Community spirit n. Feeling of belonging to a community, expressed in mutual support etc.
Commute v. (-ting) 1 travel some distance to and from work. 2 (usu. Foll. By to) change (a punishment) to one less severe. 3 (often foll. By into, for) change (one kind of payment or obligation) for another. 4 exchange. commutable adj. Commutation n. [latin muto change]
Commuter n. Person who commutes to and from work.
Compact1 —adj. 1 closely or neatly packed together. 2 small and economically designed. 3 concise. 4 (of a person) small but well-proportioned. —v. Make compact. —n. (in full powder compact) small flat case for face-powder. compactly adv. Compactness n. [latin pango fasten]
Compact2 n. Agreement, contract. [latin: related to *pact]
Compact disc n. Disc on which information or sound is recorded digitally and reproduced by reflection of laser light.
Companion n. 1 a person who accompanies or associates with another. B (foll. By in, of) partner, sharer. C person employed to live with and assist another. 2 handbook or reference book. 3 thing that matches another. 4 (companion) member of some orders of knighthood. [latin panis bread]
Companion-way n. Staircase from a ship’s deck to the saloon or cabins.
Company n. (pl. -ies) 1 a number of people assembled. B guest(s). 2 person’s associate(s). 3 a commercial business. B partners in this. 4 actors etc. Working together. 5 subdivision of an infantry battalion. 6 body of people combined for a common purpose (the ship’s company). 7 being with another or others. in company with together with. Keep a person company remain with a person to be sociable. Part company (often foll. By with) cease to associate; separate; disagree. [french: related to *companion]
Comparable adj. (often foll. By with, to) able or fit to be compared. comparability n. Comparably adv. [latin: related to *compare]
Usage use of comparable with to and with corresponds to the senses of compare: to is more common.
Comparative —adj. 1 perceptible or estimated by comparison; relative (in comparative comfort). 2 of or involving comparison (a comparative study). 3 gram. (of an adjective or adverb) expressing a higher degree of a quality (e.g. Braver, more quickly). —n. Gram. Comparative expression or word. comparatively adv. [latin: related to *compare]
Compare —v. (-ring) 1 (usu. Foll. By to) express similarities in; liken. 2 (often foll. By to, with) estimate the similarity of. 3 (often foll. By with) bear
foll. By to, with) estimate the similarity of. 3 (often foll. By with) bear comparison. 4 gram. Form comparative and superlative degrees of (an adjective or adverb). —n. Literary comparison (beyond compare). compare notes exchange ideas or opinions. [latin compar equal]
Usage in current use, to and with are generally interchangeable, but with often implies a greater element of formal analysis.
Comparison n. 1 comparing. 2 illustration or example of similarity. 3 capacity for being likened (there’s no comparison). 4 (in full degrees of comparison) gram. Positive, comparative, and superlative forms of adjectives and adverbs. bear (or stand) comparison (often foll. By with) be able to be compared favourably. Beyond comparison 1 totally different in quality. 2 greatly superior; excellent.
Compartment n. 1 space within a larger space, separated by partitions. 2 watertight division of a ship. 3 area of activity etc. Kept apart from others in a person’s mind. [latin: related to *part]
Compartmental adj. Of or divided into compartments or categories.
Compartmentalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) divide into compartments or categories.
Compass n. 1 instrument showing the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it. 2 (usu. In pl.) Instrument for taking measurements and describing circles, with two arms connected at one end by a hinge. 3 circumference or boundary. 4 area, extent; scope; range. [latin passus pace]
Compassion n. Pity inclining one to help or be merciful. [church latin: related to *passion]
Compassionate leave n. Leave granted on grounds of bereavement etc.
Compatible adj. 1 a able to coexist; well-suited. B (often foll. By with) consistent. 2 (of equipment etc.) Able to be used in combination. compatibility n. [medieval latin: related to *passion]
Compatriot n. Fellow-countryman. [latin compatriota]
Compendious adj. Comprehensive but brief. [latin: related to *compendium]
Compendium n. (pl. -s or -dia) 1 concise summary or abridgement. 2 collection of table-games etc. [latin]
Compensate v. (-ting) 1 a (often foll. By for) recompense (a person). B recompense (loss, damage, etc.). 2 (usu. Foll. By for a thing) make amends. 3 counterbalance. 4 offset disability or frustration by development in another direction. compensatory adj. [latin pendo pens-weigh]
Compensation n. 1 compensating or being compensated. 2 money etc. Given as recompense.
Compère —n. Person who introduces a variety show etc. —v. (-ring) act as compère (to). [french, = godfather]
Compete v. (-ting) 1 take part in a contest etc. 2 (often foll. By with, against a person, for a thing) strive. [latin peto seek]
Competence n. (also competency) 1 ability; being competent. 2 income large enough to live on. 3 legal capacity.
Competent adj. 1 adequately qualified or capable. 2 effective. competently adv. [latin: related to *compete]
Competition n. 1 (often foll. By for) competing. 2 event in which people compete. 3 the other people or trade competing; opposition. [latin: related to *compete]
Competitive adj. 1 of or involving competition. 2 (of prices etc.) Comparing favourably with those of rivals. 3 having a strong urge to win. competitiveness n.
Competitor n. Person who competes; rival, esp. In business.
Compile v. (-ling) 1 a collect and arrange (material) into a list, book, etc. B produce (a book etc.) Thus. 2 computing translate (a programming language) into machine code. compilation n. [latin compilo plunder]
Compiler n. 1 person who compiles. 2 computing program for translating a programming language into machine code.
Complacent adj. Smugly self-satisfied or contented. complacence n. Complacency n. Complacently adv. [latin placeo please]
Usage complacent is often confused with complaisant.
Complain v. 1 express dissatisfaction. 2 (foll. By of) a say that one is suffering from (an ailment). B state a grievance concerning. 3 creak under strain. [latin plango lament]
Complainant n. Plaintiff in certain lawsuits.
Complaint n. 1 complaining. 2 grievance, cause of dissatisfaction. 3 ailment. 4 formal accusation.
Complaisant adj. Formal 1 deferential. 2 willing to please; acquiescent. complaisance n. [french: related to *complacent]
Usage complaisant is often confused with complacent.
Complement —n. 1 thing that completes; counterpart. 2 full number needed. 3 word(s) added to a verb to complete the predicate of a sentence. 4 amount by which an angle is less than 90°. —v. 1 complete. 2 form a complement to. [latin compleo fill up]
Complementary adj. 1 completing; forming a complement. 2 (of two or more things) complementing each other.
Complementary medicine n. Alternative medicine.
Complete —adj. 1 having all its parts; entire. 2 finished. 3 total, in every way. — v. (-ting) 1 finish. 2 make complete. 3 fill in (a form etc.). 4 conclude the sale or purchase of property. complete with having (as an important feature) (comes complete with instructions). completely adv. Completeness n. Completion n. [latin: related to *complement]
Complex —n. 1 building, series of rooms, etc., made up of related parts (shopping complex). 2 psychol. Group of usu. Repressed feelings or thoughts which cause abnormal behaviour or mental states. 3 preoccupation; feeling of inadequacy. —adj. 1 complicated. 2 consisting of related parts; composite. complexity n. (pl. -ies). [latin complexus]
Complexion n. 1 natural colour, texture, and appearance of the skin, esp. Of the face. 2 aspect, character (puts a different complexion on the matter). [latin: related to *complex]
Compliance n. 1 obedience to a request, command, etc. 2 capacity to yield. in compliance with according to.
Complicate v. (-ting) 1 make difficult or complex. 2 (as complicated adj.) Complex; intricate. [latin plico to fold]
Complication n. 1 a involved or confused condition or state. B complicating circumstance; difficulty. 2 (often in pl.) Disease or condition aggravating or arising out of a previous one. [latin: related to *complicate]
Complicity n. Partnership in wrongdoing. [french: related to *complex]
Compliment —n. 1 a polite expression of praise. B act implying praise. 2 (in pl.) A formal greetings accompanying a present etc. B praise. —v. (often foll. By on) congratulate; praise. [latin: related to *complement]
Complimentary adj. 1 expressing a compliment. 2 given free of charge.
Compline n. 1 last of the canonical hours of prayer. 2 service during this. [latin: related to *comply]
Comply v. (-ies, -ied) (often foll. By with) act in accordance (with a request or command). [latin compleo fill up]
Component —n. Part of a larger whole. —adj. Being part of a larger whole. [latin: related to *compound1]
Comport v.refl. Literary conduct oneself; behave. comport with suit, befit. comportment n. [latin porto carry]
Compose v. (-sing) 1 create in music or writing. 2 constitute; make up. 3 arrange artistically, neatly, or for a specified purpose. 4 a (often refl.) Calm; settle. B (as composed adj.) Calm, self-possessed. 5 printing a set up (type). B arrange (an article etc.) In type. composed of made up of, consisting of. composedly adv. [french: related to *pose]
Usage see note at comprise.
Composer n. Person who composes (esp. Music).
Composite —adj. 1 made up of parts. 2 of mixed ionic and corinthian style. 3 (of a plant) having a head of many flowers forming one bloom. —n. Composite thing or plant. [latin: related to *compose]
Composition n. 1 a act or method of putting together; composing. B thing composed, esp. Music. 2 constitution of a substance. 3 school essay. 4 arrangement of the parts of a picture etc. 5 compound artificial substance. compositional adj.
Compositor n. Person who sets up type for printing. [latin: related to *compose]
Compositor n. Person who sets up type for printing. [latin: related to *compose]
Compos mentis adj. Sane. [latin]
Compost —n. 1 mixture of decayed organic matter. 2 loam soil with fertilizer for growing plants. —v. 1 treat with compost. 2 make into compost. [latin: related to *compose]
Composure n. Tranquil manner. [from *compose]
Compote n. Fruit preserved or cooked in syrup. [french: related to *compose]
Compound1 —n. 1 mixture of two or more things. 2 word made up of two or more existing words. 3 substance formed from two or more elements chemically united in fixed proportions. —adj. 1 made up of two or more ingredients or parts. 2 combined; collective. —v. 1 mix or combine (ingredients or elements). 2 increase or complicate (difficulties etc.). 3 make up (a composite whole). 4 settle (a matter) by mutual agreement. 5 law condone or conceal (a liability or offence) for personal gain. 6 (usu. Foll. By with) law come to terms with a person. [latin compono -pos-put together]
Compound2 n. 1 enclosure or fenced-in space. 2 enclosure, esp. In india, china, etc., in which a factory or house stands. [malay kampong]
Compound fracture n. Fracture complicated by a wound.
Compound interest n. Interest payable on capital and its accumulated interest.
Comprehensible adj. That can be understood. [latin: related to *comprehend]
Comprehension n. 1 a understanding. B text set as a test of understanding. 2 inclusion.
Comprehensive —adj. 1 including all or nearly all, inclusive. 2 (of motor insurance) providing protection against most risks. —n. (in full comprehensive school) secondary school for children of all abilities. comprehensively adv. Comprehensiveness n.
Compress —v. 1 squeeze together. 2 bring into a smaller space or shorter time. —n. Pad of lint etc. Pressed on to part of the body to relieve inflammation, stop bleeding, etc. compressible adj. [latin: related to *press1]
Compression n. 1 compressing. 2 reduction in volume of the fuel mixture in an internal-combustion engine before ignition.
Compressor n. Machine for compressing air or other gases.
Comprise v. (-sing) 1 include. 2 consist of. 3 make up, compose. [french: related to *comprehend]
Usage the use of this word in sense 3 is considered incorrect and compose is generally preferred.
Compromise —n. 1 settlement of a dispute by mutual concession. 2 (often foll. By between) intermediate state between conflicting opinions, actions, etc. —v. (-sing) 1 a settle a dispute by mutual concession. B modify one’s opinions, demands, etc. 2 bring into disrepute or danger by indiscretion. [latin: related to *promise]
Comptroller n. Controller (used in the title of some financial officers). [var. Of *controller]
Compulsion n. 1 compelling or being compelled; obligation. 2 irresistible urge. [latin: related to *compel]
Compulsive adj. 1 compelling. 2 resulting or acting (as if) from compulsion (compulsive gambler). 3 irresistible (compulsive entertainment). compulsively adv. [medieval latin: related to *compel]
Compulsory adj. 1 required by law or a rule. 2 essential. compulsorily adv.
Compulsory purchase n. Enforced sale of land or property to a local authority etc.
Compunction n. 1 pricking of conscience. 2 slight regret; scruple. [church latin: related to *point]
related to *point]
Compute v. (-ting) 1 reckon or calculate. 2 use a computer. computation n. [latin puto reckon]
Computer n. Electronic device for storing and processing data, making calculations, or controlling machinery.
Computerize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 equip with a computer. 2 store, perform, or produce by computer. computerization n.
Computer-literate adj. Able to use computers.
Computer science n. The study of the principles and use of computers.
Computer virus n. Self-replicating code maliciously introduced into a computer program and intended to corrupt the system or destroy data.
Comrade n. 1 associate or companion in some activity. 2 fellow socialist or communist. comradely adj. Comradeship n. [spanish: related to *chamber]
Con2 —n. (usu. In pl.) Reason against. —prep. & adv. Against (cf. *pro2). [latin contra against]
Con3 n. Slang convict. [abbreviation]
Con4 v. (us conn) (-nn-) direct the steering of (a ship). [originally cond from french: related to *conduct]
Con-see *com-.
Concatenation n. Series of linked things or events. [latin catena chain]
Concave adj. Curved like the interior of a circle or sphere. concavity n. [latin: related to *cave]
Conceal v. 1 keep secret. 2 hide. concealment n. [latin celo hide]
Concede v. (-ding) 1 admit to be true. 2 admit defeat in. 3 grant (a right, privilege, etc.). [latin: related to *cede]
Conceit n. 1 personal vanity; pride. 2 literary a far-fetched comparison. B fanciful notion. [from *conceive]
Conceited adj. Vain. conceitedly adv.
Conceivable adj. Capable of being grasped or imagined. conceivably adv.
Conceive v. (-ving) 1 become pregnant (with). 2 a (often foll. By of) imagine, think. B (usu. In passive) formulate (a belief, plan, etc.). [latin concipio -cept-]
Concentrate —v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By on) focus one’s attention or thought. 2 bring together to one point. 3 increase the strength of (a liquid etc.) By removing water etc. 4 (as concentrated adj.) Intense, strong. —n. Concentrated substance. [latin: related to *centre]
Concentration n. 1 concentrating or being concentrated. 2 mental attention. 3 something concentrated. 4 weight of a substance in a given amount of material.
Concentration camp n. Camp where political prisoners etc. Are detained.
Concentric adj. Having a common centre. concentrically adv. [french or medieval latin: related to *centre]
Concept n. General notion; abstract idea. [latin: related to *conceive]
Conception n. 1 conceiving or being conceived. 2 idea, plan. 3 understanding (has no conception). conceptional adj. [french from latin: related to *concept]
Conceptual adj. Of mental conceptions or concepts. conceptually adv.
Conceptualize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) form a concept or idea of. conceptualization n.
Concern —v. 1 a be relevant or important to. B relate to; be about. 2 (refl.; often foll. By with, about, in) interest or involve oneself. 3 worry, affect. —n. 1 anxiety, worry. 2 a matter of interest or importance to one. B interest, connection (has a concern in politics). 3 business, firm. 4 colloq. Complicated thing, contrivance. [latin cerno sift]
Concerned adj. 1 involved, interested. 2 troubled, anxious. be concerned (often foll. By in) take part. concernedly adv. Concernedness n.
Concerning prep. About, regarding.
Concert n. 1 musical performance of usu. Several separate compositions. 2 agreement. 3 combination of voices or sounds. [italian: related to *concerto]
Concerted adj. 1 jointly arranged or planned. 2 mus. Arranged in parts for voices or instruments.
Concertina —n. Musical instrument like an accordion but smaller. —v. (-nas, -naed or -na’d, -naing) compress or collapse in folds like those of a concertina.
Concerto n. (pl. -s or -ti) composition for solo instrument(s) and orchestra. [italian]
Concert pitch n. Pitch internationally agreed whereby the a above middle c = 440 hz.
Concession n. 1 a conceding. B thing conceded. 2 reduction in price for a certain category of persons. 3 a right to use land etc. B right to sell goods in a particular territory. concessionary adj. [latin: related to *concede]
Concessive adj. Gram. (of a preposition or conjunction) introducing a phrase or clause which contrasts with the main clause (e.g. In spite of, although). [latin: related to *concede]
Conch n. 1 thick heavy spiral shell of various marine gastropod molluscs. 2 any such gastropod. [latin concha]
Conchology n. The study of shells. [from *conch]
Concierge n. (esp. In france) doorkeeper or porter of a block of flats etc. [french]
Conciliate v. (-ting) 1 make calm and amenable; pacify; gain the goodwill of. 2 reconcile. conciliation n. Conciliator n. Conciliatory adj. [latin: related to *council]
Concise adj. Brief but comprehensive in expression. concisely adv. Conciseness n. Concision n. [latin caedo cut]
Conclave n. 1 private meeting. 2 rc ch. A assembly of cardinals for the election
Conclave n. 1 private meeting. 2 rc ch. A assembly of cardinals for the election of a pope. B meeting-place for this. [latin clavis key]
Conclude v. (-ding) 1 bring or come to an end. 2 (often foll. By from or that) infer. 3 settle (a treaty etc.). [latin concludo: related to *close1]
Conclusion n. 1 ending, end. 2 judgement reached by reasoning. 3 summing-up. 4 settling (of peace etc.). 5 logic proposition reached from given premisses. in conclusion lastly, to conclude. [latin: related to *conclude]
Conclusive adj. Decisive, convincing. conclusively adv. [latin: related to *conclude]
Concoct v. 1 make by mixing ingredients. 2 invent (a story, lie, etc.). concoction n. [latin coquo coct-cook]
Concomitant —adj. (often foll. By with) accompanying; occurring together. —n. Accompanying thing. concomitance n. [latin comes comit-companion]
Concord n. Agreement, harmony. concordant adj. [latin cor cord-heart]
Concordance n. 1 agreement. 2 alphabetical index of words used in a book or by an author. [medieval latin: related to *concord]
Concordat n. Agreement, esp. Between the church and a state. [latin: related to *concord]
*concord]
Concourse n. 1 crowd, gathering. 2 large open area in a railway station etc. [latin: related to *concur]
Concrete —adj. 1 a existing in a material form; real. B specific, definite (concrete evidence; a concrete proposal). 2 gram. (of a noun) denoting a material object as opposed to a quality, state, etc. —n. (often attrib.) Mixture of gravel, sand, cement, and water, used for building. —v. (-ting) cover with or embed in concrete. [latin cresco cret-grow]
Concretion n. 1 hard solid mass. 2 forming of this by coalescence. [latin: related to *concrete]
Concubine n. 1 literary or joc. Mistress. 2 (among polygamous peoples) secondary wife. concubinage n. [latin cubo lie]
Concupiscence n. Formal lust. concupiscent adj. [latin cupio desire]
Concur v. (-rr-) 1 (often foll. By with) have the same opinion. 2 coincide. [latin curro run]
Concurrent adj. 1 (often foll. By with) existing or in operation at the same time or together. 2 (of three or more lines) meeting at or tending towards one point. 3 agreeing, harmonious. concurrence n. Concurrently adv.
Concuss v. Subject to concussion. [latin quatio shake]
Concussion n. 1 temporary unconsciousness or incapacity due to a blow to the head, a fall, etc. 2 violent shaking.
Condemn v. 1 express utter disapproval of. 2 a find guilty; convict. B (usu. Foll. By to) sentence to (a punishment). 3 pronounce (a building etc.) Unfit for use. 4 (usu. Foll. By to) doom or assign (to something unpleasant). condemnation n. Condemnatory adj. [latin: related to *damn]
Condensation n. 1 condensing or being condensed. 2 condensed liquid (esp. Water on a cold surface). 3 abridgement. [latin: related to *condense]
Condense v. (-sing) 1 make denser or more concentrated. 2 express in fewer words. 3 reduce or be reduced from a gas or vapour to a liquid. [latin: related to *dense]
Condensed milk n. Milk thickened by evaporation and sweetened.
Condenser n. 1 apparatus or vessel for condensing vapour. 2 electr. = *capacitor. 3 lens or system of lenses for concentrating light.
Condescend v. 1 be gracious enough (to do a thing) esp. While showing one’s sense of dignity or superiority (condescended to attend). 2 (foll. By to) pretend to be on equal terms with (an inferior). 3 (as condescending adj.) Patronizing. condescendingly adv. Condescension n. [latin: related to *descend]
Condign adj. (of a punishment etc.) Severe and well-deserved. [latin dignus
Condign adj. (of a punishment etc.) Severe and well-deserved. [latin dignus worthy]
Condiment n. Seasoning or relish for food. [latin condio pickle]
Condition —n. 1 stipulation; thing upon the fulfilment of which something else depends. 2 a state of being or fitness of a person or thing. B ailment, abnormality (heart condition). 3 (in pl.) Circumstances, esp. Those affecting the functioning or existence of something (good working conditions). —v. 1 a bring into a good or desired state. B make fit (esp. Dogs or horses). 2 teach or accustom. 3 a impose conditions on. B be essential to. in (or out of) condition in good (or bad) condition. On condition that with the stipulation that. [latin dico say]
Conditional adj. 1 (often foll. By on) dependent; not absolute; containing a condition. 2 gram. (of a clause, mood, etc.) Expressing a condition. conditionally adv. [latin: related to *condition]
Conditioned reflex n. Reflex response to a non-natural stimulus, established by training.
Conditioner n. Agent that conditions, esp. The hair.
Condole v. (-ling) (foll. By with) express sympathy with (a person) over a loss etc. [latin condoleo grieve with another]
Usage condole is often confused with console1.
Condolence n. (often in pl.) Expression of sympathy.
Condom n. Contraceptive sheath worn by men. [origin unknown]
Condominium n. 1 joint rule or sovereignty. 2 us building containing individually owned flats. [latin dominium lordship]
Condone v. (-ning) forgive or overlook (an offence or wrongdoing). [latin dono give]
Condor n. Large s. American vulture. [spanish from quechua]
Conduce v. (-cing) (foll. By to) contribute to (a result). [latin: related to *conduct]
Conducive adj. (often foll. By to) contributing or helping (towards something).
Conduct —n. 1 behaviour. 2 activity or manner of directing or managing (a business, war, etc.). —v. 1 lead or guide. 2 direct or manage (a business etc.). 3 (also absol.) Be the conductor of (an orchestra etc.). 4 transmit (heat, electricity, etc.) By conduction. 5 refl. Behave. [latin duco duct-lead]
Conductance n. Power of a specified material to conduct electricity.
Conduction n. Transmission of heat, electricity, etc. Through a substance. [latin: related to *conduct]
Conductive adj. Transmitting (esp. Heat, electricity, etc.). conductivity n.
Conductor n. 1 person who directs an orchestra etc. 2 (fem. Conductress) person who collects fares in a bus etc. 3 thing that conducts heat or electricity. [latin: related to *conduct]
Conduit n. 1 channel or pipe conveying liquids. 2 tube or trough protecting insulated electric wires. [medieval latin: related to *conduct]
Cone n. 1 solid figure with a circular (or other curved) plane base, tapering to a point. 2 thing of similar shape. 3 dry fruit of a conifer. 4 ice-cream cornet. [latin from greek]
Confabulate v. (-ting) converse, chat. confabulation n. [latin: related to *fable]
Confection n. Dish or delicacy made with sweet ingredients. [latin conficio prepare]
Confectioner n. Maker or retailer of confectionery.
Confectionery n. Confections, esp. Sweets.
Confederacy n. (pl. -ies) league or alliance, esp. Of confederate states. [french: related to *confederate]
Confederate —adj. Esp. Polit. Allied. —n. 1 ally, esp. (in a bad sense) accomplice. 2 (confederate) supporter of the confederate states. —v. (-ting) (often foll. By with) bring or come into alliance. [latin: related to *federal]
Confederate states n.pl. States which seceded from the us in 1860–1.
Confederation n. 1 union or alliance, esp. Of states. 2 confederating or being confederated.
Confer v. (-rr-) 1 (often foll. By on, upon) grant or bestow. 2 (often foll. By with) converse, consult. conferrable adj. [latin confero collat-bring together]
Conference n. 1 consultation. 2 meeting for discussion. [french or medieval latin: related to *confer]
Conferment n. Conferring of a degree, honour, etc.
Confess v. 1 a (also absol.) Acknowledge or admit (a fault, crime, etc.). B (foll. By to) admit to. 2 admit reluctantly. 3 a (also absol.) Declare (one’s sins) to a priest. B (of a priest) hear the confession of. [latin confiteor -fess-]
Confessedly adv. By one’s own or general admission.
Confession n. 1 a act of confessing. B thing confessed. 2 (in full confession of faith) declaration of one’s beliefs or principles.
Confessional —n. Enclosed stall in a church in which the priest hears confessions. —adj. Of confession.
Confessor n. Priest who hears confessions and gives spiritual counsel.
Confetti n. Small bits of coloured paper thrown by wedding guests at the bride and groom. [italian]
Confidant n. (fem. Confidante pronunc. Same) person trusted with knowledge of one’s private affairs. [related to *confide]
Confide v. (-ding) 1 (foll. By in) talk confidentially to. 2 (usu. Foll. By to) tell (a secret etc.) In confidence. 3 (foll. By to) entrust (an object of care, a task, etc.) To. [latin confido trust]
Confidence n. 1 firm trust. 2 a feeling of reliance or certainty. B sense of self-reliance; boldness. 3 something told as a secret. in confidence as a secret. In a person’s confidence trusted with a person’s secrets. Take into one’s confidence confide in. [latin: related to *confide]
Confidence trick n. Swindle in which the victim is persuaded to trust the swindler. confidence trickster n.
Confident adj. Feeling or showing confidence; bold. confidently adv. [italian: related to *confide]
Confidential adj. 1 spoken or written in confidence. 2 entrusted with secrets (confidential secretary). 3 confiding. confidentiality n. Confidentially adv.
Configuration n. 1 arrangement in a particular form. 2 form or figure resulting from this. 3 computing hardware and its arrangement of connections etc. configure v. (-ring). [latin: related to *figure]
Confine —v. (-ning) 1 keep or restrict (within certain limits). 2 imprison. —n. (usu. In pl.) Limit, boundary. [latin finis limit]
Confinement n. 1 confining or being confined. 2 time of childbirth.
Confirm v. 1 provide support for the truth or correctness of. 2 (foll. By in) encourage (a person) in (an opinion etc.). 3 establish more firmly (power, possession, etc.). 4 make formally valid. 5 administer the religious rite of confirmation to. [latin: related to *firm1]
confirmation to. [latin: related to *firm1]
Confirmation n. 1 confirming or being confirmed. 2 rite confirming a baptized person as a member of the christian church.
Confirmed adj. Firmly settled in some habit or condition (confirmed bachelor).
Confiscate v. (-ting) take or seize by authority. confiscation n. [latin: related to *fiscal]
Conflagration n. Great and destructive fire. [latin: related to *flagrant]
Conflate v. (-ting) blend or fuse together (esp. Two variant texts into one). conflation n. [latin flo flat-blow]
Conflict —n. 1 a state of opposition. B fight, struggle. 2 (often foll. By of) clashing of opposed interests etc. —v. Clash; be incompatible. [latin fligo flict-strike]
Confluence n. 1 place where two rivers meet. 2 a coming together. B crowd of people. [latin fluo flow]
Conform v. 1 comply with rules or general custom. 2 (foll. By to, with) comply with; be in accordance with. 3 (often foll. By to) be or make suitable. [latin: related to *form]
related to *form]
Conformable adj. 1 (often foll. By to) similar. 2 (often foll. By with) consistent. 3 (often foll. By to) adaptable.
Conformation n. Way a thing is formed; shape.
Conformist —n. Person who conforms to an established practice. —adj. Conforming, conventional. conformism n.
Conformity n. 1 accordance with established practice. 2 agreement, suitability.
Confront v. 1 a face in hostility or defiance. B face up to and deal with. 2 (of a difficulty etc.) Present itself to. 3 (foll. By with) bring (a person) face to face with (an accusation etc.). 4 meet or stand facing. confrontation n. Confrontational adj. [french from medieval latin]
Confucian adj. Of confucius or his philosophy. confucianism n. [confucius, name of a chinese philosopher]
Confuse v. (-sing) 1 perplex, bewilder. 2 mix up in the mind; mistake (one for another). 3 make indistinct (confuse the issue). 4 (often as confused adj.) Throw into disorder. confusedly adv. Confusing adj. [related to *confound]
Confusion n. Confusing or being confused.
Confute v. (-ting) prove (a person or argument) to be in error. confutation n. [latin]
Conga —n. 1 latin-american dance, with a line of dancers one behind the other. 2 tall narrow drum beaten with the hands. —v. (congas, congaed or conga’d, congaing) perform the conga. [spanish conga (feminine), = of the congo]
Congeal v. 1 make or become semisolid by cooling. 2 (of blood etc.) Coagulate. congelation n. [french from latin gelo freeze]
Congenial adj. 1 (often foll. By with, to) pleasant because like-minded. 2 (often foll. By to) suited or agreeable. congeniality n. Congenially adv. [from *com-, *genial]
Congenital adj. 1 (esp. Of disease) existing from birth. 2 as such from birth (congenital liar). congenitally adv. [latin: related to *com-]
Conger n. (in full conger eel) large marine eel. [greek goggros]
Congeries n. (pl. Same) disorderly collection; mass, heap. [latin congero heap together]
Usage the form congery, formed under the misapprehension that congeries is plural only, is incorrect.
Congest v. (esp. As congested adj.) Affect with congestion. [latin congero -gest-heap together]
Congestion n. Abnormal accumulation or obstruction, esp. Of traffic etc. Or of blood or mucus in part of the body.
Conglomerate —adj. Gathered into a rounded mass. —n. 1 heterogeneous mass. 2 group or corporation of merged firms. —v. (-ting) collect into a coherent mass. conglomeration n. [latin glomus -eris ball]
Congratulate v. (-ting) (often foll. By on) 1 express pleasure at the happiness, good fortune, or excellence of (a person). 2 refl. Think oneself fortunate or clever. congratulatory adj. [latin gratus pleasing]
Congratulation n. 1 congratulating. 2 (usu. In pl.) Expression of this.
Congregate v. (-ting) collect or gather into a crowd. [latin grex greg-flock]
Congregation n. 1 gathering of people, esp. For religious worship. 2 body of
persons regularly attending a particular church etc. [latin: related to *congregate]
Congregational adj. 1 of a congregation. 2 (congregational) of or adhering to congregationalism.
Congregationalism n. System whereby individual churches are largely self-governing. congregationalist n.
Congress n. 1 formal meeting of delegates for discussion. 2 (congress) national legislative body, esp. Of the us. congressional adj. [latin gradior gress-walk]
Congressman n. (fem. Congresswoman) member of the us congress.
Congruent adj. 1 (often foll. By with) suitable, agreeing. 2 geom. (of figures) coinciding exactly when superimposed. congruence n. Congruency n. [latin congruo agree]
Congruous adj. Suitable, agreeing; fitting. congruity n. [latin: related to *congruent]
Conic adj. Of a cone. [greek: related to *cone]
Conical adj. Cone-shaped.
Conifer n. Tree usu. Bearing cones. coniferous adj. [latin: related to *cone]
Conjectural adj. Based on conjecture.
Conjecture —n. 1 formation of an opinion on incomplete information; guessing. 2 guess. —v. (-ring) guess. [latin conjectura from jacio throw]
Conjoin v. Formal join, combine.
Conjoint adj. Formal associated, conjoined.
Conjugal adj. Of marriage or the relationship of husband and wife. [latin conjux consort]
Conjugate —v. (-ting) 1 gram. List the different forms of (a verb). 2 a unite. B become fused. —adj. 1 joined together, paired. 2 fused. [latin jugum yoke]
Conjugation n. Gram. System of verbal inflection.
Conjunct adj. Joined together; combined; associated. [latin from juntus joined]
Conjunction n. 1 joining; connection. 2 gram. Word used to connect clauses or sentences or words in the same clause (e.g. And, but, if). 3 combination (of events or circumstances). 4 apparent proximity to each other of two bodies in the
events or circumstances). 4 apparent proximity to each other of two bodies in the solar system.
Conjunctiva n. (pl. -s) mucous membrane covering the front of the eye and the lining inside the eyelids.
Conjunctive adj. 1 serving to join. 2 gram. Of the nature of a conjunction.
Conjunctivitis n. Inflammation of the conjunctiva.
Conjure v. (-ring) 1 perform tricks which are seemingly magical, esp. By movements of the hands. 2 summon (a spirit or demon) to appear. 3 formal appeal solemnly to. conjure up 1 produce as if by magic. 2 evoke. [latin juro swear]
Conjuror n. (also conjurer) performer of conjuring tricks.
Conk1 v. (usu. Foll. By out) colloq. 1 (of a machine etc.) Break down. 2 (of a person) become exhausted and give up; fall asleep; faint; die. [origin unknown]
Conk2 slang —n. 1 nose or head. 2 punch on the nose or head. —v. Hit on the nose or head. [perhaps = *conch]
Conker n. 1 fruit of the horse chestnut. 2 (in pl.) Children’s game played with conkers on strings. [dial. Conker snail-shell]
Con man n. Confidence trickster.
Conn v. (brit. Con) (-nn-) direct the steering of (a ship). [originally cond from french: related to *conduct]
Connect v. 1 (often foll. By to, with) join (two things, or one thing with another). 2 be joined or joinable. 3 (often foll. By with) associate mentally or practically. 4 (foll. By with) (of a train etc.) Be timed to arrive with another, so passengers can transfer. 5 put into communication by telephone. 6 a (usu. In passive; foll. By with) associate with others in relationships etc. B be meaningful or relevant. 7 colloq. Hit or strike effectively. [latin necto nex-bind]
Connecting-rod n. Rod between the piston and crankpin etc. In an internal combustion engine.
Connection n. (also connexion) 1 connecting or being connected. 2 point at which two things are connected. 3 link, esp. By telephone. 4 connecting train etc. 5 (often in pl.) Relative or associate, esp. One with influence. 6 relation of ideas.
Connective adj. Connecting, esp. Of body tissue connecting, separating, etc., organs etc.
Connector n. Thing that connects.
Conning tower n. 1 superstructure of a submarine containing the periscope. 2 armoured wheel-house of a warship. [from *con4]
Connive v. (-ving) 1 (foll. By at) disregard or tacitly consent to (a wrongdoing). 2 (usu. Foll. By with) conspire. connivance n. [latin conniveo shut the eyes]
Connoisseur n. (often foll. By of, in) expert judge in matters of taste. [french connaître know]
Connote v. (-ting) 1 (of a word etc.) Imply in addition to the literal or primary meaning. 2 mean, signify. connotation n. Connotative adj. [medieval latin: related to *note]
Connubial adj. Of marriage or the relationship of husband and wife. [latin nubo marry]
Conquer v. 1 a overcome and control militarily. B be victorious. 2 overcome by effort. conqueror n. [latin conquiro win]
Conquest n. 1 conquering or being conquered. 2 a conquered territory. B something won. 3 person whose affection has been won.
Consanguineous adj. Descended from the same ancestor; akin. consanguinity n. [latin sanguis blood]
Conscience n. Moral sense of right and wrong, esp. As affecting behaviour. in all conscience colloq. By any reasonable standard. On one’s conscience causing one feelings of guilt. Prisoner of conscience person imprisoned by the state for his or her political or religious views. [latin: related to *science]
her political or religious views. [latin: related to *science]
Conscience money n. Sum paid to relieve one’s conscience, esp. Regarding a payment previously evaded.
Conscience-stricken adj. (also conscience-struck) made uneasy by a bad conscience.
Conscientious adj. Diligent and scrupulous. conscientiously adv. Conscientiousness n. [medieval latin: related to *conscience]
Conscientious objector n. Person who for reasons of conscience objects to military service etc.
Conscious —adj. 1 awake and aware of one’s surroundings and identity. 2 (usu. Foll. By of or that) aware, knowing. 3 (of actions, emotions, etc.) Realized or recognized by the doer; intentional. 4 (in comb.) Aware of; concerned with (fashion-conscious). —n. (prec. By the) the conscious mind. consciously adv. Consciousness n. [latin scio know]
Conscript —v. Summon for compulsory state (esp. Military) service. —n. Conscripted person. conscription n. [latin scribo write]
Consecrate v. (-ting) 1 make or declare sacred; dedicate formally to religious or divine purpose. 2 (foll. By to) devote to (a purpose). consecration n. [latin: related to *sacred]
Consecutive adj. 1 a following continuously. B in an unbroken or logical order. 2 gram. Expressing a consequence. consecutively adv. [latin sequor secut-follow]
Consensus n. (often foll. By of; often attrib.) General agreement or opinion. [latin: related to *consent]
Consent —v. (often foll. By to) express willingness, give permission, agree. —n. Voluntary agreement, permission. [latin sentio feel]
Consequence n. 1 result or effect of what has gone before. 2 importance. in consequence as a result. Take the consequences accept the results of one’s choice or action. [latin: related to *consecutive]
Consequent adj. 1 (often foll. By on, upon) following as a result or consequence. 2 logically consistent.
Conservancy n. (pl. -ies) 1 body controlling a port, river, etc., or preserving the environment. 2 official environmental conservation. [latin: related to *conserve]
Conservation n. Preservation, esp. Of the natural environment. [latin: related to
Conservation n. Preservation, esp. Of the natural environment. [latin: related to *conserve]
Conservationist n. Supporter of environmental conservation.
Conservation of energy n. Principle that the total quantity of energy in any system that is not subject to external action remains constant.
Conservative —adj. 1 a averse to rapid change. B (of views, taste, etc.) Moderate, avoiding extremes. 2 (of an estimate etc.) Purposely low. 3 (usu. Conservative) of conservatives or the conservative party. 4 tending to conserve. —n. 1 conservative person. 2 (usu. Conservative) supporter or member of the conservative party. conservatism n. [latin: related to *conserve]
Conservative party n. Political party promoting free enterprise and private ownership.
Conservatoire n. (usu. European) school of music or other arts. [french from italian]
Conservatory n. (pl. -ies) 1 greenhouse for tender plants, esp. Attached to a house. 2 esp. Us = conservatoire. [latin and italian: related to conserve]
Conserve —v. (-ving) keep from harm or damage, esp. For later use. —n. Fresh fruit jam. [latin servo keep]
Consider v. 1 contemplate mentally, esp. In order to reach a conclusion. 2 examine the merits of. 3 look attentively at. 4 take into account; show
examine the merits of. 3 look attentively at. 4 take into account; show consideration or regard for. 5 (foll. By that) have the opinion. 6 regard as. 7 (as considered adj.) Formed after careful thought (a considered opinion). all things considered taking everything into account. [french from latin]
Considerable adj. 1 much; a lot of (considerable pain). 2 notable, important. considerably adv.
Considerate adj. Thoughtful towards others; careful not to cause hurt or inconvenience. considerately adv. [latin: related to *consider]
Consideration n. 1 careful thought. 2 thoughtfulness for others; being considerate. 3 fact or thing taken into account. 4 compensation; payment or reward. in consideration of in return for; on account of. Take into consideration make allowance for. Under consideration being considered.
Considering —prep. & conj. In view of; taking into consideration. —adv. Colloq. Taking everything into account (not so bad, considering).
Consign v. (often foll. By to) 1 hand over; deliver. 2 assign; commit. 3 transmit or send (goods). consignee n. Consignor n. [latin: related to *sign]
Consignment n. 1 consigning or being consigned. 2 goods consigned.
Consist v. 1 (foll. By of) be composed; have as ingredients. 2 (foll. By in, of) have its essential features as specified. [latin sisto stop]
Consistency n. (pl. -ies) 1 degree of density, firmness, or viscosity, esp. Of thick liquids. 2 being consistent. [latin: related to *consist]
Consistent adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By with) compatible or in harmony. 2 (of a person) constant to the same principles. consistently adv. [latin: related to *consist]
Consistory n. (pl. -ies) rc ch. Council of cardinals (with or without the pope). [latin: related to *consist]
Consolation n. 1 consoling or being consoled. 2 consoling thing or person. consolatory adj.
Consolation prize n. Prize given to a competitor who just fails to win a main prize.
Console1 v. (-ling) comfort, esp. In grief or disappointment. [latin: related to *solace]
Usage console is often confused with condole, which is different in that it is always followed by with.
Console2 n. 1 panel for switches, controls, etc. 2 cabinet for a television etc. 3 cabinet with the keyboards and stops of an organ. 4 bracket supporting a shelf etc. [french]
Consolidate v. (-ting) 1 make or become strong or secure. 2 combine (territories, companies, debts, etc.) Into one whole. consolidation n. Consolidator n. [latin: related to *solid]
Consommé n. Clear soup from meat stock. [french]
Consonance n. Agreement, harmony. [latin sono *sound1]
Consonant —n. 1 speech sound in which the breath is at least partly obstructed, and which forms a syllable by combining with a vowel. 2 letter(s) representing this. —adj. (foll. By with, to) consistent; in agreement or harmony. consonantal adj.
Consort1 —n. Wife or husband, esp. Of royalty. —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By with, together) keep company. 2 harmonize. [latin: related to *sort]
Consort2 n. Mus. Small group of players, singers, or instruments. [var. Of *concert]
Consortium n. (pl. -tia or -s) association, esp. Of several business companies. [latin: related to *consort1]
Conspiracy n. (pl. -ies) 1 secret plan to commit a crime; plot. 2 conspiring. [latin:
Conspiracy n. (pl. -ies) 1 secret plan to commit a crime; plot. 2 conspiring. [latin: related to *conspire]
Conspiracy of silence n. Agreement to say nothing.
Conspirator n. Person who takes part in a conspiracy. conspiratorial adj.
Conspire v. (-ring) 1 combine secretly for an unlawful or harmful act. 2 (of events) seem to be working together. [latin spiro breathe]
Constable n. 1 (also police constable) police officer of the lowest rank. 2 governor of a royal castle. [latin comes stabuli count of the stable]
Constabulary n. (pl. -ies) police force. [medieval latin: related to *constable]
Constancy n. Being unchanging and dependable; faithfulness. [latin: related to *constant]
Constant —adj. 1 continuous (constant attention). 2 occurring frequently (constant complaints). 3 unchanging, faithful, dependable. —n. 1 anything that does not vary. 2 math. & physics quantity or number that remains the same. constantly adv. [latin sto stand]
Constellation n. 1 group of fixed stars. 2 group of associated persons etc. [latin stella star]
Consternation n. Anxiety, dismay. [latin sterno throw down]
Constipate v. (-ting) (esp. As constipated adj.) Affect with constipation. [latin stipo cram]
Constipation n. Difficulty in emptying the bowels.
Constituency n. (pl. -ies) 1 body of voters who elect a representative. 2 area so represented.
Constituent —adj. 1 composing or helping to make a whole. 2 able to make or change a constitution (constituent assembly). 3 electing. —n. 1 member of a constituency. 2 component part. [latin: related to *constitute]
Constitute v. (-ting) 1 be the components or essence of; compose. 2 a amount to (this constitutes a warning). B formally establish (constitutes a precedent). 3 give legal or constitutional form to. [latin constituo establish]
Constitution n. 1 act or method of constituting; composition. 2 body of fundamental principles by which a state or other body is governed. 3 person’s inherent state of health, strength, etc. [latin: related to *constitute]
Constitutional —adj. 1 of or in line with the constitution. 2 inherent (constitutional weakness). —n. Walk taken regularly as healthy exercise. constitutionality n. Constitutionally adv.
Constitutive adj. 1 able to form or appoint. 2 component. 3 essential.
Constrain v. 1 compel. 2 a confine forcibly; imprison. B restrict severely. 3 (as constrained adj.) Forced, embarrassed. [latin stringo strict-tie]
Constraint n. 1 constraining or being constrained. 2 restriction. 3 self-control.
Constrict v. Make narrow or tight; compress. constriction n. Constrictive adj. [latin: related to *constrain]
Constrictor n. 1 snake that kills by compressing. 2 muscle that contracts an organ or part of the body.
Construct —v. 1 make by fitting parts together; build, form. 2 geom. Delineate (a figure). —n. Thing constructed, esp. By the mind. constructor n. [latin struo struct-build]
Construction n. 1 constructing or being constructed. 2 thing constructed. 3 interpretation or explanation. 4 syntactical arrangement of words. constructional adj.
Constructive adj. 1 a tending to form a basis for ideas. B helpful, positive. 2 derived by inference. constructively adv.
Construe v. (-strues, -strued, -struing) 1 interpret. 2 (often foll. By with) combine (words) grammatically. 3 analyse the syntax of (a sentence). 4 translate literally.
(words) grammatically. 3 analyse the syntax of (a sentence). 4 translate literally. [latin: related to *construct]
Consubstantial adj. Theol. Of one substance. [church latin: related to *substance]
Consubstantiation n. Theol. Presence of christ’s body and blood together with the bread and wine in the eucharist.
Consul n. 1 official appointed by a state to protect its citizens and interests in a foreign city. 2 hist. Either of two chief magistrates in ancient rome. consular adj. Consulship n. [latin]
Consulate n. 1 official building of a consul. 2 position of consul.
Consult v. 1 seek information or advice from. 2 (often foll. By with) refer to a person for advice etc. 3 take into account (feelings, interests, etc.). consultative adj. [latin consulo consult-take counsel]
Consultancy n. (pl. -ies) practice or position of a consultant.
Consultant n. 1 person providing professional advice etc. 2 senior medical specialist in a hospital.
Consultation n. 1 meeting arranged to consult. 2 act or process of consulting.
Consume v. (-ming) 1 eat or drink. 2 destroy. 3 preoccupy, possess (consumed with rage). 4 use up. consumable adj. & n. [latin consumo -sumpt-]
Consumer n. 1 person who consumes, esp. One who uses a product. 2 purchaser of goods or services.
Consumer durable n. Durable household product (e.g. A radio or washing-machine).
Consumer goods n.pl. Goods for consumers, not for producing other goods.
Consumerism n. 1 protection of consumers’ interests. 2 (often derog.) Continual increase in the consumption of goods. consumerist adj.
Consummate —v. (-ting) 1 complete; make perfect. 2 complete (a marriage) by sexual intercourse. —adj. Complete, perfect; fully skilled. consummation n. [latin summus utmost]
Consumption n. 1 consuming or being consumed. 2 amount consumed. 3 use by a particular group (a film unsuitable for children’s consumption). 4 archaic tuberculosis of the lungs. 5 purchase and use of goods etc. [french: related to *consume]
Consumptive archaic —adj. Suffering or tending to suffer from consumption. — n. Consumptive person. [medieval latin: related to *consumption]
Cont. Abbr. 1 contents. 2 continued.
Contact —n. 1 state or condition of touching, meeting, or communicating. 2 person who is or may be communicated with for information, assistance, etc. 3 connection for the passage of an electric current. 4 person likely to carry a contagious disease through being near an infected person. —v. 1 get in touch with (a person). 2 begin correspondence or personal dealings with. [latin tango tact-touch]
Contact lens n. Small lens placed directly on the eyeball to correct vision.
Contact print photographic print made by placing a negative directly on to printing paper and exposing it to light.
Contagion n. 1 a spreading of disease by bodily contact. B contagious disease. 2 moral corruption. [related to *contact]
Contagious adj. 1 a (of a person) likely to transmit a disease by contact. B (of a disease) transmitted in this way. 2 (of emotions etc.) Likely to spread (contagious enthusiasm).
Contain v. 1 hold or be capable of holding within itself; include, comprise. 2 (of measures) be equal to (a gallon contains eight pints). 3 prevent from moving or extending. 4 control or restrain (feelings etc.). 5 (of a number) be divisible by (a factor) without a remainder. [latin teneo hold]
Container n. 1 box, jar, etc., for holding things. 2 large metal box for transporting goods.
Containerize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) pack in or transport by container. containerization n.
Containment n. Action or policy of preventing the expansion of a hostile country or influence.
Contaminate v. (-ting) 1 pollute, esp. With radioactivity. 2 infect. contaminant n. Contamination n. Contaminator n. [latin tamen-related to tango touch]
Contemplate v. (-ting) 1 survey visually or mentally. 2 regard (an event) as possible. 3 intend (he is not contemplating retiring). 4 meditate. contemplation n. [latin]
Contemplative —adj. Of or given to (esp. Religious) contemplation; thoughtful. —n. Person devoted to religious contemplation. [latin: related to *contemplate]
Contemporaneous adj. (usu. Foll. By with) existing or occurring at the same time. contemporaneity n. [latin: related to *com-, tempus time]
Contemporary —adj. 1 living or occurring at the same time. 2 of approximately the same age. 3 modern in style or design. —n. (pl. -ies) contemporary person or thing. [medieval latin: related to *contemporaneous]
Contempt n. 1 feeling that a person or thing deserves scorn or extreme reproach. 2 condition of being held in contempt. 3 (in full contempt of court) disobedience to or disrespect for a court of law. [latin temno tempt-despise]
Contemptuous adj. (often foll. By of) feeling or showing contempt. contemptuously adv.
Contend v. 1 (usu. Foll. By with) fight, argue. 2 compete. 3 assert, maintain. contender n. [latin: related to *tend1]
Content1 —predic. Adj. 1 satisfied; adequately happy. 2 (foll. By to + infin.) Willing. —v. Make content; satisfy. —n. Contented state; satisfaction. to one’s heart’s content as much as one wishes. [latin: related to *contain]
Content2 n. 1 (usu. In pl.) What is contained, esp. In a vessel, book, or house. 2 amount (of a constituent) contained (high fat content). 3 substance (of a speech etc.) As distinct from form. 4 capacity or volume. [medieval latin: related to *contain]
Contented adj. Showing or feeling content; happy, satisfied. contentedly adv. Contentedness n.
Contention n. 1 dispute or argument; rivalry. 2 point contended for in an argument. [latin: related to *contend]
Contentious adj. 1 quarrelsome. 2 likely to cause an argument.
Contentment n. Satisfied state; tranquil happiness.
Contest —n. 1 contending; strife. 2 a competition. —v. 1 dispute (a decision etc.). 2 contend or compete for; compete in (an election). [latin testis witness]
Contestant n. Person taking part in a contest.
Context n. 1 parts that surround a word or passage and clarify its meaning. 2 relevant circumstances. in (or out of) context with (or without) the surrounding words or circumstances. contextual adj. Contextualize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). [latin: related to *text]
Contiguous adj. (usu. Foll. By with, to) touching; in contact. contiguity n. [latin: related to *contact]
Continent1 n. 1 any of the main continuous expanses of land (europe, asia, africa, n. And s. America, australia, antarctica). 2 (the continent) mainland of europe as distinct from the british isles. [latin: related to *contain]
Continent2 adj. 1 able to control one’s bowels and bladder. 2 exercising self-restraint, esp. Sexually. continence n. [latin: related to *contain]
Continental adj. 1 of or characteristic of a continent. 2 (continental) of or characteristic of mainland europe.
Continental breakfast n. Light breakfast of coffee, rolls, etc.
Continental quilt n. Duvet.
Continental shelf n. Area of shallow seabed bordering a continent.
Contingency n. (pl. -ies) 1 event that may or may not occur. 2 something dependent on another uncertain event. [latin: related to *contingent]
Contingent —adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By on, upon) conditional, dependent (on an uncertain event or circumstance). 2 a that may or may not occur. B fortuitous. — n. 1 body (of troops, ships, etc.) Forming part of a larger group. 2 group of people sharing an interest, origin, etc. (the oxford contingent). [latin: related to *contact]
Continual adj. Constantly or frequently recurring; always happening. continually adv. [french: related to *continue]
Usage continual is often confused with continuous. Continual is used of something that happens very frequently (e.g. There were continual interruptions), while continuous is used of something that happens without a pause (e.g. Continuous rain all day).
Continuance n. 1 continuing in existence or operation. 2 duration.
Continuation n. 1 continuing or being continued. 2 part that continues something else.
Continue v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) 1 maintain, not stop (an action etc.) (continued to read, reading). 2 (also absol.) Resume or prolong (a narrative, journey, etc.). 3 be a sequel to. 4 remain, stay (will continue as manager; weather continued fine). [latin: related to *contain]
Continuity n. (pl. -ies) 1 state of being continuous. 2 a logical sequence. 3 detailed scenario of a film or broadcast. 4 linking of broadcast items.
Continuo n. (pl. -s) mus. Accompaniment providing a bass line, played usu. On a keyboard instrument. [italian]
Continuous adj. Uninterrupted, connected throughout in space or time. continuously adv. [latin: related to *contain]
Usage see note at continual.
Continuous assessment n. Evaluation of a pupil’s progress throughout a course of study.
Continuum n. (pl. -nua) thing having a continuous structure. [latin: related to *continuous]
Contort v. Twist or force out of its normal shape. contortion n. [latin torqueo tort-twist]
Contortionist n. Entertainer who adopts contorted postures.
Contour —n. 1 outline. 2 (in full contour line) line on a map joining points of equal altitude. —v. Mark with contour lines. [italian contornare draw in outline]
Contra n. (pl. -s) member of a counter-revolutionary force in nicaragua. [abbreviation of spanish contrarevolucionario counter-revolutionary]
Contra-comb. Form against, opposite. [latin]
Contraband —n. 1 smuggled goods. 2 smuggling; illegal trade. —adj. Forbidden to be imported or exported. [spanish from italian]
Contraception n. Prevention of pregnancy; use of contraceptives. [from contra-, conception]
Contraceptive —adj. Preventing pregnancy. —n. Contraceptive device or drug.
Contract —n. 1 written or spoken agreement, esp. One enforceable by law. 2 document recording this. —v. 1 make or become smaller. 2 a (usu. Foll. By with) make a contract. B (often foll. By out) arrange (work) to be done by
with) make a contract. B (often foll. By out) arrange (work) to be done by contract. 3 become affected by (a disease). 4 enter into (marriage). 5 incur (a debt etc.). 6 draw together (the muscles, brow, etc.), or be drawn together. contract in (or out) choose to enter (or not to enter) a scheme or commitment. [latin contractus: related to *tract1]
Contractable adj. (of a disease) that can be contracted.
Contract bridge n. Bridge in which only tricks bid and won count towards the game.
Contractible adj. That can be shrunk or drawn together.
Contractile adj. Capable of or producing contraction. contractility n.
Contraction n. 1 contracting or being contracted. 2 med. Shortening of the uterine muscles during childbirth. 3 shrinking, diminution. 4 shortened form of a word or words (e.g. He’s).
Contractor n. Person who makes a contract, esp. To conduct building operations.
Contractual adj. Of or in the nature of a contract. contractually adv.
Contradict v. 1 deny (a statement). 2 deny a statement made by (a person). 3 be in opposition to or in conflict with. contradiction n. Contradictory adj. [latin dico dict-say]
Contradistinction n. Distinction made by contrasting.
Contraflow n. Transfer of traffic from its usual half of the road to the other half by borrowing one or more of the other half’s lanes.
Contralto n. (pl. -s) 1 lowest female singing-voice. 2 singer with this voice. [italian: related to contra-, alto]
Contraption n. Machine or device, esp. A strange or cumbersome one. [origin unknown]
Contrapuntal adj. Mus. Of or in counterpoint. contrapuntally adv. [italian]
Contrariwise adv. 1 on the other hand. 2 in the opposite way. 3 perversely.
Contrary —adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By to) opposed in nature or tendency. 2 perverse, self-willed. 3 (of a wind) unfavourable, impeding. 4 opposite in position or direction. —n. (prec. By the) the opposite. —adv. (foll. By to) in opposition or contrast (contrary to expectations). on the contrary expressing denial of what has just been implied or stated. To the contrary to the opposite effect. contrariness n. [latin: related to *contra-]
Contrast —n. 1 a juxtaposition or comparison showing differences. B difference so revealed. 2 (often foll. By to) thing or person having different qualities. 3 degree of difference between the tones in a television picture or photograph. —v. (often foll. By with) 1 set together so as to reveal a contrast. 2 have or show a
(often foll. By with) 1 set together so as to reveal a contrast. 2 have or show a contrast. [italian from latin sto stand]
Contravene v. (-ning) 1 infringe (a law etc.). 2 (of things) conflict with. contravention n. [latin venio come]
Contretemps n. (pl. Same) 1 unfortunate occurrence. 2 unexpected mishap. [french]
Contribute v. (-ting) (often foll. By to) 1 give (time, money, etc.) Towards a common purpose. 2 help to bring about a result etc. 3 (also absol.) Supply (an article etc.) For publication with others. contributor n. [latin: related to *tribute]
Usage the second pronunciation, stressed on the first syllable, is considered incorrect by some people.
Contribution n. 1 act of contributing. 2 thing contributed.
Contributory adj. 1 that contributes. 2 using contributions.
Contrite adj. Penitent, feeling great guilt. contritely adv. Contrition n. [latin: related to *trite]
Contrivance n. 1 something contrived, esp. A plan or mechanical device. 2 act of contriving.
Contrive v. (-ving) 1 devise; plan or make resourcefully or with skill. 2 (often foll. By to + infin.) Manage. [french from latin]
Contrived adj. Artificial, forced.
Control —n. 1 power of directing. 2 power of restraining, esp. Self-restraint. 3 means of restraint. 4 (usu. In pl.) Means of regulating. 5 (usu. In pl.) Switches and other devices by which a machine is controlled. 6 place where something is controlled or verified. 7 standard of comparison for checking the results of an experiment. —v. (-ll-) 1 have control of, regulate. 2 hold in check. 3 check, verify. in control (often foll. By of) directing an activity. Out of control no longer manageable. Under control being controlled; in order. controllable adj. [medieval latin, = keep copy of accounts: related to contra-, roll]
Controller n. 1 person or thing that controls. 2 person in charge of expenditure.
Control tower n. Tall building at an airport etc. From which air traffic is controlled.
Controversial adj. Causing or subject to controversy. [latin: related to *controvert]
Controversy n. (pl. -ies) prolonged argument or dispute. [latin: related to *controvert]
Usage the second pronunciation, stressed on the second syllable, is considered
Usage the second pronunciation, stressed on the second syllable, is considered incorrect by some people.
Controvert v. Dispute, deny. [latin verto vers-turn]
Contumacious adj. Stubbornly or wilfully disobedient. contumacy n. (pl. -ies). [latin tumeo swell]
Contumely n. 1 insolent language or treatment. 2 disgrace. [latin: related to *contumacious]
Contuse v. (-sing) bruise. contusion n. [latin tundo tus-thump]
Conundrum n. 1 riddle, esp. One with a pun in its answer. 2 hard question. [origin unknown]
Conurbation n. Extended urban area, esp. Consisting of several towns and merging suburbs. [latin urbs city]
Convalesce v. (-cing) recover health after illness. [latin valeo be well]
Convalescent —adj. Recovering from an illness. —n. Convalescent person. convalescence n.
Convection n. Heat transfer by upward movement of a heated and less dense medium. [latin veho vect-carry]
medium. [latin veho vect-carry]
Convector n. Heating appliance that circulates warm air by convection.
Convene v. (-ning) 1 summon or arrange (a meeting etc.). 2 assemble. [latin venio vent-come]
Convener n. (also convenor) 1 person who convenes a meeting. 2 senior trade union official at a workplace.
Convenience n. 1 state of being convenient; suitability. 2 useful thing. 3 advantage. 4 lavatory, esp. A public one. at one’s convenience at a time or place that suits one. [latin: related to *convene]
Convenience food n. Food requiring little preparation.
Convenient adj. 1 a serving one’s comfort or interests. B suitable. C free of trouble or difficulty. 2 available or occurring at a suitable time or place. 3 well situated (convenient for the shops). conveniently adv.
Convent n. 1 religious community, esp. Of nuns, under vows. 2 premises occupied by this. [latin: related to *convene]
Conventicle n. Esp. Hist. Secret or unlawful religious meeting, esp. Of dissenters. [latin: related to *convene]
Convention n. 1 a general agreement on social behaviour etc. By implicit majority consent. B a custom or customary practice. 2 conference of people with a common interest. 3 a formal agreement, esp. Between states. [latin: related to *convene]
Conventional adj. 1 depending on or according with convention. 2 (of a person) bound by social conventions. 3 usual; of agreed significance. 4 not spontaneous or sincere or original. 5 (of weapons etc.) Non-nuclear. conventionalism n. Conventionality n. (pl. -ies). Conventionally adv.
Converge v. (-ging) 1 come together or towards the same point. 2 (foll. By on, upon) approach from different directions. convergence n. Convergent adj. [latin vergo incline]
Conversant adj. (foll. By with) well acquainted with. [french: related to *converse1]
Conversation n. 1 informal spoken communication. 2 instance of this. [latin: related to *converse1]
Conversational adj. 1 of or in conversation. 2 colloquial. conversationally adv.
Conversationalist n. Person good at or fond of conversation.
Converse1 v. (-sing) (often foll. By with) talk. [latin: related to *convert]
Converse2 —adj. Opposite, contrary, reversed. —n. Something, esp. A statement or proposition, that is opposite or reversed. conversely adv. [latin: related to *convert]
Conversion n. 1 converting or being converted. 2 converted building or part of this. [latin: related to *convert]
Convert —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By into) change in form or function. 2 cause (a person) to change belief etc. 3 change (moneys etc.) Into others of a different kind. 4 make structural alterations in (a building) for a new purpose. 5 (also absol.) Rugby score extra points from (a try) by a successful kick at the goal. — n. (often foll. By to) person converted to a different belief etc. [latin verto vers-turn]
Convertible —adj. Able to be converted. —n. Car with a folding or detachable roof. convertibility n. [latin: related to *convert]
Convex adj. Curved like the exterior of a circle or sphere. convexity n. [latin]
Convey v. 1 transport or carry (goods, passengers, etc.). 2 communicate (an idea, meaning, etc.). 3 transfer the title to (a property). 4 transmit (sound etc.). conveyable adj. [latin via way]
Conveyance n. 1 conveying or being conveyed. 2 means of transport; vehicle. 3 law a transfer of property. B document effecting this. conveyancer n. (in sense 3). Conveyancing n. (in sense 3).
Conveyor n. (also conveyer) person or thing that conveys.
Conveyor belt n. Endless moving belt for conveying articles, esp. In a factory.
Convict —v. 1 (often foll. By of) prove to be guilty (of a crime etc.). 2 declare guilty by a legal process. —n. Chiefly hist. Person serving a prison sentence. [latin vinco vict-conquer]
Conviction n. 1 convicting or being convicted. 2 a being convinced. B firm belief. [latin: related to *convict]
Convince v. (-cing) firmly persuade. convincible adj. Convincing adj. Convincingly adv. [latin: related to *convict]
Convivial adj. Fond of good company; sociable and lively. conviviality n. [latin vivo live]
Convocation n. 1 convoking or being convoked. 2 large formal gathering. [latin: related to *convoke]
Convoke v. (-king) formal call together; summon to assemble. [latin voco call]
Convolution n. 1 coiling. 2 coil or twist. 3 complexity. 4 sinuous fold in the surface of the brain.
Convolvulus n. (pl. -luses) twining plant, esp. Bindweed. [latin]
Convoy —n. Group of ships, vehicles, etc., travelling together or under escort. —v. Escort, esp. With armed force. in convoy as a group. [french: related to *convey]
Convulse v. (-sing) 1 (usu. In passive) affect with convulsions. 2 cause to laugh uncontrollably. convulsive adj. Convulsively adv. [latin vello vuls-pull]
Convulsion n. 1 (usu. In pl.) Violent irregular motion of the limbs or body caused by involuntary contraction of muscles. 2 violent disturbance. 3 (in pl.) Uncontrollable laughter.
Cony n. (also coney) rabbit fur. [latin cuniculus]
Coo —n. Soft murmuring sound as of a dove. —v. (coos, cooed) 1 emit a coo. 2 talk or say in a soft or amorous voice. —int. Slang expressing surprise or disbelief. [imitative]
Cooee n. & int. Colloq. Call used to attract attention. [imitative]
Cook —v. 1 prepare (food) by heating it. 2 (of food) undergo cooking. 3 colloq. Falsify (accounts etc.). 4 (as be cooking) colloq. Be happening or about to
Falsify (accounts etc.). 4 (as be cooking) colloq. Be happening or about to happen. —n. Person who cooks, esp. Professionally or in a specified way (a good cook). cook up colloq. Concoct (a story, excuse, etc.). [latin coquus]
Cookbook n. Us cookery book.
Cook-chill attrib. Adj. (of food, meals, etc.) Sold in pre-cooked and refrigerated form.
Cooker n. 1 appliance or vessel for cooking food. 2 fruit (esp. An apple) suitable for cooking.
Cookery n. Art or practice of cooking.
Cookery book n. Book containing recipes.
Cookie n. Us 1 sweet biscuit. 2 colloq. Person (a tough cookie). [dutch koekje]
Cool —adj. 1 of or at a fairly low temperature, fairly cold. 2 suggesting or achieving coolness. 3 calm, unexcited. 4 lacking enthusiasm. 5 unfriendly (a cool reception). 6 calmly audacious. 7 (prec. By a) colloq. At least (cost a cool thousand). 8 slang esp. Us marvellous. —n. 1 coolness. 2 cool air or place. 3 slang calmness, composure. —v. (often foll. By down, off) make or become cool. cool it slang relax, calm down. coolly adv. Coolness n. [old english]
Coolant n. Cooling agent, esp. Fluid.
Coolant n. Cooling agent, esp. Fluid.
Cool-bag n. (also cool-box) insulated container for keeping food cool.
Cooler n. 1 vessel in which a thing is cooled. 2 us refrigerator. 3 slang prison cell.
Coolie n. Unskilled native labourer in eastern countries. [perhaps from kuli, tribe in india]
Cooling-off period n. Interval to allow for a change of mind.
Cooling tower n. Tall structure for cooling hot water before reuse, esp. In industry.
Coomb n. (also combe) 1 valley on the side of a hill. 2 short valley running up from the coast. [old english]
Coon n. 1 us racoon. 2 slang offens. Black. [abbreviation]
Coop —n. Cage for keeping poultry. —v. (often foll. By up, in) confine (a person). [latin cupa cask]
Co-op n. Colloq. Cooperative society or shop. [abbreviation]
Cooper n. Maker or repairer of casks, barrels, etc. [low german or dutch: related to *coop]
Cooperate v. (also cooperate) (-ting) 1 (often foll. By with) work or act together. 2 be helpful and do as one is asked. cooperation n. [related to *co-]
Cooperative (also cooperative) —adj. 1 willing to cooperate. 2 of or characterized by cooperation. 3 (of a business) owned and run jointly by its members, with profits shared. —n. Cooperative farm, society, or business.
Co-opt v. Appoint to membership of a body by invitation of the existing members. cooption n. Cooptive adj. [latin coopto from opto choose]
Coordinate (also coordinate) —v. (-ting) 1 cause (parts, movements, etc.) To function together efficiently. 2 work or act together effectively. —adj. Equal in rank or importance. —n. 1 math. Each of a system of values used to fix the position of a point, line, or plane. 2 (in pl.) Matching items of clothing. coordination n. Coordinator n. [latin ordino: related to *order]
Coot n. 1 black aquatic bird with a white horny plate on its forehead. 2 colloq. Stupid person. [probably low german]
Cop slang —n. 1 police officer. 2 capture or arrest (it’s a fair cop). —v. (-pp-) 1 catch or arrest (an offender). 2 receive, suffer. 3 take, seize. cop it get into trouble; be punished. Cop out 1 withdraw; give up. 2 go back on a promise. Not much cop of little value or use. [french caper seize]
Copal n. Resin of a tropical tree, used for varnish. [spanish from aztec]
Copartner n. Partner or associate. copartnership n.
Cope1 v. (-ping) (often foll. By with) deal effectively or contend; manage. [french: related to *coup]
Cope2 —n. Priest’s long cloaklike vestment. —v. (-ping) cover with a cope or coping. [latin cappa *cap]
Copeck n. (also kopek, kopeck) russian coin worth one-hundredth of a rouble. [russian kopeika]
Copernican system n. Theory that the planets (including the earth) move round the sun. [copernicus, name of an astronomer]
Copier n. Machine that copies (esp. Documents).
Copilot n. Second pilot in an aircraft.
Coping n. Top (usu. Sloping) course of masonry in a wall. [from *cope2]
Coping saw n. D-shaped saw for cutting curves in wood. [from *cope1]
Copper1 —n. 1 malleable red-brown metallic element. 2 bronze coin. 3 large metal vessel for boiling esp. Laundry. —adj. Made of or coloured like copper. —v. Cover with copper. [latin cuprum]
Copper2 n. Slang police officer. [from *cop]
Copper beech n. Variety of beech with copper-coloured leaves.
Copper-bottomed adj. 1 having a bottom sheathed with copper. 2 genuine or reliable.
Copperhead n. Venomous n. American or australian snake.
Copperplate n. 1 a polished copper plate for engraving or etching. B print made from this. 2 ornate style of handwriting.
Coppice n. Area of undergrowth and small trees. [medieval latin: related to *coup]
Copra n. Dried coconut-kernels. [portuguese from malayalam]
Copse n. = *coppice. [shortened form]
Copt n. 1 native egyptian in the hellenistic and roman periods. 2 native christian of the independent egyptian church. [french from arabic]
Coptic —n. Language of the copts. —adj. Of the copts.
Copula n. (pl. -s) connecting word, esp. Part of the verb be connecting subject and predicate. [latin]
Copulate v. (-ting) (often foll. By with) (esp. Of animals) have sexual intercourse. copulation n.
Copy —n. (pl. -ies) 1 thing made to imitate another. 2 single specimen of a publication or issue. 3 material to be printed, esp. Regarded as good etc. Reading matter (the crisis will make exciting copy). —v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make a copy of. 2 imitate, do the same as. [latin copia transcript]
Copybook n. 1 book containing models of handwriting for learners to imitate. 2 (attrib.) A tritely conventional. B exemplary.
Copycat n. Colloq. Person who copies another, esp. Slavishly.
Copyist n. Person who makes (esp. Written) copies.
Copyright —n. Exclusive legal right to print, publish, perform, film, or record material. —adj. Protected by copyright. —v. Secure copyright for (material).
Copy-typist n. Typist who types from documents rather than dictation.
Copywriter n. Person who writes or prepares advertising copy for publication.
Coq au vin n. Casserole of chicken pieces in wine. [french]
Coquette n. Woman who flirts. coquetry n. (pl. -ies). Coquettish adj. [french diminutive: related to *cock1]
Cor int. Slang expressing surprise etc. [corruption of god]
Cor-see *com-.
Coracle n. Small boat of wickerwork covered with watertight material. [welsh]
Coral —n. Hard red, pink, or white calcareous substance secreted by marine polyps for support and habitation. —adj. 1 red or pink, like coral. 2 made of coral. [greek korallion]
Coral island n. (also coral reef) island (or reef) formed by the growth of coral.
Coralline —n. Seaweed with a hard jointed stem. —adj. Of or like coral. [french and italian: related to *coral]
Cor anglais n. (pl. Cors anglais) alto woodwind instrument of the oboe family. [french]
Corbel n. Projection of stone, timber, etc., jutting out from a wall to support a weight. corbelled adj. [latin corvus crow]
Cord —n. 1 a flexible material like thick string, made from twisted strands. B piece of this. 2 similar structure in the body. 3 a ribbed fabric, esp. Corduroy. B (in pl.) Corduroy trousers. 4 electric flex. —v. 1 fasten or bind with cord. 2 (as corded adj.) (of cloth) ribbed. [greek khorde string]
Cordite n. Smokeless explosive. [from *cord, because of its appearance]
Cordless adj. (of a hand-held electrical device) usable without a power cable because working from an internal source of energy or battery.
Cordon —n. 1 line or circle of police, soldiers, guards, etc., esp. Preventing access. 2 ornamental cord or braid. 3 fruit-tree trained to grow as a single stem. —v. (often foll. By off) enclose or separate with a cordon of police etc. [italian and french: related to *cord]
Cordon bleu cookery —adj. Of the highest class. —n. Cook of this class. [french]
Cordon sanitaire n. 1 guarded line between infected and uninfected districts. 2 measure designed to prevent the spread of undesirable influences.
Corduroy n. 1 thick cotton fabric with velvety ribs. 2 (in pl.) Corduroy trousers. [cord = ribbed fabric]
Core —n. 1 horny central part of certain fruits, containing the seeds. 2 central or most important part of anything (also attrib.: core curriculum). 3 inner central region of the earth. 4 part of a nuclear reactor containing fissile material. 5 hist. Structural unit in a computer, storing one bit of data (see *bit4). 6 inner strand of an electric cable. 7 piece of soft iron forming the centre of an electromagnet or induction coil. —v. (-ring) remove the core from. corer n. [origin unknown]
Co-respondent n. Person cited in a divorce case as having committed adultery with the respondent.
Corgi n. (pl. -s) dog of a short-legged breed with a foxlike head. [welsh]
Coriander n. 1 aromatic plant. 2 its seeds used for flavouring. [greek koriannon]
Corinthian adj. 1 of ancient corinth in southern greece. 2 archit. Of the order characterized by ornate decoration and acanthus leaves. [latin from greek]
Cork —n. 1 buoyant light-brown bark of a s. European oak. 2 bottle-stopper of cork etc. 3 float of cork. 4 (attrib.) Made of cork. —v. (often foll. By up) 1 stop or confine. 2 restrain (feelings etc.). [spanish alcorque]
Corkage n. Charge made by a restaurant etc. For serving a customer’s own wine etc.
Corked adj. 1 stopped with a cork. 2 (of wine) spoilt by a decayed cork.
Corker n. Slang excellent person or thing.
Corkscrew —n. 1 spiral device for extracting corks from bottles. 2 (often attrib.) Thing with a spiral shape. —v. Move spirally; twist.
Corm n. Underground swollen stem base of some plants. [greek kormos lopped tree-trunk]
Cormorant n. Diving sea bird with black plumage. [latin corvus marinus sea-raven]
Corn1 n. 1 a cereal before or after harvesting, esp. The chief crop of a region. B grain or seed of a cereal plant. 2 colloq. Something corny or trite. [old english]
Corn2 n. Small tender area of horny skin, esp. On the toe. [latin cornu horn]
Corn-cob n. Cylindrical centre of a maize ear on which the grains grow.
Corncrake n. Rail inhabiting grassland and nesting on the ground.
Corn dolly n. Figure of plaited straw.
Cornea n. Transparent circular part of the front of the eyeball. corneal adj. [medieval latin: related to *corn2]
Corned adj. (esp. Of beef) preserved in salt or brine. [from *corn1]
Cornelian n. (also carnelian) dull red variety of chalcedony. [french]
Corner —n. 1 place where converging sides or edges meet. 2 projecting angle, esp. Where two streets meet. 3 internal space or recess formed by the meeting of two sides, esp. Of a room. 4 difficult position, esp. One with no escape. 5
two sides, esp. Of a room. 4 difficult position, esp. One with no escape. 5 secluded place. 6 region or quarter, esp. A remote one. 7 action or result of buying or controlling the whole stock of a commodity. 8 boxing & wrestling corner of the ring where a contestant rests between rounds. 9 football & hockey free kick or hit from the corner of a pitch. —v. 1 force into a difficult or inescapable position. 2 establish a corner in (a commodity). 3 (esp. Of or in a vehicle) go round a corner. [latin: related to *corn2]
Cornerstone n. 1 a stone in the projecting angle of a wall. B foundation-stone. 2 indispensable part or basis.
Cornet n. 1 brass instrument resembling a trumpet but shorter and wider. 2 conical wafer for holding ice-cream. cornetist n. (also cornettist). [latin cornu: related to *corn2]
Cornflake n. 1 (in pl.) Breakfast cereal of toasted maize flakes. 2 flake of this cereal.
Cornflour n. Fine-ground flour, esp. Of maize or rice.
Cornflower n. Plant with deep-blue flowers originally growing among corn.
Cornice n. Ornamental moulding, esp. Round a room just below the ceiling or as the topmost part of an entablature. [french from italian]
Cornish —adj. Of cornwall. —n. Celtic language of cornwall.
Cornish pasty n. Pastry envelope containing meat and vegetables.
Corn on the cob n. Maize cooked and eaten from the corn-cob.
Cornucopia n. 1 horn overflowing with flowers, fruit, and corn, as a symbol of plenty. 2 abundant supply. [latin: related to corn2, copious]
Corolla n. Whorl of petals forming the inner envelope of a flower. [latin diminutive of *corona]
Corollary n. (pl. -ies) 1 proposition that follows from one already proved. 2 (often foll. By of) natural consequence. [latin, = gratuity: related to *corolla]
Corona n. (pl. -nae) 1 a halo round the sun or moon. B gaseous envelope of the sun, seen as an area of light around the moon during a total solar eclipse. 2 anat. Crownlike structure. 3 crownlike outgrowth from the inner side of a corolla. 4 glow around an electric conductor. coronal adj. [latin, = crown]
Coronary —adj. Anat. Resembling or encircling like a crown. —n. (pl. -ies) = *coronary thrombosis. [latin: related to *corona]
Coronary artery n. Artery supplying blood to the heart.
Coronary thrombosis n. Blockage caused by a blood clot in a coronary artery.
Coronation n. Ceremony of crowning a sovereign or consort. [medieval latin: related to *corona]
Coroner n. Official holding inquests on deaths thought to be violent or accidental. [anglo-french: related to *crown]
Coronet n. 1 small crown. 2 circlet of precious materials, esp. As a headdress. [french diminutive: related to *crown]
Corpora pl. Of *corpus.
Corporal1 n. Non-commissioned army or air-force officer ranking next below sergeant. [french from italian]
Corporal2 adj. Of the human body. corporality n. [latin corpus body]
Corporal punishment n. Physical punishment.
Corporate adj. 1 forming a corporation. 2 of, belonging to, or united in a group. [latin: related to *corporal2]
Corporation n. 1 group of people authorized to act as an individual, esp. In business. 2 municipal authorities of a borough, town, or city. 3 joc. Large stomach.
Corporative adj. 1 of a corporation. 2 governed by or organized in corporations.
Corporeal adj. Bodily, physical, material. corporeality n. Corporeally adv. [latin: related to *corporal2]
Corps n. (pl. Corps) 1 a body of troops with special duties (intelligence corps). B main subdivision of an army in the field. 2 body of people engaged in a special activity (diplomatic corps). [french: related to *corpse]
Corps de ballet n. Group of ensemble dancers in a ballet. [french]
Corpse n. Dead body. [latin: related to *corpus]
Corpulent adj. Physically bulky, fat. corpulence n. [latin: related to *corpus]
Corpus n. (pl. -pora) body or collection of writings, texts, etc. [latin, = body]
Corpuscle n. Minute body or cell in an organism, esp. (in pl.) The red or white cells in the blood of vertebrates. corpuscular adj. [latin diminutive of *corpus]
Corral —n. 1 us pen for cattle, horses, etc. 2 enclosure for capturing wild animals. —v. (-ll-) put or keep in a corral. [spanish and portuguese: related to *kraal]
Correct —adj. 1 true, accurate. 2 proper, in accordance with taste or a standard. —v. 1 set right; amend. 2 mark errors in. 3 substitute a right thing for (a wrong one). 4 a admonish (a person). B punish (a person or fault). 5 counteract (a harmful quality). 6 adjust (an instrument etc.). correctly adv. Correctness n. Corrector n. [latin rego rect-guide]
Correction n. 1 correcting or being corrected. 2 thing substituted for what is wrong. 3 archaic punishment. correctional adj. [latin: related to *correct]
Correctitude n. Consciously correct behaviour. [from *correct, *rectitude]
Corrective —adj. Serving to correct or counteract something harmful. —n. Corrective measure or thing. [latin: related to *correct]
Correlate —v. (-ting) (usu. Foll. By with, to) have or bring into a mutual relation or dependence. —n. Each of two related or complementary things. correlation n. [medieval latin correlatio]
Correlative —adj. 1 (often foll. By with, to) having a mutual relation. 2 (of words) corresponding to each other and used together (as neither and nor). —n. Correlative word or thing.
Correspond v. 1 a (usu. Foll. By to) be similar or equivalent. B (usu. Foll. By
Correspond v. 1 a (usu. Foll. By to) be similar or equivalent. B (usu. Foll. By with, to) be in agreement, not contradict. 2 (usu. Foll. By with) exchange letters. correspondingly adv. [french from medieval latin]
Correspondence n. 1 agreement or similarity. 2 a exchange of letters. B letters.
Correspondence course n. Course of study conducted by post.
Correspondent n. 1 person who writes letters. 2 person employed to write or report for a newspaper or for broadcasting etc.
Corridor n. 1 passage giving access into rooms. 2 passage in a train giving access into compartments. 3 strip of territory of one state passing through that of another. 4 route which an aircraft must follow, esp. Over a foreign country. [french from italian]
Corridors of power n.pl. Places where covert influence is said to be exerted in government.
Corrigendum n. (pl. -da) error to be corrected. [latin corrigo: related to *correct]
Corrigible adj. 1 able to be corrected. 2 submissive. corrigibly adv. [medieval latin: related to *corrigendum]
Corroborate v. (-ting) confirm or give support to (a statement or belief etc.). corroboration n. Corroborative adj. Corroborator n. [latin robur strength]
Corrode v. (-ding) 1 a wear away, esp. By chemical action. B decay. 2 destroy gradually. [latin rodo ros-gnaw]
Corrosion n. 1 corroding or being corroded. 2 corroded area. corrosive adj. & n.
Corrugate v. (-ting) (esp. As corrugated adj.) Form into alternate ridges and grooves, esp. To strengthen (corrugated iron). corrugation n. [latin ruga wrinkle]
Corrupt —adj. 1 dishonest, esp. Using bribery. 2 immoral; wicked. 3 (of a text etc.) Made unreliable by errors or alterations. —v. Make or become corrupt. corruptible adj. Corruptibility n. Corruption n. Corruptive adj. Corruptly adv. Corruptness n. [latin rumpo rupt-break]
Corsage n. Small bouquet worn by women. [french: related to *corpse]
Corsair n. 1 pirate ship. 2 pirate. [french: related to *course]
Corselette n. Combined corset and bra. [french corslet armour covering trunk]
Corset n. Closely-fitting undergarment worn to shape the body or to support it after injury. corsetry n. [french diminutive: related to *corpse]
Cortège n. Procession, esp. For a funeral. [french]
Cortex n. (pl. -tices) outer part of an organ, esp. Of the brain or kidneys. cortical adj. [latin, = bark]
Cortisone n. Hormone used esp. In treating inflammation and allergy. [abbreviation of chemical name]
Corundum n. Extremely hard crystallized alumina, used esp. As an abrasive. [tamil from sanskrit]
Coruscate v. (-ting) sparkle. coruscation n. [latin]
Corvette n. 1 small naval escort-vessel. 2 hist. Warship with one tier of guns. [french from dutch]
Corymb n. Flat-topped cluster of flowers with the outer flower-stalks proportionally longer. [latin from greek]
Cos1 n. Lettuce with crisp narrow leaves. [kos, greek island]
Cos2 abbr. Cosine.
Cos3 conj. Colloq. Because. [abbreviation]
Cosec abbr. Cosecant.
Cosecant n. Math. Ratio of the hypotenuse (in a right-angled triangle) to the side opposite an acute angle.
Cosh1 colloq. —n. Heavy blunt weapon. —v. Hit with a cosh. [origin unknown]
Cosh2 abbr. Hyperbolic cosine.
Co-signatory n. (pl. -ies) person or state signing a treaty etc. Jointly with others.
Cosine n. Ratio of the side adjacent to an acute angle (in a right-angled triangle) to the hypotenuse.
Cosmetic —adj. 1 beautifying, enhancing. 2 superficially improving or beneficial. 3 (of surgery or a prosthesis) imitating, restoring, or enhancing normal appearance. —n. Cosmetic preparation, esp. For the face. cosmetically adv. [greek, = ornament]
Cosmic adj. 1 of the cosmos or its scale; universal (of cosmic significance). 2 of or for space travel.
Cosmic rays n.pl. High-energy radiations from space etc.
Cosmogony n. (pl. -ies) 1 origin of the universe. 2 theory about this. [greek -gonia -begetting]
Cosmology n. Science or theory of the universe. cosmological adj. Cosmologist n. [from *cosmos, *-logy]
Cosmonaut n. Soviet astronaut. [from *cosmos, greek nautes sailor]
Cosmopolitan —adj. 1 of, from, or knowing many parts of the world. 2 free from national limitations or prejudices. —n. Cosmopolitan person. cosmopolitanism n. [greek polites citizen]
Cosmos n. The universe as a well-ordered whole. [greek]
Cossack n. Member of a people of southern russia. [turki quzzaq]
Cosset v. (-t-) pamper. [dialect cosset = pet lamb, probably from old english, = cottager]
Cost —v. (past and past part. Cost) 1 be obtainable for (a sum of money); have as a price. 2 involve as a loss or sacrifice (it cost him his life). 3 (past and past part. Costed) fix or estimate the cost of. —n. 1 what a thing costs; price. 2 loss or sacrifice. 3 (in pl.) Legal expenses. at all costs (or at any cost) whatever the cost or risk may be. [latin consto stand at a price]
Costal adj. Of the ribs. [latin costa rib]
Costal adj. Of the ribs. [latin costa rib]
Cost-effective adj. Effective in relation to its cost.
Costermonger n. Person who sells produce from a barrow. [costard large apple: related to *costal]
Costing n. Estimation of cost(s).
Costive adj. Constipated. [latin: related to *constipate]
Costly adj. (-ier, -iest) costing much; expensive. costliness n.
Cost of living n. Level of prices esp. Of basic necessities.
Cost price n. Price paid for a thing by one who later sells it.
Costume —n. 1 style of dress, esp. Of a particular place or time. 2 set of clothes. 3 clothing for a particular activity (swimming-costume). 4 actor’s clothes for a part. —v. (-ming) provide with a costume. [latin: related to *custom]
Costume jewellery n. Artificial jewellery.
Costumier n. Person who makes or deals in costumes. [french: related to *costume]
Cosy (us cozy) —adj. (-ier, -iest) comfortable and warm; snug. —n. (pl. -ies) cover to keep a teapot etc. Hot. cosily adv. Cosiness n. [origin unknown]
Cot1 n. 1 small bed with high sides for a baby. 2 small light bed. [hindi]
Cot2 n. 1 small shelter; cote. 2 poet. Cottage. [old english]
Cot3 abbr. Cotangent.
Cotangent n. Ratio of the side adjacent to an acute angle (in a right-angled triangle) to the opposite side.
Cot-death n. Unexplained death of a sleeping baby.
Cote n. Shelter for animals or birds. [old english]
Coterie n. Exclusive group of people sharing interests. [french]
Cotoneaster n. Shrub bearing usu. Bright red berries. [latin cotoneum *quince]
Cotoneaster n. Shrub bearing usu. Bright red berries. [latin cotoneum *quince]
Cottage n. Small simple house, esp. In the country. [anglo-french: related to *cot2]
Cottage cheese n. Soft white lumpy cheese made from skimmed milk curds.
Cottage industry n. Business activity carried on at home.
Cottage pie n. Dish of minced meat topped with mashed potato.
Cottager n. Person who lives in a cottage.
Cotter n. 1 bolt or wedge for securing parts of machinery etc. 2 (in full cotter pin) split pin that can be opened after passing through a hole. [origin unknown]
Cotton n. 1 soft white fibrous substance covering the seeds of certain plants. 2 such a plant. 3 thread or cloth from this. cotton on (often foll. By to) colloq. Begin to understand. [french from arabic]
Cotton wool n. Fluffy wadding of a kind orig. Made from raw cotton.
Cotyledon n. Embryonic leaf in seed-bearing plants. [greek kotule cup]
Couch1 —n. 1 upholstered piece of furniture for several people; sofa. 2 long
Couch1 —n. 1 upholstered piece of furniture for several people; sofa. 2 long padded seat with a headrest at one end. —v. 1 (foll. By in) express in (certain terms). 2 archaic (of an animal) lie, esp. In its lair. [latin colloco lay in place]
Couch2 n. (in full couch grass) a grass with long creeping roots. [var. Of *quitch]
Couchette n. 1 railway carriage with seats convertible into sleeping-berths. 2 berth in this. [french, = little bed]
Couch potato n. Us slang person who likes lazing at home.
Cougar n. Us puma. [french from guarani]
Cough —v. 1 expel air etc. From the lungs with a sudden sharp sound. 2 (of an engine etc.) Make a similar sound. 3 slang confess. —n. 1 act of coughing. 2 condition of respiratory organs causing coughing. cough up 1 eject with coughs. 2 slang bring out or give (money or information) reluctantly. [imitative, related to dutch kuchen]
Cough mixture n. Liquid medicine to relieve a cough.
Could past of *can1. —v. Colloq. Feel inclined to (i could murder him).
Couldn’t contr. Could not.
Coulomb n. Si unit of electric charge. [coulomb, name of a physicist]
Coulter n. (us colter) vertical blade in front of a ploughshare. [latin culter knife]
Council n. 1 a advisory, deliberative, or administrative body. B meeting of such a body. 2 a local administrative body of a parish, district, town, etc. B (attrib.) Provided by a local council (council flat). [latin concilium]
Councillor n. Member of a (esp. Local) council.
Council tax n. Proposed new local tax based on the value of a property and the number of people living in it, to replace the community charge.
Counsel —n. 1 advice, esp. Formally given. 2 consultation for advice. 3 (pl. Same) legal adviser, esp. A barrister; body of these. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 advise (a person). 2 give esp. Professional advice to (a person) on personal problems. 3 recommend (a course of action). keep one’s own counsel not confide in others. Take counsel (usu. Foll. By with) consult. counselling n. [latin consilium]
Counsellor n. (us counselor) 1 adviser. 2 person giving professional guidance on personal problems. 3 us barrister.
Counsel of perfection n. Ideal but impracticable advice.
Counselor n. (brit. Counsellor) 1 adviser. 2 person giving professional guidance on personal problems. 3 us barrister.
Count1 —v. 1 determine the total number of, esp. By assigning successive numbers. 2 repeat numbers in ascending order. 3 (often foll. By in) include or be included in one’s reckoning or plan. 4 consider or regard to be (lucky etc.). 5 (often foll. By for) have value; matter (my opinion counts for little). —n. 1 a counting or being counted. B total of reckoning. 2 law each charge in an indictment. count against be reckoned to the disadvantage of. Count one’s blessings be grateful for what one has. Count on (or upon) rely on; expect. Count out 1 count while taking from a stock. 2 complete a count of ten seconds over (a fallen boxer etc.). 3 colloq. Exclude, disregard. 4 polit. Procure the adjournment of (the house of commons) when fewer than 40 members are present. Count up find the sum of. Keep count take note of how many there have been etc. Lose count forget the number etc. Counted. Out for the count 1 defeated. 2 unconscious; asleep. [latin: related to *compute]
Count2 n. Foreign noble corresponding to an earl. [latin comes companion]
Countable adj. 1 that can be counted. 2 gram. (of a noun) that can form a plural or be used with the indefinite article.
Countdown n. 1 act of counting backwards to zero, esp. At the launching of a rocket etc. 2 period immediately before an event.
Countenance —n. 1 the face or facial expression. 2 composure. 3 moral support. —v. (-cing) support, approve. [french: related to *contain]
Composure. 3 moral support. —v. (-cing) support, approve. [french: related to *contain]
Counter1 n. 1 long flat-topped fitment in a shop etc., across which business is conducted. 2 a small disc for playing or scoring in board-games etc. B token representing a coin. 3 apparatus for counting. under the counter surreptitiously, esp. Illegally. [related to *count1]
Counter2 —v. 1 a oppose, contradict. B meet by countermove. 2 boxing give a return blow while parrying. —adv. In the opposite direction or manner. —adj. Opposite. —n. Parry; countermove. [related to *counter-]
Counter-comb. Form denoting: 1 retaliation, opposition, or rivalry (counter-threat). 2 opposite direction (counter-clockwise). 3 correspondence (counterpart; countersign). [latin contra against]
Counteract v. Hinder or neutralize by contrary action. counteraction n. Counteractive adj.
Counter-attack —n. Attack in reply to a preceding attack. —v. Attack in reply.
Counterbalance —n. Weight or influence balancing another. —v. (-cing) act as a counterbalance to.
Counter-clockwise adv. & adj. Us = *anticlockwise.
Counter-espionage n. Action taken against enemy spying.
Counterfeit —adj. Made in imitation; not genuine; forged. —n. A forgery or imitation. —v. Imitate fraudulently; forge. [french]
Counterfoil n. Part of a cheque, receipt, etc., retained by the payer as a record. [from *foil2]
Counter-intelligence n. = *counter-espionage.
Countermand —v. 1 revoke (a command). 2 recall by a contrary order. —n. Order revoking a previous one. [latin: related to *mandate]
Countermeasure n. Action taken to counteract a danger, threat, etc.
Countermove n. Move or action in opposition to another.
Counterpane n. Bedspread. [medieval latin culcita puncta quilted mattress]
Counterpart n. 1 person or thing like another or forming the complement or equivalent to another. 2 duplicate.
Counterpoint n. 1 a art or practice of combining melodies according to fixed rules. B melody combined with another. 2 contrasting argument, plot, literary theme, etc. [medieval latin contrapunctum marked opposite]
Counterpoise —n. 1 counterbalance. 2 state of equilibrium. —v. (-sing) counterbalance. [latin pensum weight]
Counter-productive adj. Having the opposite of the desired effect.
Counter-revolution n. Revolution opposing a former one or reversing its results.
Countersign —v. Add a signature to (a document already signed by another). — n. 1 password spoken to a person on guard. 2 mark used for identification etc. [italian: related to *sign]
Countersink v. (past and past part. -sunk) 1 shape (the rim of a hole) so that a screw or bolt can be inserted flush with the surface. 2 sink (a screw etc.) In such a hole.
Counter-tenor n. 1 male alto singing-voice. 2 singer with this voice. [italian: related to *contra-]
Countervail v. Literary 1 counterbalance. 2 (often foll. By against) oppose, usu. Successfully. [latin valeo have worth]
Counterweight n. Counterbalancing weight.
Countess n. 1 wife or widow of a count or earl. 2 woman holding the rank of
Countess n. 1 wife or widow of a count or earl. 2 woman holding the rank of count or earl. [latin comitissa: related to *count2]
Countless adj. Too many to be counted.
Countrified adj. Rustic in manner or appearance.
Country n. (pl. -ies) 1 territory of a nation; state. 2 (often attrib.) Rural districts as opposed to towns or the capital. 3 land of a person’s birth or citizenship. 4 region with regard to its aspect, associations, etc. (mountainous country; hardy country). 5 national population, esp. As voters. [medieval latin contrata (terra) (land) lying opposite]
Country-and-western n. Type of folk music originated by whites in the southern us.
Country club n. Sporting and social club in a rural setting.
Country dance n. Traditional dance, esp. English, usu. With couples facing each other in lines.
Countryman n. (fem. Countrywoman) 1 person living in a rural area. 2 (also fellow-countryman) person of one’s own country.
Country music n. = *country-and-western.
Countryside n. Rural areas.
Country-wide adj. & adv. Extending throughout a nation.
County —n. (pl. -ies) 1 territorial division in some countries, forming the chief unit of local administration. 2 us political and administrative division of a state. —adj. Of or like the gentry. [latin comitatus: related to *count2]
County council n. Elected governing body of an administrative county.
County court n. Judicial court for civil cases.
County town n. Administrative capital of a county.
Coup n. (pl. -s) 1 successful stroke or move. 2 = *coup d’état. [medieval latin colpus blow]
Coup de grâce n. Finishing stroke. [french]
Coup d’état n. (pl. Coups d’état pronunc. Same) violent or illegal seizure of power. [french]
Coupe n. (brit. Coupé) car with a hard roof, two doors, and usu. A sloping rear. [french couper cut]
[french couper cut]
Coupé n. (us coupe) car with a hard roof, two doors, and usu. A sloping rear. [french couper cut]
Couple —n. 1 a two (a couple of girls). B about two (a couple of hours). 2 a two people who are married to, or in a sexual relationship with, each other. B pair of partners in a dance etc. —v. (-ling) 1 link together. 2 associate in thought or speech. 3 copulate. [latin *copula]
Couplet n. Two successive lines of verse, usu. Rhyming and of the same length. [french diminutive: related to *couple]
Coupling n. 1 link connecting railway carriages etc. 2 device for connecting parts of machinery.
Coupon n. 1 form etc. As an application for a purchase etc. 2 entry form for a football pool or other competition. 3 discount voucher given with a purchase. [french couper cut]
Courage n. Ability to disregard fear; bravery. courage of one’s convictions courage to act on one’s beliefs. [latin cor heart]
Courageous adj. Brave. courageously adv.
Courgette n. Small vegetable marrow. [french]
Courgette n. Small vegetable marrow. [french]
Courier n. 1 person employed to guide and assist tourists. 2 special messenger. [latin curro curs-run]
Course —n. 1 onward movement or progression. 2 direction taken (changed course). 3 stretch of land or water for races; golf-course. 4 series of lessons etc. In a particular subject. 5 each successive part of a meal. 6 sequence of medical treatment etc. 7 line of conduct. 8 continuous horizontal layer of masonry, brick, etc. 9 channel in which water flows. —v. (-sing) 1 (esp. Of liquid) run, esp. Fast. 2 (also absol.) Use hounds to hunt (esp. Hares). in course of in the process of. In the course of during. Of course naturally; as is or was to be expected; admittedly. [latin cursus: related to *courier]
Courser n. Poet. Swift horse.
Court —n. 1 (in full court of law) a judicial body hearing legal cases. B = courtroom. 2 quadrangular area for games (tennis-court; squash-court). 3 a yard surrounded by houses with entry from the street. B = courtyard. 4 a the residence, retinue, and courtiers of a sovereign. B sovereign and councillors, constituting the ruling power. C assembly held by a sovereign; state reception. 5 attention paid to a person whose favour etc. Is sought (paid court to her). —v. 1 a try to win affection or favour of. B pay amorous attention to. 2 seek to win (applause, fame, etc.). 3 invite (misfortune) by one’s actions. go to court take legal action. Out of court 1 without reaching trial. 2 not worthy of consideration. [latin: related to *cohort]
Court-card n. Playing-card that is a king, queen, or jack.
Courteous adj. Polite, considerate. courteously adv. Courteousness n. [french:
Courteous adj. Polite, considerate. courteously adv. Courteousness n. [french: related to *court]
Courtesan n. Prostitute, esp. One with wealthy or upper-class clients. [italian: related to *court]
Courtesy n. (pl. -ies) courteous behaviour or act. by courtesy of with the formal permission of. [french: related to *courteous]
Courtesy light n. Light in a car switched on by opening a door.
Court-house n. 1 building in which a judicial court is held. 2 us building containing the administrative offices of a county.
Courtier n. Person who attends a sovereign’s court. [anglo-french: related to *court]
Courtly adj. (-ier, -iest) dignified, refined. courtliness n.
Court martial —n. (pl. Courts martial) judicial court trying members of the armed services. —v. (court-martial) (-ll-; us -l-) try by this.
Court order n. Direction issued by a court or judge.
Courtroom n. Room in which a court of law meets.
Courtship n. 1 courting, wooing. 2 courting behaviour of animals, birds, etc.
Court shoe n. Woman’s light, usu. High-heeled, shoe with a low-cut upper.
Courtyard n. Area enclosed by walls or buildings.
Couscous n. N. African dish of crushed wheat or coarse flour steamed over broth, often with meat or fruit added. [french from arabic]
Cousin n. 1 (also first cousin) child of one’s uncle or aunt. 2 person of a kindred race or nation. [latin consobrinus]
Usage there is often some confusion as to the difference between cousin, first cousin, second cousin, first cousin once removed, etc. For definitions see cousin, second cousin and remove v. 5.
Couture n. Design and manufacture of fashionable clothes. [french]
Couturier n. Fashion designer.
Cove1 —n. 1 small bay or creek. 2 sheltered recess. 3 moulding, esp. At the junction of a wall and a ceiling. —v. (-ving) 1 provide (a room etc.) With a cove. 2 slope (the sides of a fireplace) inwards. [old english]
Cove2 n. Slang fellow, chap. [cant: origin unknown]
Coven n. Assembly of witches. [related to *convent]
Covenant —n. 1 agreement; contract. 2 law sealed contract, esp. A deed of covenant. 3 (covenant) bibl. Agreement between god and the israelites. —v. Agree, esp. By legal covenant. [french: related to *convene]
Coventry n. send a person to coventry refuse to associate with or speak to a person. [coventry in england]
Cover —v. 1 (often foll. By with) protect or conceal with a cloth, lid, etc. 2 a extend over; occupy the whole surface of. B (often foll. By with) strew thickly or thoroughly. C lie over. 3 a protect; clothe. B (as covered adj.) Wearing a hat; having a roof. 4 include; comprise; deal with. 5 travel (a specified distance). 6 describe as a reporter. 7 be enough to defray (£20 should cover it). 8 a refl. Take measures to protect oneself. B (absol.; foll. By for) stand in for. 9 a aim a gun etc. At. B (of a fortress, guns, etc.) Command (territory). C protect (an exposed person etc.) By being able to return fire. 10 a esp. Cricket stand behind (another player) to stop any missed balls. B mark (an opposing player). 11 (of a stallion etc.) Copulate with. —n. 1 thing that covers, esp.: a lid. B book’s binding. C either board of this. D envelope or wrapping (under separate cover). 2 shelter. 3 a pretence; screen. B pretended identity. C mil. Supporting force protecting an advance party from attack. 4 a funds, esp. Obtainable from insurance to meet a liability or secure against loss. B insurance protection (third-party cover). 5 person acting as a substitute. 6 place-setting at table. 7 cricket = *cover-point. cover up completely cover or conceal. Take cover find shelter. [latin cooperio]
Coverage n. 1 area or amount covered. 2 amount of publicity received by an event etc.
Coverall n. Esp. Us 1 thing that covers entirely. 2 (usu. In pl.) Full-length protective garment.
Cover charge n. Service charge per head in a restaurant, nightclub, etc.
Cover girl n. Female model appearing on magazine covers etc.
Covering letter n. (also covering note) explanatory letter sent with an enclosure.
Coverlet n. Bedspread. [anglo-french: related to *cover, lit bed]
Cover note n. Temporary certificate of insurance.
Cover-point n. Cricket 1 fielding position covering point. 2 fielder at this position.
Cover story n. News story in a magazine that is advertised etc. On the front cover.
Covert —adj. Secret or disguised (covert glance). —n. 1 shelter, esp. A thicket hiding game. 2 feather covering the base of a bird’s flight-feather. covertly adv. [french: related to *cover]
Cover-up n. Concealment of facts.
Covet v. (-t-) desire greatly (esp. A thing belonging to another person). [french: related to *cupid]
Covetous adj. (usu. Foll. By of) coveting; grasping. covetously adv.
Covey n. (pl. -s) 1 brood of partridges. 2 small group of people. [latin cubo lie]
Cow1 n. 1 fully grown female of any esp. Domestic bovine animal, used as a source of milk and beef. 2 female of other large animals, esp. The elephant, whale, and seal. 3 derog. Slang woman. [old english]
Cow2 v. Intimidate or dispirit. [old norse]
Coward n. Person who is easily frightened. [latin cauda tail]
Cowardice n. Lack of bravery.
Cowardly adj. 1 of or like a coward; lacking courage. 2 (of an action) done against one who cannot retaliate.
Cowbell n. Bell worn round a cow’s neck.
Cowboy n. 1 (fem. Cowgirl) person who tends cattle, esp. In the western us. 2 colloq. Unscrupulous or incompetent person in business.
Cower v. Crouch or shrink back in fear or distress. [low german]
Cowherd n. Person who tends cattle.
Cowhide n. 1 cow’s hide. 2 leather or whip made from this.
Cowl n. 1 monk’s cloak. 2 hood-shaped covering of a chimney or ventilating shaft. [latin cucullus]
Cow-lick n. Projecting lock of hair.
Cowling n. Removable cover of a vehicle or aircraft engine.
Co-worker n. Person who works with another.
Cow-parsley n. Hedgerow plant with lacelike umbels of flowers.
Cow-pat n. Flat round piece of cow-dung.
Cowpox n. Disease of cows, whose virus was formerly used in smallpox vaccination.
Cowrie n. 1 tropical mollusc with a bright shell. 2 its shell as money in parts of africa and s. Asia. [urdu and hindi]
Co-write v. Write with another person. co-writer n.
Cowslip n. Primula with small yellow flowers. [obsolete slyppe dung]
Cox —n. Coxswain, esp. Of a racing-boat. —v. Act as cox (of). [abbreviation]
Coxcomb n. Ostentatiously conceited man. coxcombry n. (pl. -ies). [= cock’s comb]
Coxswain —n. 1 person who steers, esp. A rowing-boat. 2 senior petty officer in a small ship. —v. Act as coxswain (of). [cock ship’s boat, *swain]
Coy adj. 1 affectedly shy. 2 irritatingly reticent. coyly adv. Coyness n. [french: related to *quiet]
Coyote n. (pl. Same or -s) n. American wolflike wild dog. [mexican spanish]
Coyote n. (pl. Same or -s) n. American wolflike wild dog. [mexican spanish]
Coypu n. (pl. -s) aquatic beaver-like rodent native to s. America. [araucan]
Cozen v. Literary 1 cheat, defraud. 2 beguile. 3 act deceitfully. cozenage n. [cant]
Cozy (brit. Cosy) —adj. (-ier, -iest) comfortable and warm; snug. —n. (pl. -ies) cover to keep a teapot etc. Hot. cosily adv. Cosiness n. [origin unknown]
C.p. Abbr. Candlepower.
Cpl. Abbr. Corporal.
Cps abbr. (also c.p.s.) 1 computing characters per second. 2 sci. Cycles per second.
Cpu abbr. Computing central processing unit.
Cr symb. Chromium.
Crab1 n. 1 a ten-footed crustacean, with the first pair of legs as pincers. B crab as food. 2 (crab) sign or constellation cancer. 3 (in full crab-louse) (often in pl.) Parasitic louse transmitted sexually to esp. Pubic hair. 4 machine for hoisting
Parasitic louse transmitted sexually to esp. Pubic hair. 4 machine for hoisting heavy weights. catch a crab rowing jam an oar or miss the water. crablike adj. [old english]
Crab2 n. 1 (in full crab-apple) small sour apple. 2 (in full crab tree or crab-apple tree) tree (esp. Uncultivated) bearing this. 3 sour person. [origin unknown]
Crab3 v. (-bb-) colloq. 1 criticize; grumble. 2 spoil. [low german krabben]
Crabby adj. (-ier, -iest) irritable, morose. crabbily adv. Crabbiness n.
Crabwise adv. & attrib.adj. Sideways or backwards.
Crack —n. 1 a sharp explosive noise. B sudden harshness or change in vocal pitch. 2 sharp blow. 3 a narrow opening; break or split. B chink. 4 colloq. Joke or malicious remark. 5 colloq. Attempt. 6 slang crystalline form of cocaine broken into small pieces. —v. 1 break without separating the parts. 2 make or cause to make a sharp explosive sound. 3 break with a sharp sound. 4 give way or cause to give way (under torture etc.). 5 (of the voice) change pitch sharply; break. 6 colloq. Find the solution to. 7 tell (a joke etc.). 8 colloq. Hit sharply. 9 (as cracked adj.) Crazy. 10 break (wheat) into coarse pieces. —attrib. Adj. Colloq. Excellent; first-rate (crack shot). crack a bottle open a bottle, esp. Of wine, and drink it. Crack down on colloq. Take severe measures against. Crack of dawn daybreak. Crack up colloq. 1 collapse under strain. 2 praise. Get cracking colloq. Begin promptly and vigorously. [old english]
Crack-brained adj. Crazy.
Crack-down n. Colloq. Severe measures (esp. Against law-breakers).
Cracker n. 1 paper cylinder pulled apart, esp. At christmas, with a sharp noise and releasing a hat, joke, etc. 2 loud firework. 3 (usu. In pl.) Instrument for cracking. 4 thin dry savoury biscuit. 5 slang attractive or admirable person. 6 us biscuit.
Crackers predic. Adj. Slang crazy.
Cracking slang —adj. 1 excellent. 2 (attrib.) Fast and exciting. —adv. Outstandingly.
Crackle —v. (-ling) make repeated slight cracking sound (radio crackled; fire was crackling). —n. Such a sound. crackly adj. [from *crack]
Crackling n. Crisp skin of roast pork.
Cracknel n. Light crisp biscuit. [dutch: related to *crack]
-cracy comb. Form denoting a particular form of government etc. (bureaucracy). [latin -cratia]
Cradle —n. 1 a baby’s bed or cot, esp. On rockers. B place in which something begins, esp. Civilization (cradle of democracy). 2 supporting framework or structure. —v. (-ling) 1 contain or shelter as in a cradle. 2 place in a cradle. [old english]
Cradle-snatcher n. Slang admirer or lover of a much younger person.
Cradle-song n. Lullaby.
Craft —n. 1 special skill or technique. 2 occupation needing this. 3 (pl. Craft) a boat or vessel. B aircraft or spacecraft. 4 cunning or deceit. —v. Make in a skilful way. [old english]
Craftsman n. (fem. Craftswoman) 1 skilled worker. 2 person who practises a craft. craftsmanship n.
Crake n. Bird of the rail family, esp. The corncrake. [old norse, imitative of cry]
Cram v. (-mm-) 1 a fill to bursting; stuff. B (foll. By in, into; also absol.) Force (a thing) in or into. 2 prepare intensively for an examination. 3 (often foll. By with) feed to excess. [old english]
Crammer n. Person or institution that crams pupils for examinations.
Cramp —n. 1 painful involuntary muscular contraction. 2 (also cramp-iron) metal bar with bent ends for holding masonry etc. Together. —v. 1 affect with cramp. 2 (often foll. By up) confine narrowly. 3 restrict. 4 fasten with a cramp. cramp a person’s style prevent a person from acting freely or naturally. [low german or dutch]
Cramped adj. 1 (of a space) too small. 2 (of handwriting) small and with the letters close together.
Crampon n. (us crampoon) (usu. In pl.) Spiked iron plate fixed to a boot for climbing on ice. [french: related to *cramp]
Crampoon n. (brit. Crampon) (usu. In pl.) Spiked iron plate fixed to a boot for climbing on ice. [french: related to *cramp]
Cranberry n. (pl. -ies) 1 shrub with small red acid berries. 2 this berry used in cookery. [german kranbeere crane-berry]
cookery. [german kranbeere crane-berry]
Crane —n. 1 machine with a long projecting arm for moving heavy objects. 2 tall wading bird with long legs, neck, and bill. —v. (-ning) (also absol.) Stretch out (one’s neck) in order to see something. [old english]
Crane-fly n. Two-winged long-legged fly: also called *daddy-long-legs.
Cranesbill n. Wild geranium.
Cranium n. (pl. -s or -nia) 1 skull. 2 part of the skeleton enclosing the brain. cranial adj. Craniology n. [medieval latin from greek]
Crank —n. 1 part of an axle or shaft bent at right angles for converting reciprocal into circular motion or vice versa. 2 eccentric person. —v. Cause to move by means of a crank. crank up start (a car engine) with a crank. [old english]
Crankcase n. Case enclosing a crankshaft.
Crankpin n. Pin by which a connecting-rod is attached to a crank.
Crankshaft n. Shaft driven by a crank.
Cranky adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 colloq. Eccentric. 2 working badly; shaky. 3 esp. Us crotchety. crankily adv. Crankiness n.
Cranny n. (pl. -ies) chink, crevice. crannied adj. [french]
Crap coarse slang —n. 1 (often as int. Or attrib.) Nonsense, rubbish. 2 faeces. — v. (-pp-) defecate. crappy adj. (-ier, -iest). [dutch]
Crape n. Crêpe, usu. Of black silk, formerly used for mourning. [from *crêpe]
Crapulent adj. Suffering the effects of drunkenness. crapulence n. Crapulous adj. [latin crapula inebriation]
Crash1 —v. 1 (cause to) make a loud smashing noise. 2 throw, drive, move, or fall with a loud smash. 3 (often foll. By into) collide or fall, or cause (a vehicle etc.) To collide or fall, violently; overturn at high speed. 4 collapse financially. 5 colloq. Gatecrash. 6 computing (of a machine or system) fail suddenly. 7 colloq. Pass (a red traffic-light etc.). 8 (often foll. By out) slang sleep, esp. On a floor etc. —n. 1 loud and sudden smashing noise. 2 violent collision or fall, esp. Of a vehicle. 3 ruin, esp. Financial. 4 computing sudden failure of a machine or system. 5 (attrib.) Done rapidly or urgently (crash course in first aid). —adv. With a crash (go crash). [imitative]
Crash2 n. Coarse plain fabric of linen, cotton, etc. [russian]
Crash barrier n. Barrier at the side or centre of a road etc.
Crash-dive —v. 1 a (of a submarine or its pilot) dive hastily in an emergency. B (of an aircraft or airman) dive and crash. 2 cause to crash-dive. —n. Such a dive.
Crash-helmet n. Helmet worn esp. By motor cyclists.
-crat comb. Form member or supporter of a type of government etc.
Crate —n. 1 slatted wooden case etc. For conveying esp. Fragile goods. 2 slang old aircraft or other vehicle. —v. (-ting) pack in a crate. [perhaps from dutch]
Crater —n. 1 mouth of a volcano. 2 bowl-shaped cavity, esp. That made by a shell or bomb. 3 hollow on the surface of a planet or moon, caused by impact. — v. Form a crater in. [greek, = mixing-bowl]
-cratic comb. Form (also -cratical) denoting a type of government etc. (autocratic). -cratically comb. Form forming adverbs. [forming adverbs]
Cravat n. Man’s scarf worn inside an open-necked shirt. [serbo-croatian, = croat]
Crave v. (-ving) (often foll. By for) long or beg for. [old english]
Craven adj. Cowardly, abject. [probably french cravanté defeated]
Craving n. Strong desire or longing.
Craw n. Crop of a bird or insect. stick in one’s craw be unacceptable. [low german or dutch]
Crawfish n. (pl. Same) large marine spiny lobster. [var. Of *crayfish]
Crawl —v. 1 move slowly, esp. On hands and knees or with the body close to the ground etc. 2 walk or move slowly. 3 colloq. Behave obsequiously. 4 (often foll. By with) be or appear to be covered or filled with crawling or moving things or people. 5 (esp. Of the skin) creep. —n. 1 crawling. 2 slow rate of movement. 3 high-speed overarm swimming stroke. [origin unknown]
Crayfish n. (pl. Same) 1 small lobster-like freshwater crustacean. 2 crawfish. [french crevice]
Crayon —n. Stick or pencil of coloured chalk, wax, etc. —v. Draw with crayons. [french craie chalk]
Craze —v. (-zing) 1 (usu. As crazed adj.) Make insane (crazed with grief). 2 produce fine surface cracks on (pottery glaze etc.); develop such cracks. —n. 1 usu. Temporary enthusiasm (craze for skateboarding). 2 object of this. [perhaps from old norse]
Crazy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 colloq. Insane or mad; foolish. 2 (usu. Foll. By about) colloq. Extremely enthusiastic. 3 (attrib.) (of paving etc.) Made up of irregular pieces. crazily adv. Craziness n.
Creak —n. Harsh scraping or squeaking sound. —v. 1 make a creak. 2 a move stiffly or with a creaking noise. B be poorly constructed (plot creaks). [imitative]
Creaky adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 liable to creak. 2 a stiff or frail. B decrepit, outmoded. creakiness n.
Cream —n. 1 fatty part of milk. 2 its yellowish-white colour. 3 creamlike cosmetic etc. 4 food or drink like or containing cream. 5 (usu. Prec. By the) best part of something. —v. 1 take cream from (milk). 2 make creamy. 3 treat (the skin etc.) With cosmetic cream. 4 form a cream or scum. —adj. Pale yellowish white. cream off take (esp. The best part) from a whole. [latin cramum and church latin chrisma oil for anointing]
Cream cheese n. Soft rich cheese made from cream and unskimmed milk.
Creamer n. 1 cream-substitute for adding to coffee. 2 jug for cream.
Creamery n. (pl. -ies) 1 factory producing butter and cheese. 2 dairy.
Cream of tartar n. Purified tartar, used in medicine, baking powder, etc.
Cream soda n. Carbonated vanilla-flavoured soft drink.
Cream tea n. Afternoon tea with scones, jam, and cream.
Creamy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 like cream. 2 rich in cream. creamily adv. Creaminess n.
Crease —n. 1 line caused by folding or crushing. 2 cricket line marking the position of a bowler or batsman. —v. (-sing) 1 make creases in. 2 develop creases. 3 slang (often foll. By up) make or become incapable through laughter. [from *crest]
Create v. (-ting) 1 bring into existence; cause. 2 originate (actor creates a part). 3 invest with rank (created him a lord). 4 slang make a fuss. [latin creo]
Creation n. 1 creating or being created. 2 a (usu. The creation) god’s creating of the universe. B (usu. Creation) all created things, the universe. 3 product of the
imagination, art, fashion, etc.
Creative adj. 1 inventive, imaginative. 2 able to create. creatively adv. Creativeness n. Creativity n.
Creator n. 1 person who creates. 2 (as the creator) god.
Creature n. 1 any living being, esp. An animal. 2 person of a specified kind (poor creature). 3 subservient person. creaturely adj. [french from latin: related to *create]
Creature comforts n.pl. Good food, warmth, etc.
Crèche n. Day nursery. [french]
Credence n. Belief. give credence to believe. [medieval latin: related to *credo]
Credential n. (usu. In pl.) 1 certificates, references, etc., attesting to a person’s education, character, etc. 2 letter(s) of introduction. [medieval latin: related to *credence]
Credibility n. 1 being credible. 2 reputation, status.
Credibility gap n. Apparent difference between what is said and what is true.
Credible adj. Believable or worthy of belief. [latin: related to *credo]
Usage credible is sometimes confused with credulous.
Credit —n. 1 source of honour, pride, etc. (is a credit to the school). 2 acknowledgement of merit. 3 good reputation. 4 belief or trust. 5 a person’s financial standing, esp. As regards money in the bank etc. B power to obtain goods etc. Before payment. 6 (usu. In pl.) Acknowledgement of a contributor’s services to a film etc. 7 grade above pass in an examination. 8 reputation for solvency and honesty in business. 9 a entry in an account of a sum paid into it. B sum entered. C side of an account recording such entries. 10 educational course counting towards a degree. —v. (-t-) 1 believe (cannot credit it). 2 (usu. Foll. By to, with) enter on the credit side of an account. credit a person with ascribe (a good quality) to a person. Do credit to (or do a person credit) enhance the reputation of. On credit with an arrangement to pay later. To one’s credit in one’s favour. [italian or latin: related to *credo]
Creditable adj. Bringing credit or honour. creditably adv.
Credit card n. Plastic card from a bank etc. Authorizing the purchase of goods on credit.
Credit note n. Note with a specific monetary value given by a shop etc. For goods returned.
Creditor n. Person to whom a debt is owing. [latin: related to *credit]
Credit rating n. Estimate of a person’s suitability for commercial credit.
Creditworthy adj. Considered suitable to receive commercial credit. creditworthiness n.
Credo n. (pl. -s) creed. [latin, = i believe]
Credulous adj. Too ready to believe; gullible. credulity n. Credulously adv. [latin: related to *credo]
Usage credulous is sometimes confused with credible.
Creed n. 1 set of principles or beliefs. 2 system of religious belief. 3 (often the creed) formal summary of christian doctrine. [latin: related to *credo]
Creek n. 1 a inlet on a sea-coast. B short arm of a river. 2 esp. Us, austral., & nz tributary of a river; stream. up the creek slang 1 in difficulties. 2 crazy. [old norse and dutch]
Creel n. Fisherman’s large wicker basket. [origin unknown]
Creep —v. (past and past part. Crept) 1 move with the body prone and close to the ground. 2 move stealthily or timidly. 3 advance very gradually (a feeling
crept over her). 4 colloq. Act obsequiously in the hope of advancement. 5 (of a plant) grow along the ground or up a wall etc. 6 (as creeping adj.) Developing slowly and steadily. 7 (of flesh) shiver or shudder from fear, horror, etc. —n. 1 act or spell of creeping. 2 (in pl.; prec. By the) colloq. Feeling of revulsion or fear. 3 slang unpleasant person. 4 (of metals etc.) Gradual change of shape under stress. [old english]
Creeper n. 1 climbing or creeping plant. 2 bird that climbs, esp. The treecreeper. 3 slang soft-soled shoe.
Creepy adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Feeling or causing horror or fear. creepily adv. Creepiness n.
Creepy-crawly n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Small crawling insect etc.
Cremate v. (-ting) burn (a corpse etc.) To ashes. cremation n. [latin cremo burn]
Crematorium n. (pl. -ria or -s) place where corpses are cremated.
Crème n. 1 = *cream n. 4. 2 liqueur (crème de cassis). [french, = cream]
Crème brûlée n. Baked cream or custard pudding coated with caramel.
Crème caramel n. Custard coated with caramel.
Crème de cassis n. Blackcurrant liqueur.
Crème de cassis n. Blackcurrant liqueur.
Crème de la crème n. Best part; élite.
Crème de menthe n. Peppermint liqueur.
Crenelate v. (brit. Crenellate) (-ting) provide (a tower etc.) With battlements. crenellation n. [french crenel embrasure]
Crenellate v. (us crenelate) (-ting) provide (a tower etc.) With battlements. crenellation n. [french crenel embrasure]
Creole —n. 1 a descendant of european settlers in the w. Indies or central or s. America. B white descendant of french settlers in the southern us. C person of mixed european and black descent. 2 language formed from a european language and another (esp. African) language. —adj. 1 of creoles. 2 (usu. Creole) of creole origin etc. (creole cooking). [french from spanish]
Creosote —n. 1 dark-brown oil distilled from coal tar, used as a wood-preservative. 2 oily fluid distilled from wood tar, used as an antiseptic. —v. (-ting) treat with creosote. [greek kreas flesh, soter preserver, because of its antiseptic properties]
Crêpe n. 1 fine gauzy wrinkled fabric. 2 thin pancake with a savoury or sweet filling. 3 hard-wearing wrinkled sheet rubber used for the soles of shoes etc. crêpey adj. Crêpy adj. [latin: related to *crisp]
Crêpe de chine n. Fine silk crêpe.
Crêpe paper n. Thin crinkled paper.
Crêpe suzette n. Small dessert pancake flamed in alcohol.
Crept past and past part. Of *creep.
Crepuscular adj. 1 a of twilight. B dim. 2 zool. Appearing or active in twilight. [latin crepusculum twilight]
Cres. Abbr. Crescent.
Cresc. Abbr. (also cres.) Mus. = *crescendo.
Crescendo —n. (pl. -s) 1 mus. Gradual increase in loudness. 2 progress towards a climax. —adv. & adj. Increasing in loudness. [italian: related to *crescent]
Usage crescendo is sometimes wrongly used to mean the climax itself rather than progress towards it.
Crescent —n. 1 curved sickle shape as of the waxing or waning moon. 2 thing of
Crescent —n. 1 curved sickle shape as of the waxing or waning moon. 2 thing of this shape, esp. A street forming an arc. —adj. Crescent-shaped. [latin cresco grow]
Cress n. Any of various plants with pungent edible leaves. [old english]
Crest —n. 1 a comb or tuft etc. On a bird’s or animal’s head. B plume etc. On a helmet etc. 2 top of a mountain, wave, roof, etc. 3 heraldry a device above a coat of arms. B such a device on writing-paper etc. —v. 1 reach the crest of. 2 provide with a crest or serve as a crest to. 3 (of a wave) form a crest. crested adj. [latin crista]
Crestfallen adj. Dejected, dispirited.
Cretaceous —adj. 1 of or like chalk. 2 (cretaceous) geol. Of the last period of the mesozoic era, with deposits of chalk. —n. (cretaceous) geol. This era or system. [latin creta chalk]
Cretin n. 1 deformed and mentally retarded person, esp. As the result of thyroid deficiency. 2 colloq. Stupid person. cretinism n. Cretinous adj. [french crétin: related to *christian]
Cretonne n. (often attrib.) Heavy cotton upholstery fabric, usu. With a floral pattern. [creton in normandy]
Crevasse n. Deep open crack, esp. In a glacier. [latin crepo crack]
Crevice n. Narrow opening or fissure, esp. In rock etc. [french: related to *crevasse]
Crew1 —n. (often treated as pl.) 1 a people manning a ship, aircraft, train, etc. B these as distinct from the captain or officers. C people working together; team. 2 colloq. Gang. —v. 1 supply or act as a crew or crew member for. 2 act as a crew. [latin cresco increase]
Crew2 past of *crow2.
Crew cut n. Close-cropped hairstyle.
Crewel n. Thin worsted yarn for tapestry and embroidery. [origin unknown]
Crewel-work n. Design in crewel.
Crew neck n. Round close-fitting neckline.
Crib —n. 1 a baby’s small bed or cot. B model of the nativity with a manger. 2 rack for animal fodder. 3 colloq. A translation of a text used by students. B plagiarized work etc. 4 colloq. A cribbage. B set of cards given to the dealer at cribbage. —v. (-bb-) (also absol.) 1 colloq. Copy unfairly. 2 confine in a small space. 3 colloq. Pilfer. [old english]
Cribbage n. Card-game for up to four players. [origin unknown]
Crick —n. Sudden painful stiffness, esp. In the neck. —v. Cause this in. [origin unknown]
Cricket1 n. Team game played on a grass pitch, with bowling at a wicket defended by a batting player of the other team. not cricket colloq. Unfair behaviour. cricketer n. [origin uncertain]
Cricket2 n. Grasshopper-like chirping insect. [french, imitative]
Cri de cœur n. (pl. Cris de cœur pronunc. Same) passionate appeal, protest, etc. [french, = cry from the heart]
Cried past and past part. Of *cry.
Crier n. (also cryer) 1 person who cries. 2 official making public announcements in a lawcourt or street. [related to *cry]
Crikey int. Slang expression of astonishment. [from *christ]
Crime n. 1 a offence punishable by law. B illegal acts (resorted to crime). 2 evil act (crime against humanity). 3 colloq. Shameful act. [latin crimen]
Criminal —n. Person guilty of a crime. —adj. 1 of, involving, or concerning crime. 2 guilty of crime. 3 law of or concerning criminal offences (criminal
crime. 2 guilty of crime. 3 law of or concerning criminal offences (criminal code; criminal lawyer). 4 colloq. Scandalous, deplorable. criminality n. Criminally adv. [latin: related to *crime]
Criminology n. The study of crime. criminologist n.
Crimp —v. 1 press into small folds; corrugate. 2 make waves in (hair). —n. Crimped thing or form. [low german or dutch]
Crimplene n. Propr. Synthetic crease-resistant fabric.
Crimson —adj. Of a rich deep red. —n. This colour. [ultimately from arabic: related to *kermes]
Cringe v. (-ging) 1 shrink in fear; cower. 2 (often foll. By to) behave obsequiously. [related to *crank]
Crinkle —n. Wrinkle or crease. —v. (-ling) form crinkles (in). crinkly adj. [related to *cringe]
Crinkle-cut adj. (of vegetables) with wavy edges.
Crinoline n. 1 hist. Stiffened or hooped petticoat. 2 stiff fabric of horsehair etc. Used for linings, hats, etc. [french from latin crinis hair, linum thread]
Cripple —n. Permanently lame person. —v. (-ling) 1 make a cripple of; lame. 2 disable, weaken, or damage seriously (crippled by strikes). [old english]
Crisis n. (pl. Crises) 1 time of danger or great difficulty. 2 decisive moment; turning-point. [greek, = decision]
Crisp —adj. 1 hard but brittle. 2 a (of air) bracing. B (of style or manner) lively, brisk and decisive. C (of features etc.) Neat, clear-cut. D (of paper) stiff and crackling. E (of hair) closely curling. —n. (in full potato crisp) potato sliced thinly, fried, and sold in packets. —v. Make or become crisp. crisply adv. Crispness n. [latin crispus curled]
Crispbread n. 1 thin crisp biscuit of crushed rye etc. 2 these collectively (packet of crispbread).
Crispy adj. (-ier, -iest) crisp. crispiness n.
Criss-cross —n. Pattern of crossing lines. —adj. Crossing; in cross lines. —adv. Crosswise; at cross purposes. —v. 1 a intersect repeatedly. B move crosswise. 2 mark or make with a criss-cross pattern. [christ’s cross]
Criterion n. (pl. -ria) principle or standard of judgement. [greek, = means of judging]
Usage the plural form of criterion, criteria, is often used incorrectly as the singular. In the singular criterion should always be used.
singular. In the singular criterion should always be used.
Critic n. 1 person who criticizes. 2 person who reviews literary, artistic, etc. Works. [latin criticus from greek krites judge]
Critical adj. 1 a fault-finding, censorious. B expressing or involving criticism. 2 skilful at or engaged in criticism. 3 providing textual criticism (critical edition of milton). 4 a of or at a crisis; dangerous, risky (in a critical condition). B decisive, crucial (at the critical moment). 5 a math. & physics marking a transition from one state etc. To another (critical angle). B (of a nuclear reactor) maintaining a self-sustaining chain reaction. critically adv. Criticalness n.
Critical path n. Sequence of stages determining the minimum time needed for an operation.
Criticism n. 1 a fault-finding; censure. B critical remark etc. 2 a work of a critic. B analytical article, essay, etc.
Criticize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) (also absol.) 1 find fault with; censure. 2 discuss critically.
Critique n. Critical analysis. [french: related to *critic]
Croak —n. Deep hoarse sound, esp. Of a frog. —v. 1 utter or speak with a croak. 2 slang die. [imitative]
Croaky adj. (-ier, -iest) croaking; hoarse. croakily adv. Croakiness n.
Croat (also croatian) —n. 1 a native of croatia in se europe. B person of croatian descent. 2 slavonic dialect of the croats. —adj. Of the croats or their dialect. [serbo-croatian hrvat]
Crochet —n. Needlework in which yarn is hooked to make a lacy patterned fabric. —v. (crocheted; crocheting) (also absol.) Make using crochet. [french: related to *crotchet]
Crock1 n. Colloq. Old or worn-out person or vehicle. [originally scots]
Crock2 n. 1 earthenware pot or jar. 2 broken piece of this. [old english]
Crockery n. Earthenware or china dishes, plates, etc. [related to *crock2]
Crocodile n. 1 a large tropical amphibious reptile with thick scaly skin, a long tail, and long jaws. B (often attrib.) Its skin. 2 colloq. Line of schoolchildren etc. Walking in pairs. [greek krokodilos]
Crocodile tears n.pl. Insincere grief.
Crocus n. (pl. -cuses) small plant with white, yellow, or purple flowers, growing from a corm. [latin from greek]
Croesus n. Person of great wealth. [name of a king of ancient lydia]
Croesus n. Person of great wealth. [name of a king of ancient lydia]
Croft —n. 1 enclosed piece of (usu. Arable) land. 2 small rented farm in scotland or n. England. —v. Farm a croft; live as a crofter. [old english]
Crofter n. Person who farms a croft.
Crohn’s disease n. Chronic inflammatory disease of the alimentary tract. [e. Crohn, name of a us pathologist]
Croissant n. Crescent-shaped breakfast roll. [french: related to *crescent]
Cromlech n. 1 dolmen. 2 prehistoric stone circle. [welsh]
Crone n. Withered old woman. [dutch croonje carcass]
Crony n. (pl. -ies) friend, companion. [greek khronios long-lasting]
Crook —n. 1 hooked staff of a shepherd or bishop. 2 a bend, curve, or hook. B hooked or curved thing. 3 colloq. Rogue; swindler; criminal. —v. Bend, curve. [old norse]
Crooked adj. (-er, -est) 1 not straight or level; bent. 2 colloq. Not straightforward; dishonest, criminal. crookedly adv. Crookedness n.
straightforward; dishonest, criminal. crookedly adv. Crookedness n.
Croon —v. Sing, hum, or say in a low sentimental voice. —n. Such singing etc. crooner n. [low german or dutch]
Crop —n. 1 a produce of cultivated plants, esp. Cereals. B season’s yield. 2 group, yield, etc., of one time or place (a new crop of students). 3 handle of a whip. 4 a very short haircut. B cropping of hair. 5 pouch in a bird’s gullet where food is prepared for digestion. —v. (-pp-) 1 a cut off. B bite off. 2 cut (hair etc.) Short. 3 (foll. By with) sow or plant (land) with a crop. 4 (of land) bear a crop. crop up occur unexpectedly. [old english]
Crop circle n. Circle of crops that has been inexplicably flattened.
Crop-eared adj. With the ears (esp. Of animals) or hair cut short.
Cropper n. Crop-producing plant of a specified quality. come a cropper slang fall heavily; fail badly.
Croquet —n. 1 lawn game in which wooden balls are driven through hoops with mallets. 2 act of croqueting a ball. —v. (croqueted; croqueting) drive away (an opponent’s ball) by placing and then striking one’s own against it. [perhaps a dial. Form of french crochet hook]
Croquette n. Ball of breaded and fried mashed potato etc. [french croquer crunch]
Crosier n. (also crozier) bishop’s ceremonial hooked staff. [french croisier cross-bearer and crossier crook-bearer]
Cross —n. 1 upright post with a transverse bar, as used in antiquity for crucifixion. 2 a (the cross) cross on which christ was crucified. B representation of this as an emblem of christianity. C = *sign of the cross. 3 staff surmounted by a cross, carried in a religious procession. 4 thing or mark like a cross, esp. Two short intersecting lines (+ or x). 5 cross-shaped military etc. Decoration. 6 a hybrid. B crossing of breeds etc. 7 (foll. By between) mixture of two things. 8 crosswise movement, pass in football, etc. 9 trial or affliction. —v. 1 (often foll. By over) go across. 2 intersect; (cause to) be across (roads cross; cross one’s legs). 3 a draw line(s) across. B mark (a cheque) with two parallel lines to indicate that it cannot be cashed. 4 (foll. By off, out, through) cancel etc. By drawing lines across. 5 (often refl.) Make the sign of the cross on or over. 6 a pass in opposite or different directions. B (of letters etc.) Be sent at the same time. C (of telephone lines) be connected to an unwanted conversation. 7 a cause to interbreed. B cross-fertilize (plants). 8 oppose or thwart (crossed in love). — adj. 1 (often foll. By with) peevish, angry. 2 (usu. Attrib.) Transverse; reaching from side to side. 3 (usu. Attrib.) Intersecting. 4 (usu. Attrib.) Contrary, opposed, reciprocal. at cross purposes misunderstanding; conflicting. Cross one’s fingers (or keep one’s fingers crossed) 1 put one finger across another to ward off bad luck. 2 trust in good luck. Cross one’s heart make a solemn pledge, esp. By crossing one’s front. Cross one’s mind occur to one, esp. Transiently. Cross swords (often foll. By with) argue or dispute. Cross wires (or get one’s wires crossed) 1 become wrongly connected by telephone. 2 have a misunderstanding. On the cross diagonally. crossly adv. Crossness n. [latin crux]
Crossbar n. Horizontal bar, esp. That on a man’s bicycle.
Cross-bench n. Seat in the house of lords for non-party members. cross-bencher n.
Crossbill n. Finch with a bill with crossed mandibles for opening pine cones.
Crossbones see *skull and crossbones.
Crossbow n. Bow fixed on a wooden stock, with a groove for an arrow.
Crossbreed —n. 1 hybrid breed of animals or plants. 2 individual hybrid. —v. Produce by crossing.
Cross-check —v. Check by alternative method(s). —n. Such a check.
Cross-country —adj. & adv. 1 across open country. 2 not keeping to main roads. —n. (pl. -ies) cross-country race.
Cross-cut —adj. Cut across the main grain. —n. Diagonal cut, path, etc.
Cross-cut saw n. Saw for cross-cutting.
Cross-dressing n. Practice of dressing in the clothes of the opposite sex. cross-dress v.
Crosse n. Lacrosse stick. [french]
Cross-examine v. Question (esp. An opposing witness in a lawcourt). cross-
Cross-examine v. Question (esp. An opposing witness in a lawcourt). cross-examination n.
Cross-eyed adj. Having one or both eyes turned inwards.
Cross-fertilize v. (also -ise) 1 fertilize (an animal or plant) from one of a different species. 2 interchange ideas etc. cross-fertilization n.
Crossfire n. 1 firing in two crossing directions simultaneously. 2 a attack or criticism from all sides. B combative exchange of views etc.
Cross-grain n. Grain in timber, running across the regular grain.
Cross-grained adj. 1 having a cross-grain. 2 perverse, intractable.
Cross-hatch v. Shade with crossing parallel lines.
Crossing n. 1 place where things (esp. Roads) cross. 2 place for crossing a street etc. 3 journey across water.
Cross-legged adj. (sitting) with legs folded one across the other.
Crossover —n. 1 point or place of crossing. 2 process of crossing over, esp. From one style or genre to another. —attrib. Adj. That crosses over, esp. From one style or genre to another.
Crosspatch n. Colloq. Bad-tempered person.
Crosspiece n. Transverse beam etc.
Crossply adj. (of a tyre) having fabric layers with crosswise cords.
Cross-question v. = *cross-examine.
Cross-refer v. (-rr-) refer from one part of a book etc. To another.
Cross-reference —n. Reference from one part of a book etc. To another. —v. Provide with cross-references.
Crossroad n. (usu. In pl.) Intersection of two or more roads. at the crossroads at the critical point.
Cross-section n. 1 a a cutting across a solid. B plane surface so produced. C drawing etc. Of this. 2 representative sample. cross-sectional adj.
Cross-stitch n. Cross-shaped stitch.
Crosstalk n. 1 unwanted signals between communication channels. 2 witty
Crosstalk n. 1 unwanted signals between communication channels. 2 witty repartee.
Crossways adv. = *crosswise.
Crosswind n. Wind blowing across one’s path etc.
Crosswise adj. & adv. 1 in the form of a cross; intersecting. 2 diagonal or diagonally.
Crossword n. (also crossword puzzle) printed grid of squares and blanks for vertical and horizontal words to be filled in from clues.
Crotch n. Fork, esp. Between legs (of a person, trousers, etc.). [related to *crook]
Crotchet n. Mus. Note equal to a quarter of a semibreve and usu. One beat. [french diminutive of croc: related to *crook]
Crotchety adj. Peevish, irritable.
Crouch —v. Lower the body with limbs close to the chest; be in this position. — n. Crouching; crouching position. [old norse: related to *crook]
Croup1 n. Childhood inflammation of the larynx etc., with a hard cough. [imitative]
[imitative]
Croup2 n. Rump, esp. Of a horse. [french: related to *crop]
Croupier n. Person running a gaming-table, raking in and paying out money etc. [french: related to *croup2]
Croûton n. Small cube of fried or toasted bread served with soup etc. [french: related to *crust]
Crow1 n. 1 large black bird with a powerful black beak. 2 similar bird, e.g. The raven, rook, and jackdaw. as the crow flies in a straight line. [old english]
Crow2 —v. 1 (past crowed or crew) (of a cock) utter a loud cry. 2 (of a baby) utter happy cries. 3 (usu. Foll. By over) gloat; show glee. —n. Cry of a cock or baby. [old english]
Crowbar n. Iron bar with a flattened end, used as a lever.
Crowd —n. 1 large gathering of people. 2 spectators; audience. 3 colloq. Particular set of people. 4 (prec. By the) majority. —v. 1 a (cause to) come together in a crowd. B force one’s way (crowded into the cinema). 2 a (foll. By into) force or compress into a confined space. B (often foll. By with; usu. In passive) fill or make full of. 3 colloq. Come aggressively close to. crowd out exclude by crowding. crowdedness n. [old english]
Crown —n. 1 monarch’s jewelled headdress. 2 (the crown) a monarch as head of state. B power or authority of the monarchy. 3 a wreath for the head as an emblem of victory. B award or distinction, esp. In sport. 4 crown-shaped ornament etc. 5 top part of the head, a hat, etc. 6 a highest or central part (crown of the road). B thing that completes or forms a summit. 7 a part of a tooth visible outside the gum. B artificial replacement for this. 8 former british coin worth five shillings. —v. 1 put a crown on (a person or head). 2 invest with a royal crown or authority. 3 be a crown to; rest on top of. 4 a (often as crowning adj.) (cause to) be the reward, summit, or finishing touch to (crowning glory). B bring to a happy outcome. 5 fit a crown to (a tooth). 6 slang hit on the head. 7 promote (a piece in draughts) to king. [latin corona]
Crown colony n. British colony controlled by the crown.
Crown court n. Court of criminal jurisdiction in england and wales.
Crown derby n. Porcelain made at derby and often marked with a crown.
Crown glass n. Glass without lead or iron used formerly in windows, now as optical glass of low refractive index.
Crown jewels n.pl. Sovereign’s state regalia etc.
Crown prince n. Male heir to a throne.
Crown princess n. 1 wife of a crown prince. 2 female heir to a throne.
Crown wheel n. Wheel with teeth at right angles to its plane.
Crown wheel n. Wheel with teeth at right angles to its plane.
Crow’s-foot n. Wrinkle near the eye.
Crow’s-nest n. Shelter at a sailing-ship’s masthead for a lookout man.
Crozier var. Of *crosier.
Crt abbr. Cathode-ray tube.
Cru n. 1 french vineyard or wine region. 2 grade of wine. [french crû grown]
Crucify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 put to death by fastening to a cross. 2 persecute, torment. 3 slang defeat thoroughly; humiliate. [french: related to *crucifix]
Crud n. Slang 1 deposit of grease etc. 2 unpleasant person. cruddy adj. (-ier, -iest). [var. Of *curd]
Crude —adj. 1 a in the natural state; not refined. B unpolished; lacking finish. 2 a rude, blunt. B offensive, indecent. 3 inexact. —n. Natural mineral oil. crudely adv. Crudeness n. Crudity n. [latin crudus raw]
Crudités n.pl. Hors d’œuvre of mixed raw vegetables. [french]
Cruel adj. (crueller, cruellest or crueler, cruelest) 1 causing pain or suffering, esp. Deliberately. 2 harsh, severe (a cruel blow). cruelly adv. Cruelness n. Cruelty n. (pl. -ies). [latin: related to *crude]
Cruelty n. (pl. -ies). [latin: related to *crude]
Cruet n. 1 set of small salt, pepper, etc. Containers for use at table. 2 such a container. [anglo-french diminutive: related to *crock2]
Cruise —v. (-sing) 1 a travel by sea for pleasure, calling at ports. B sail about. 2 travel at a relaxed or economical speed. 3 achieve an objective, esp. Win a race etc. With ease. 4 slang search for a sexual (esp. Homosexual) partner in bars, streets, etc. —n. Cruising voyage. [dutch: related to *cross]
Cruise missile n. One able to fly low and guide itself.
Cruiser n. 1 high-speed warship. 2 = *cabin cruiser.
Cruiserweight n. = *light heavyweight.
Crumb —n. 1 a small fragment, esp. Of bread. B small particle (crumb of comfort). 2 bread without crusts. 3 slang objectionable person. —v. Cover with or break into breadcrumbs. [old english]
Crumble —v. (-ling) 1 break or fall into small fragments. 2 (of power etc.) Gradually disintegrate. —n. Dish of stewed fruit with a crumbly topping.
Crumbly adj. (-ier, -iest) consisting of, or apt to fall into, crumbs or fragments. crumbliness n.
Crumbs int. Slang expressing dismay or surprise. [euphemism for *christ]
Crumby adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 like or covered in crumbs. 2 = *crummy.
Crumhorn var. Of *krummhorn.
Crummy adj. (-ier, -iest) slang dirty, squalid; inferior, worthless. crumminess n. [var. Of *crumby]
Crumpet n. 1 soft flat yeasty cake toasted and buttered. 2 joc. Or offens. Sexually attractive woman or women. [origin uncertain]
Crumple —v. (-ling) (often foll. By up) 1 crush or become crushed into creases or wrinkles. 2 collapse, give way. —n. Crease or wrinkle. [obsolete crump curl up]
Crunch —v. 1 a crush noisily with the teeth. B grind under foot, wheels, etc. 2 (often foll. By up, through) make a crunching sound. —n. 1 crunching; crunching sound. 2 colloq. Decisive event or moment. [imitative]
Crunchy adj. (-ier, -iest) hard and crisp. crunchiness n.
Crupper n. 1 strap looped under a horse’s tail to hold the harness back. 2 hindquarters of a horse. [french: related to *croup2]
Crusade —n. 1 hist. Any of several medieval military expeditions made by europeans to recover the holy land from the muslims. 2 vigorous campaign for a cause. —v. (-ding) engage in a crusade. crusader n. [french: related to *cross]
Cruse n. Archaic earthenware pot. [old english]
Crush —v. 1 compress with force or violence, so as to break, bruise, etc. 2 reduce to powder by pressure. 3 crease or crumple. 4 defeat or subdue completely. —n. 1 act of crushing. 2 crowded mass of people. 3 drink from the juice of crushed fruit. 4 (usu. Foll. By on) colloq. Infatuation. [french]
Crust —n. 1 a hard outer part of bread. B hard dry scrap of bread. C slang livelihood. 2 pastry covering of a pie. 3 hard casing over a soft thing. 4 outer portion of the earth. 5 deposit, esp. From wine on a bottle. —v. Cover or become covered with or form into a crust. [latin crusta rind, shell]
Crustacean —n. Esp. Aquatic arthropod with a hard shell, e.g. The crab, lobster, and shrimp. —adj. Of crustaceans.
Crusty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 having a crisp crust. 2 irritable, curt. crustily adv. Crustiness n.
Crutch n. 1 usu. T-shaped support for a lame person fitting under the armpit. 2 support, prop. 3 crotch. [old english]
Crux n. (pl. Cruxes or cruces) decisive point at issue. [latin, = cross]
Crux n. (pl. Cruxes or cruces) decisive point at issue. [latin, = cross]
Cruzado n. (pl. -s) chief monetary unit of brazil. [portuguese]
Cruzeiro n. (pl. -s) one-thousandth of a cruzado. [portuguese]
Cry —v. (cries, cried) 1 (often foll. By out) make a loud or shrill sound, esp. To express pain, grief, etc., or to appeal for help. 2 shed tears; weep. 3 (often foll. By out) say or exclaim loudly or excitedly. 4 (foll. By for) appeal, demand, or show a need for. 5 (of an animal, esp. A bird) make a loud call. —n. (pl. Cries) 1 loud shout or scream of grief, pain, etc. 2 spell of weeping. 3 loud excited utterance. 4 urgent appeal. 5 a public demand or opinion. B rallying call. 6 call of an animal. cry down disparage. Cry off withdraw from an undertaking. Cry out for need as an obvious requirement or solution. Cry wolf see *wolf. [latin quirito]
Cryogenics n. Branch of physics dealing with very low temperatures. cryogenic adj. [greek kruos frost, -genes born]
Crypt n. Vault, esp. Beneath a church, used usu. As a burial-place. [latin crypta
Crypt n. Vault, esp. Beneath a church, used usu. As a burial-place. [latin crypta from greek kruptos hidden]
Cryptic adj. Obscure in meaning; secret, mysterious. cryptically adv.
Cryptogam n. Plant with no true flowers or seeds, e.g. Ferns, mosses, and fungi. cryptogamous adj. [as *crypt, greek gamos marriage]
Cryptogram n. Text written in cipher. [related to *crypt]
Cryptography n. Art of writing or solving ciphers. cryptographer n. Cryptographic adj.
Crystal —n. 1 a transparent colourless mineral, esp. Rock crystal. B piece of this. 2 a highly transparent glass; flint glass. B articles of this. 3 crystalline piece of semiconductor. 4 aggregation of molecules with a definite internal structure and the external form of a solid enclosed by symmetrically arranged plane faces. —adj. (usu. Attrib.) Made of, like, or clear as crystal. [greek krustallos]
Crystal ball n. Glass globe used in crystal-gazing.
Crystal-gazing n. Supposed foretelling of the future by gazing into a crystal ball.
Crystalline adj. 1 of, like, or clear as crystal. 2 having the structure and form of a crystal. crystallinity n.
Crystallize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 form into crystals. 2 (often foll. By out) (of ideas or plans) make or become definite. 3 make or become coated or impregnated with sugar (crystallized fruit). crystallization n.
Crystallography n. Science of crystal formation and structure. crystallographer n.
Crystalloid n. Substance that in solution is able to pass through a semipermeable membrane.
Cs symb. Caesium.
C/s abbr. Cycles per second.
Cse abbr. Hist. Certificate of secondary education.
Usage the cse examination was replaced in 1988 by gcse.
Cs gas n. Tear-gas used to control riots etc. [corson and stoughton, names of chemists]
Ctc abbr. City technology college.
Cu symb. Copper. [latin cuprum]
Cu. Abbr. Cubic.
Cub —n. 1 young of a fox, bear, lion, etc. 2 (cub) (in full cub scout) junior scout. 3 colloq. Young newspaper reporter. —v. (-bb-) (also absol.) Give birth to (cubs). [origin unknown]
Cubby-hole n. 1 very small room. 2 snug space. [low german]
Cube —n. 1 solid contained by six equal squares. 2 cube-shaped block. 3 product of a number multiplied by its square. —v. (-bing) 1 find the cube of (a number). 2 cut (food etc.) Into small cubes. [latin from greek]
Cube root n. Number which produces a given number when cubed.
Cubic adj. 1 cube-shaped. 2 of three dimensions. 3 involving the cube (and no higher power) of a number (cubic equation).
Cubical adj. Cube-shaped.
Cubicle n. 1 small screened space. 2 small separate sleeping-compartment. [latin cubo lie]
Cubic metre etc. N. Volume of a cube whose edge is one metre etc.
Cubism n. Style in art, esp. Painting, in which objects are represented geometrically. cubist n. & adj.
Cubit n. Ancient measure of length, approximating to the length of a forearm. [latin cubitum elbow]
Cuboid —adj. Cube-shaped; like a cube. —n. Geom. Rectangular parallelepiped.
Cuckold —n. Husband of an adulteress. —v. Make a cuckold of. cuckoldry n. [french]
Cuckoo —n. Bird having a characteristic cry, and laying its eggs in the nests of small birds. —predic. Adj. Slang crazy. [french, imitative]
Cuckoo clock n. Clock with the figure of a cuckoo emerging to make a call on the hour.
Cuckoo-pint n. Wild arum.
Cuckoo-spit n. Froth exuded by insect larvae on leaves, stems, etc.
Cucumber n. 1 long green fleshy fruit, used in salads. 2 climbing plant yielding this. [french from latin]
Cud n. Half-digested food returned to the mouth of ruminants for further chewing. [old english]
Cuddle —v. (-ling) 1 hug, fondle. 2 nestle together, lie close and snug. —n. Prolonged and fond hug. cuddlesome adj. [origin uncertain]
Cuddly adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of a person, toy, etc.) Soft and yielding. 2 given to cuddling.
Cudgel —n. Short thick stick used as a weapon. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) beat with a cudgel. [old english]
Cue1 —n. 1 a last words of an actor’s speech as a signal to another to enter or speak. B similar signal to a musician etc. 2 a stimulus to perception etc. B signal for action. C hint on appropriate behaviour. 3 cueing audio equipment (see sense 2 of v.). —v. (cues, cued, cueing or cuing) 1 give a cue to. 2 put (audio equipment) in readiness to play a particular section. cue in 1 insert a cue for. 2 give information to. On cue at the correct moment. [origin unknown]
Cue2 billiards etc. —n. Long rod for striking a ball. —v. (cues, cued, cueing or cuing) strike (a ball) with or use a cue. [var. Of *queue]
Cue-ball n. Ball to be struck with a cue.
Cuff1 n. 1 end part of a sleeve. 2 us trouser turn-up. 3 (in pl.) Colloq. Handcuffs. off the cuff colloq. Without preparation, extempore. [origin unknown]
Cuff2 —v. Strike with an open hand. —n. Such a blow. [perhaps imitative]
Cuff-link n. Two joined studs etc. For fastening a cuff.
Cufic var. Of *kufic.
Cuirass n. Armour breastplate and back-plate fastened together. [latin corium leather]
Cuisine n. Style or method of cooking. [french]
Cul-de-sac n. (pl. Culs-de-sac pronunc. Same, or cul-de-sacs) 1 road etc. With a dead end. 2 futile course. [french, = sack-bottom]
Culinary adj. Of or for cooking. [latin culina kitchen]
Cull —v. 1 select or gather (knowledge culled from books). 2 gather (flowers etc.). 3 a select (animals), esp. For killing. B reduce the population of (an animal) by selective slaughter. —n. 1 culling or being culled. 2 animal(s) culled. [french: related to *collect1]
Culminate v. (-ting) (usu. Foll. By in) reach its highest or final point (culminate in war). culmination n. [latin culmen top]
Culottes n.pl. Women’s trousers cut like a skirt. [french, = knee-breeches]
Culpable adj. Deserving blame. culpability n. [latin culpo blame]
Culprit n. Guilty person. [perhaps from anglo-french culpable: see *culpable]
Cult n. 1 religious system, sect, etc., esp. Ritualistic. 2 a devotion to a person or thing (cult of aestheticism). B fashion. C (attrib.) Fashionable (cult film). [latin: related to *cultivate]
Cultivar n. Plant variety produced by cultivation. [from *cultivate, *variety]
Cultivate v. (-ting) 1 prepare and use (soil etc.) For crops or gardening. 2 a raise (crops). B culture (bacteria etc.). 3 a (often as cultivated adj.) Improve (the mind, manners, etc.). B nurture (a person, friendship, etc.). cultivable adj. Cultivation n. [latin colo cult-till, worship]
Cultivator n. 1 mechanical implement for breaking up the ground etc. 2 person or thing that cultivates.
Cultural adj. Of or relating to intellectual or artistic matters, or to a specific
Cultural adj. Of or relating to intellectual or artistic matters, or to a specific culture. culturally adv.
Culture —n. 1 a intellectual and artistic achievement or expression (city lacking in culture). B refined appreciation of the arts etc. (person of culture). 2 customs, achievements, etc. Of a particular civilization or group (chinese culture). 3 improvement by mental or physical training. 4 cultivation of plants; rearing of bees etc. 5 quantity of micro-organisms and nutrient material supporting their growth. —v. (-ring) maintain (bacteria etc.) In suitable growth conditions. [latin: related to *cultivate]
Cultured adj. Having refined taste etc.
Cultured pearl n. Pearl formed by an oyster after the insertion of a foreign body into its shell.
Culture shock n. Disorientation felt by a person subjected to an unfamiliar way of life.
Culture vulture n. Colloq. Person eager for cultural pursuits.
Culvert n. Underground channel carrying water under a road etc. [origin unknown]
Cum prep. (usu. In comb.) With, combined with, also used as (bedroom-cum-study). [latin]
Cumin n. (also cummin) 1 plant with aromatic seeds. 2 these as flavouring. [greek kuminon]
Cummerbund n. Waist sash. [hindustani and persian]
Cumquat var. Of *kumquat.
Cumulative adj. 1 increasing or increased progressively in amount, force, etc. (cumulative evidence). 2 formed by successive additions (learning is a cumulative process). cumulatively adv.
Cumulus n. (pl. -li) cloud formation of rounded masses heaped up on a flat base. [latin, = heap]
Cuneiform —adj. 1 wedge-shaped. 2 of or using wedge-shaped writing. —n. Cuneiform writing. [latin cuneus wedge]
Cunnilingus n. Oral stimulation of the female genitals. [latin cunnus vulva, lingo lick]
Cunning —adj. (-er, -est) 1 deceitful, clever, or crafty. 2 ingenious (cunning device). 3 us attractive, quaint. —n. 1 craftiness; deception. 2 skill, ingenuity. cunningly adv. [old norse: related to *can1]
cunningly adv. [old norse: related to *can1]
Cunt n. Coarse slang 1 female genitals. 2 offens. Unpleasant person. [origin uncertain]
Cup —n. 1 small bowl-shaped container for drinking from. 2 a its contents. B = *cupful. 3 cup-shaped thing. 4 flavoured wine, cider, etc., usu. Chilled. 5 cup-shaped trophy as a prize. 6 one’s fate or fortune (a bitter cup). —v. (-pp-) 1 form (esp. The hands) into the shape of a cup. 2 take or hold as in a cup. one’s cup of tea colloq. What interests or suits one. [medieval latin cuppa]
Cupboard n. Recess or piece of furniture with a door and (usu.) Shelves.
Cupboard love n. False affection for gain.
Cup final n. Final match in a (esp. Football) competition.
Cupful n. (pl. -s) 1 amount held by a cup, esp. Us a half-pint or 8-ounce measure. 2 full cup.
Usage a cupful is a measure, and so three cupfuls is a quantity regarded in terms of a cup; three cups full denotes the actual cups as in brought us three cups full of water.
Cupid n. 1 roman god of love, represented as a naked winged boy archer. 2 (also cupid) representation of cupid. [latin cupio desire]
cupid) representation of cupid. [latin cupio desire]
Cupidity n. Greed; avarice. [latin: related to *cupid]
Cupid’s bow n. Upper lip etc. Shaped like an archery bow.
Cupola n. 1 dome forming or adorning a roof. 2 revolving dome protecting mounted guns. 3 furnace for melting metals. cupolaed adj. [italian from latin cupa cask]
Cuppa n. Colloq. 1 cup of. 2 cup of tea. [corruption]
Cupreous adj. Of or like copper. [latin: related to *copper1]
Cupric adj. Of copper.
Cupro-nickel n. Alloy of copper and nickel.
Cup-tie n. Match in a competition for a cup.
Cur n. 1 mangy ill-tempered dog. 2 contemptible person. [perhaps from old norse kurr grumbling]
Curable adj. Able to be cured. curability n.
Curaçao n. (pl. -s) orange-flavoured liqueur. [curaçao, caribbean island]
Curacy n. (pl. -ies) curate’s office or tenure of it.
Curare n. Extract of various plants, used by american indians to poison arrows. [carib]
Curate n. Assistant to a parish priest. [medieval latin curatus: related to *cure]
Curate’s egg n. Thing that is good in parts.
Curative —adj. Tending or able to cure. —n. Curative agent. [medieval latin: related to *curate]
Curator n. Keeper or custodian of a museum etc. curatorship n. [anglo-latin: related to *cure]
Curb —n. 1 check, restraint. 2 strap etc. Passing under a horse’s lower jaw, used as a check. 3 enclosing border, e.g. The frame round a well or a fender round a hearth. 4 = kerb. —v. 1 restrain. 2 put a curb on (a horse). [french: related to curve]
Curd n. (often in pl.) Coagulated acidic milk product made into cheese or eaten as food. [origin unknown]
Curd cheese n. Soft smooth cheese made from skimmed milk curds.
Curdle v. (-ling) form into curds; congeal. make one’s blood curdle horrify one. [from *curd]
Cure —v. (-ring) 1 (often foll. By of) restore to health; relieve (cured of pleurisy). 2 eliminate (disease, evil, etc.). 3 preserve (meat, fruit, etc.) By salting, drying, etc. 4 vulcanize (rubber); harden (plastic etc.). —n. 1 restoration to health. 2 thing effecting a cure. 3 course of treatment. 4 curacy. [latin cura care]
Curé n. Parish priest in france etc. [french]
Cure-all n. Panacea.
Curette —n. Surgeon’s small scraping-instrument. —v. (-tting) clean or scrape with this. curettage n. [french: related to *cure]
Curfew n. 1 signal or time after which people must remain indoors. 2 hist. Signal for extinction of fires at a fixed hour. [french: related to cover, latin focus]
Curia n. (also curia) papal court; government departments of the vatican. [latin]
Curie n. Unit of radioactivity. [p. Curie, name of a scientist]
Curie n. Unit of radioactivity. [p. Curie, name of a scientist]
Curio n. (pl. -s) rare or unusual object. [abbreviation of *curiosity]
Curiosity n. (pl. -ies) 1 eager desire to know; inquisitiveness. 2 strange, rare, etc. Object. [latin: related to *curious]
Curious adj. 1 eager to learn; inquisitive. 2 strange, surprising, odd. curiously adv. [latin: related to *cure]
Curium n. Artificial radioactive metallic element. [m. And p. Curie, name of scientists]
Curl —v. 1 (often foll. By up) bend or coil into a spiral. 2 move in a spiral form. 3 a (of the upper lip) be raised contemptuously. B cause (the lip) to do this. 4 play curling. —n. 1 lock of curled hair. 2 anything spiral or curved inwards. 3 a curling movement. B being curled. curl one’s lip express scorn. Curl up 1 lie or sit with the knees drawn up. 2 colloq. Writhe in embarrassment etc. [dutch]
Curler n. Pin or roller etc. For curling the hair.
Curlew n. Wading bird, usu. With a long slender bill. [french]
Curlicue n. Decorative curl or twist. [from *curly, cue2 or q1]
Curling n. Game resembling bowls, played on ice with round flat stones.
Curly adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 having or arranged in curls. 2 moving in curves. curliness n.
Curly kale n. = *kale.
Curmudgeon n. Bad-tempered person. curmudgeonly adj. [origin unknown]
Currant n. 1 small seedless dried grape. 2 a any of various shrubs producing red, white, or black berries. B such a berry. [anglo-french from corinth in greece]
Currency n. (pl. -ies) 1 a money in use in a country. B other commodity used as money. 2 being current; prevalence (e.g. Of words or ideas).
Current —adj. 1 belonging to the present; happening now (current events). 2 (of money, opinion, rumour, etc.) In general circulation or use. —n. 1 body of moving water, air, etc., esp. Passing through still water etc. 2 a ordered movement of electrically charged particles. B quantity representing the intensity of this. 3 (usu. Foll. By of) general tendency or course (of events, opinions, etc.). currentness n. [latin curro curs-run]
Current account n. Instantly accessible bank account.
Currently adv. At the present time; now.
Curriculum n. (pl. -la) subjects included in a course of study. [latin, = course]
Curriculum vitae n. Brief account of one’s education, career, etc.
Curry1 —n. (pl. -ies) meat, vegetables, etc., cooked in a spicy sauce, usu. Served with rice. —v. (-ies, -ied) prepare or flavour with a curry sauce. [tamil]
Curry2 v. (-ies, -ied) 1 groom (a horse) with a curry-comb. 2 treat (tanned leather) to improve it. curry favour ingratiate oneself. [germanic: related to *ready]
Curry-comb n. Metal serrated device for grooming horses.
Curry-powder n. Mixture of turmeric, cumin, etc. For making curry.
Curse —n. 1 solemn invocation of divine wrath on a person or thing. 2 supposed resulting evil. 3 violent or profane exclamation or oath. 4 thing causing evil or harm. 5 (prec. By the) colloq.
Cursed attrib. Adj. Damned.
Cursive —adj. (of writing) with joined characters. —n. Cursive writing. [medieval latin, = running: related to *current]
Cursor n. 1 math. Etc. Transparent slide with a hairline, forming part of a slide-rule. 2 computing indicator on a vdu screen identifying esp. The position that the program will operate on with the next keystroke. [latin, = runner: related to *cursive]
Cursory adj. Hasty, hurried. cursorily adv. Cursoriness n. [latin: related to *cursor]
Curt adj. Noticeably or rudely brief. curtly adv. Curtness n. [latin curtus short]
Curtail v. Cut short; reduce. curtailment n. [corruption of obsolete adj. Curtal: related to *curt]
Curtain —n. 1 piece of cloth etc. Hung as a screen, esp. At a window. 2 a rise or fall of a stage curtain between acts or scenes. B = *curtain-call. 3 partition or cover. 4 (in pl.) Slang the end. —v. 1 provide or cover with curtain(s). 2 (foll. By off) shut off with curtain(s). [latin cortina]
Curtain-call n. Audience’s applause summoning actors to take a bow.
Curtain-raiser n. 1 short play before the main performance. 2 preliminary event.
Curtilage n. Esp. Law area attached to a house and forming one enclosure with it. [french: related to *court]
Curtsy (also curtsey) —n. (pl. -ies or -eys) bending of the knees and lowering of the body made by a girl or woman in acknowledgement of applause or as a respectful greeting etc. —v. (-ies, -ied or -eys, -eyed) make a curtsy. [var. Of *courtesy]
Curvaceous adj. Colloq. (esp. Of a woman) having a shapely figure.
Curvature n. 1 curving. 2 curved form. 3 deviation of a curve or curved surface from a plane. [french from latin: related to *curve]
Curve —n. 1 line or surface of which no part is straight or flat. 2 curved form or thing. 3 curved line on a graph. —v. (-ving) bend or shape to form a curve. curved adj. [latin curvus curved]
Curvet —n. Horse’s frisky leap. —v. (-tt-or -t-) perform a curvet. [italian diminutive: related to *curve]
Curvilinear adj. Contained by or consisting of curved lines. curvilinearly adv. [from *curve after rectilinear]
Curvy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 having many curves. 2 (of a woman’s figure) shapely. curviness n.
Cushion —n. 1 bag stuffed with soft material, for sitting or leaning on etc. 2 protection against shock; measure to soften a blow. 3 padded rim of a billiard-
table etc. 4 air supporting a hovercraft etc. —v. 1 provide or protect with cushion(s). 2 mitigate the adverse effects of. [latin culcita mattress]
Cushy adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. (of a job etc.) Easy and pleasant. [hindi khush pleasant]
Cusp n. Point at which two curves meet, e.g. The horn of a crescent moon etc. [latin cuspis -id-point, apex]
Custard n. Pudding or sweet sauce of eggs or flavoured cornflour and milk. [obsolete crustade: related to *crust]
Custodian n. Guardian or keeper. custodianship n.
Custody n. 1 guardianship; protective care. 2 imprisonment. take into custody arrest. custodial adj. [latin custos -od-guard]
Custom n. 1 a usual behaviour. B particular established way of behaving. 2 law established usage having the force of law. 3 regular business dealings or customers. 4 (in pl.; also treated as sing.) A duty on imports and exports. B
official department administering this. C area at a port, frontier, etc., dealing with customs etc. [latin consuetudo]
Customary adj. In accordance with custom, usual. customarily adv. Customariness n. [medieval latin: related to *custom]
Custom-built adj. (also custom-made) made to order.
Customer n. 1 person who buys goods or services from a shop or business. 2 colloq. Person of a specified kind (awkward customer). [anglo-french: related to *custom]
Custom-house n. Customs office at a port or frontier etc.
Customize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make or modify to order; personalize.
Cut —v. (-tt-; past and past part. Cut) 1 (also absol.) Penetrate or wound with a sharp-edged instrument. 2 (often foll. By into) divide or be divided with a knife etc. 3 trim or detach by cutting. 4 (foll. By loose, open, etc.) Loosen etc. By cutting. 5 (esp. As cutting adj.) Wound (cutting remark). 6 (often foll. By down) reduce (wages, time, etc.) Or cease (services etc.). 7 a make (a coat, gem, key, record, etc.) By cutting. B make (a path, tunnel, etc.) By removing material. 8 perform, make (cut a caper; cut a sorry figure). 9 (also absol.) Cross, intersect. 10 (foll. By across, through, etc.) Traverse, esp. As a shorter way (cut across the grass). 11 a deliberately ignore (a person one knows). B renounce (a connection). 12 esp. Us deliberately miss (a class etc.). 13 cards a divide (a pack) into two parts. B do this to select a dealer etc. 14 a edit (film or tape). B (often in imper.) Stop filming or recording. C (foll. By to) go quickly to (another shot). 15 switch off (an engine etc.). 16 chop (a ball). —n. 1 cutting. 2 division or wound made by cutting. 3 stroke with a knife, sword, whip, etc. 4 a reduction (in wages
etc.). B cessation (of power supply etc.). 5 removal of lines etc. From a play, film, etc. 6 wounding remark or act. 7 style of hair, garment, etc. Achieved by cutting. 8 particular piece of butchered meat. 9 colloq. Commission; share of profits. 10 stroke made by cutting. 11 deliberate ignoring of a person. 12 = *woodcut. a cut above colloq. Noticeably superior to. Be cut out (foll. By for, or to + infin.) Be suited. Cut across 1 transcend (normal limitations etc.). 2 see sense 10 of v. Cut and run slang run away. Cut back 1 reduce (expenditure etc.). 2 prune (a tree etc.). Cut both ways 1 serve both sides of an argument etc. 2 (of an action) have both good and bad effects. Cut a corner go across it. Cut corners do perfunctorily or incompletely, esp. To save time. Cut a dash make a brilliant show. Cut a person dead deliberately ignore (a person one knows). Cut down 1 a bring or throw down by cutting. B kill by sword or disease. 2 see sense 6 of v. 3 reduce the length of (cut down trousers to make shorts). 4 (often foll. By on) reduce consumption (cut down on beer). Cut a person down to size colloq. Deflate a person’s pretensions. Cut in 1 interrupt. 2 pull in too closely in front of another vehicle. Cut it fine allow very little margin of time etc. Cut it out (usu. In imper.) Slang stop doing that. Cut one’s losses abandon an unprofitable scheme. Cut no ice slang have no influence. Cut off 1 remove by cutting. 2 a (often in passive) bring to an abrupt end or (esp. Early) death. B intercept, interrupt. C disconnect (a person on the telephone). 3 a prevent from travelling. B (as cut off adj.) Isolated or remote. 4 disinherit. Cut out 1 remove from inside by cutting. 2 make by cutting from a larger whole. 3 omit. 4 colloq. Stop doing or using (something) (cut out chocolate). 5 (cause to) cease functioning (engine cut out). 6 outdo or supplant (a rival). Cut short interrupt; terminate. Cut one’s teeth on acquire experience from.
Cutaneous adj. Of the skin. [latin: related to *cuticle]
Cutaway attrib. Adj. (of a diagram etc.) With parts of the exterior left out to reveal the interior.
reveal the interior.
Cut-back n. Cutting back, esp. A reduction in expenditure.
Cute adj. Colloq. 1 esp. Us attractive, quaint. 2 clever, ingenious. cutely adv. Cuteness n. [shortening of *acute]
Cut glass n. (often hyphenated when attrib.) Glass with patterns cut on it.
Cuticle n. Dead skin at the base of a fingernail or toenail. [latin diminutive of cutis skin]
Cutis n. True skin, beneath the epidermis. [latin]
Cutlass n. Hist. Short sword with a slightly curved blade. [latin cultellus: related to *cutler]
Cutler n. Person who makes or deals in knives etc. [latin cultellus diminutive: related to *coulter]
Cutlery n. Knives, forks, and spoons for use at table. [anglo-french: related to *cutler]
Cutlet n. 1 neck-chop of mutton or lamb. 2 small piece of veal etc. For frying. 3 flat cake of minced meat or nuts and breadcrumbs etc. [french diminutive from latin costa rib]
Cut-off n. 1 (often attrib.) Point at which something is cut off. 2 device for stopping a flow.
Cut-out n. 1 figure cut out of paper etc. 2 device for automatic disconnection, the release of exhaust gases, etc.
Cut-price adj. (also cut-rate) at a reduced price.
Cutter n. 1 a person or thing that cuts. B (in pl.) Cutting tool. 2 a small fast sailing-ship. B small boat carried by a large ship.
Cutthroat —n. 1 murderer. 2 (in full cutthroat razor) razor with a long unguarded blade set in a handle. —adj. 1 (of competition) ruthless and intense. 2 (of a card-game) three-handed.
Cutting —n. 1 piece cut from a newspaper etc. 2 piece cut from a plant for propagation. 3 excavated channel in a hillside etc. For a railway or road. —adj. See *cut v. 5. cuttingly adv.
Cuttlefish n. (pl. Same or -es) mollusc with ten arms and ejecting a black fluid when threatened. [old english]
Cutwater n. 1 forward edge of a ship’s prow. 2 wedge-shaped projection from a pier or bridge.
Cuvée n. Blend or batch of wine. [french, = vatful]
C.v. Abbr. (also cv) curriculum vitae.
Cwm n. (in wales) = *coomb. [welsh]
Cwt abbr. Hundredweight.
-cy suffix denoting state, condition, or status (idiocy; captaincy). [latin -cia, greek -kia]
Cyanic acid n. Unstable colourless pungent acid gas. [greek kuanos a blue mineral]
Cyanide n. Highly poisonous substance used in the extraction of gold and silver.
Cyanogen n. Highly poisonous gas used in fertilizers.
Cyanosis n. Bluish skin due to oxygen-deficient blood.
Cybernetics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Science of communications and control systems in machines and living things. cybernetic adj. [greek kubernetes steersman]
Cyberpunk n. Science fiction writing combining high-tech plots with unconventional or nihilistic social values. [from cybernetics, punk]
Cycad n. Palmlike plant often growing to a great height. [greek koix egyptian palm]
Cyclamate n. Former artificial sweetener. [chemical name]
Cyclamen n. 1 plant with pink, red, or white flowers with backward-turned petals. 2 cyclamen red or pink. [latin from greek]
Cycle —n. 1 a recurrent round or period (of events, phenomena, etc.). B time needed for this. 2 a physics etc. Recurrent series of operations or states. B electr. = *hertz. 3 series of related songs, poems, etc. 4 bicycle, tricycle, etc. —v. (-ling) 1 ride a bicycle etc. 2 move in cycles. [greek kuklos circle]
Cycle-track n. (also cycle-way) path or road for bicycles.
Cyclic adj. (also cyclical) 1 a recurring in cycles. B belonging to a chronological cycle. 2 with constituent atoms forming a ring. cyclically adv.
Cyclist n. Rider of a bicycle.
Cyclo-comb. Form circle, cycle, or cyclic.
Cyclist n. Rider of a bicycle.
Cyclo-comb. Form circle, cycle, or cyclic.
Cyclone n. 1 winds rotating inwards to an area of low barometric pressure; depression. 2 violent hurricane of limited diameter. cyclonic adj. [greek kukloma wheel]
Cyclotron n. Apparatus for the acceleration of charged atomic and subatomic particles revolving in a magnetic field.
Cygnet n. Young swan. [latin cygnus swan from greek]
Cylinder n. 1 uniform solid or hollow body with straight sides and a circular section. 2 thing of this shape, e.g. A container for liquefied gas, a piston-chamber in an engine. cylindrical adj. [latin cylindrus from greek]
Cymbal n. Concave disc, struck usu. With another to make a ringing sound. cymbalist n. [latin from greek]
Cyme n. Flower cluster with a single terminal flower that develops first. cymose adj. [greek kuma wave]
Cymric adj. Welsh. [welsh cymru wales]
Cynic n. 1 person with a pessimistic view of human nature. 2 (cynic) one of a school of ancient greek philosophers showing contempt for ease and pleasure. cynical adj. Cynically adv. Cynicism n. [greek kuon dog]
Cynosure n. Centre of attraction or admiration. [greek, = dog’s tail (name for ursa minor)]
Cypher var. Of *cipher.
Cypress n. Conifer with hard wood and dark foliage. [greek kuparissos]
Cypriot (also cypriote) —n. Native or national of cyprus. —adj. Of cyprus. [cyprus in e. Mediterranean]
Cyrillic —adj. Of the alphabet used by the slavonic peoples of the orthodox church, now used esp. For russian and bulgarian. —n. This alphabet. [st cyril, d. 869]
Cyst n. Sac formed in the body, containing liquid matter. [greek kustis bladder]
Cystic adj. 1 of the bladder. 2 like a cyst.
Cystic fibrosis n. Hereditary disease usu. With respiratory infections.
Cystitis n. Inflammation of the bladder usu. Causing frequent painful urination.
-cyte comb. Form mature cell (leucocyte). [greek kutos vessel]
Cytology n. The study of cells. cytological adj. Cytologist n. [greek kutos vessel]
Cytoplasm n. Protoplasmic content of a cell apart from its nucleus. cytoplasmic adj.
Czar var. Of *tsar
Czech —n. 1 native or national of czechoslovakia. 2 one of the two official languages of czechoslovakia. —adj. Of czechoslovakia, its people, or language. [bohemian cech]
Czechoslovak (also czechoslovakian) —n. Native or national of czechoslovakia. —adj. Of czechoslovakia. [from *czech, *slovak]
D
D1 n. (also d) (pl. Ds or d’s) 1 fourth letter of the alphabet. 2 mus. Second note of the diatonic scale of c major. 3 (as a roman numeral) 500. 4 = *dee. 5 fourth highest class or category (of academic marks etc.).
D2 symb. Deuterium.
D. Abbr. 1 died. 2 departs. 3 daughter. 4 hist. (pre-decimal) penny. [sense 4 from latin *denarius]
‘D v. Colloq. (usu. After pronouns) had, would (i’d; he’d). [abbreviation]
Dab1 —v. (-bb-) 1 (often foll. By at) repeatedly press briefly and lightly with a cloth etc. (dabbed at her eyes). 2 press (a cloth etc.) Thus. 3 (foll. By on) apply by dabbing. 4 (often foll. By at) aim a feeble blow; strike lightly. —n. 1 dabbing. 2 small amount thus applied (dab of paint). 3 light blow. 4 (in pl.) Slang fingerprints. [imitative]
Dab2 n. (pl. Same) a kind of marine flat-fish. [origin unknown]
Dabble v. (-ling) 1 (usu. Foll. By in, at) engage (in an activity etc.) Superficially. 2 move the feet, hands, etc. In esp. Shallow liquid. 3 wet partly; stain, splash. dabbler n. [from *dab1]
Dabchick n. = *little grebe. [old english]
Dab hand n. (usu. Foll. By at) colloq. Expert. [dab adept, origin unknown]
Da capo adv. Mus. Repeat from the beginning. [italian]
Dace n. (pl. Same) small freshwater fish related to the carp. [french dars: related to *dart]
Dacha n. Russian country cottage. [russian]
Dachshund n. Dog of a short-legged long-bodied breed. [german, = badger-dog]
Dactyl n. Metrical foot consisting of one long syllable followed by two short syllables (&dactyl.). dactylic adj. [greek, = finger]
Dad n. Colloq. Father. [imitative of a child’s da da]
Dada n. Early 20th-c. Artistic and literary movement repudiating conventions. dadaism n. Dadaist n. & adj. Dadaistic adj. [french dada hobby-horse]
Daddy n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Father. [from *dad]
Daddy-long-legs n. (pl. Same) crane-fly.
Daddy-long-legs n. (pl. Same) crane-fly.
Dado n. (pl. -s) 1 lower, differently decorated, part of an interior wall. 2 plinth of a column. 3 cube of a pedestal between the base and the cornice. [italian: related to *die2]
Daemon var. Of *demon 4.
Daff n. Colloq. = *daffodil. [abbreviation]
Daffodil n. Spring bulb with a yellow trumpet-shaped flower. [related to *asphodel]
Dagger n. 1 short pointed knife used as a weapon. 2 printing = *obelus. at daggers drawn in bitter enmity. Look daggers at glare angrily at. [origin uncertain]
Dago n. (pl. -s) slang offens. Foreigner, esp. A spaniard, portuguese, or italian. [spanish diego = james]
Daguerreotype n. Early photograph using a silvered plate and mercury vapour. [daguerre, name of its inventor]
Dahlia n. Large-flowered showy garden plant. [dahl, name of a botanist]
Dáil n. (in full dáil éireann) lower house of parliament in the republic of ireland. [irish, = assembly (of ireland)]
Daily —adj. Done, produced, or occurring every day or every weekday. —adv. 1 every day. 2 constantly. —n. (pl. -ies) colloq. 1 daily newspaper. 2 cleaning woman.
Daily bread n. Necessary food; livelihood.
Dainty —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 delicately pretty. 2 delicate or small. 3 (of food) choice. 4 fastidious; discriminating. —n. (pl. -ies) choice delicacy. daintily adv. Daintiness n. [latin dignitas *dignity]
Daiquiri n. (pl. -s) cocktail of rum, lime juice, etc. [daiquiri in cuba]
Dairy n. (pl. -ies) 1 place for processing, distributing, or selling milk and its products. 2 (attrib.) Of, containing, or used for, dairy products (and sometimes eggs) (dairy cow). [old english]
Dairying n. Dairy farming and distribution.
Dairymaid n. Woman employed in a dairy.
Dairymaid n. Woman employed in a dairy.
Dairyman n. Dealer in dairy products.
Dais n. Low platform, usu. At the upper end of a hall. [latin *discus disc, (later) table]
Daisy n. (pl. -ies) 1 small wild plant with white-petalled flowers. 2 plant with similar flowers. [old english, = day’s eye]
Daisy wheel n. Spoked disc bearing printing characters, used in word processors and typewriters.
Dal var. Of *dhal.
Dalai lama n. Spiritual head of tibetan buddhism. [mongolian dalai ocean]
Dale n. Valley. [old english]
Dally v. (-ies, -ied) 1 delay; waste time. 2 (often foll. By with) flirt, trifle. dalliance n. [french]
Dalmatian n. Large white spotted short-haired dog. [dalmatia in croatia]
Dal segno adv. Mus. Repeat from the point marked by a sign. [italian, = from the sign]
Dam1 —n. 1 barrier across river etc., forming a reservoir or preventing flooding. 2 barrier made by beaver. —v. (-mm-) 1 provide or confine with a dam. 2 (often foll. By up) block up; obstruct. [low german or dutch]
Dam2 n. Mother, esp. Of a four-footed animal. [var. Of *dame]
Damage —n. 1 harm or injury. 2 (in pl.) Law financial compensation for loss or injury. 3 (prec. By the) slang cost. —v. (-ging) inflict damage on. [latin damnum]
Damascene —v. (-ning) decorate (metal) by etching or inlaying esp. With gold or silver. —n. Design or article produced in this way. —adj. Of this process. [damascus in syria]
Damask —n. Reversible figured woven fabric, esp. White table linen. —adj. 1 made of damask. 2 velvety pink. —v. Weave with figured designs. [as *damascene]
Damask rose n. Old sweet-scented rose used to make attar.
Dame n. 1 (dame) a title given to a woman holding any of several orders of chivalry. B woman holding this title. 2 comic middle-aged female pantomime character, usu. Played by a man. 3 us slang woman. [latin domina lady]
Dame-school n. Hist. Primary school kept by an elderly woman.
Dammit int. Colloq. Damn it.
Damn —v. 1 (often absol. Or as int. Of anger or annoyance, = may god damn) curse (a person or thing). 2 doom to hell; cause the damnation of. 3 condemn, censure (review damning the book). 4 a (often as damning adj.) (of circumstance, evidence, etc.) Show or prove to be guilty. B be the ruin of. —n. 1 uttered curse. 2 slang negligible amount. —adj. & adv. Colloq. = *damned. damn all slang nothing at all. Damn well colloq. (for emphasis) simply (damn well do as i say). Damn with faint praise commend feebly, and so imply disapproval. I’m (or i’ll be) damned if colloq. I certainly do not, will not, etc. Not give a damn see *give. Well i’m (or i’ll be) damned colloq. Exclamation of surprise etc. [latin damnum loss]
Damnable adj. Hateful, annoying. damnably adv.
Damnation —n. Eternal punishment in hell. —int. Expressing anger.
Damned colloq. —attrib. Adj. Damnable. —adv. Extremely (damned hot). damned well = damn well. Do one’s damnedest do one’s utmost.
Damp —adj. Slightly wet. —n. Slight diffused or condensed moisture, esp. When unwelcome. —v. 1 make damp; moisten. 2 (often foll. By down) a temper; mute (damps my enthusiasm). B make (a fire) burn less strongly by reducing the flow of air to it. 3 reduce or stop the vibration of (esp. Strings of a musical instrument). damply adv. Dampness n. [low german]
musical instrument). damply adv. Dampness n. [low german]
Damp course n. (also damp-proof course) layer of waterproof material in a wall near the ground, to prevent rising damp.
Dampen v. 1 make or become damp. 2 (often foll. By down) = *damp v. 2a.
Damper n. 1 discouraging person or thing. 2 device that reduces shock or noise. 3 metal plate in a flue to control the draught. 4 mus. Pad silencing a piano string. put a damper on take the vigour or enjoyment out of.
Damp squib n. Unsuccessful attempt to impress etc.
Damsel n. Archaic or literary young unmarried woman. [french diminutive: related to *dame]
Damselfly n. Insect like a dragonfly but with wings folded when resting.
Damson n. 1 (in full damson plum) small dark-purple plum. 2 dark-purple colour. [latin: related to *damascene]
Dan n. 1 grade of proficiency in judo. 2 holder of such a grade. [japanese]
Dance —v. (-cing) 1 move rhythmically, usu. To music. 2 skip or jump about. 3 perform (a specified dance, role, etc.). 4 bob up and down. 5 dandle (a child). —
perform (a specified dance, role, etc.). 4 bob up and down. 5 dandle (a child). — n. 1 a dancing as an art form. B style or form of this. 2 social gathering for dancing. 3 single round or turn of a dance. 4 music for dancing to. 5 lively motion. dance attendance on serve obsequiously. Lead a person a dance (or merry dance) cause a person much trouble. danceable adj. Dancer n. [french]
Dancehall n. Public hall for dancing.
D. And c. N. Dilatation (of the cervix) and curettage (of the uterus).
Dandelion n. Wild plant with jagged leaves, a yellow flower, and a fluffy seed-head. [french dent-de-lion, = lion’s tooth]
Dander n. Colloq. Temper, indignation. get one’s dander up become angry. [origin uncertain]
Dandify v. (-ies, -ied) make a dandy.
Dandle v. (-ling) bounce (a child) on one’s knees etc. [origin unknown]
Dandruff n. 1 flakes of dead skin in the hair. 2 this as a condition. [origin uncertain]
Dandy —n. (pl. -ies) 1 man greatly devoted to style and fashion. 2 colloq. Excellent thing. —adj. (-ier, -iest) esp. Us colloq. Splendid. [perhaps from the name andrew]
name andrew]
Dandy-brush n. Brush for grooming a horse.
Dane n. 1 native or national of denmark. 2 hist. Viking invader of england in the 9th–11th c. [old norse]
Danger list n. List of those dangerously ill.
Danger money n. Extra payment for dangerous work.
Dangerous adj. Involving or causing danger. dangerously adv.
Dangle v. (-ling) 1 be loosely suspended and able to sway. 2 hold or carry thus. 3 hold out (hope, temptation, etc.) Enticingly. [imitative]
Danish —adj. Of denmark or the danes. —n. 1 danish language. 2 (prec. By the; treated as pl.) The danish people. [latin: related to *dane]
Danish blue n. White blue-veined cheese.
Danish pastry n. Yeast cake topped with icing, fruit, nuts, etc.
Dank adj. Disagreeably damp and cold. dankly adv. Dankness n. [probably scandinavian]
scandinavian]
Daphne n. Any of various flowering shrubs. [greek]
Dapper adj. 1 neat and precise, esp. In dress. 2 sprightly. [low german or dutch dapper strong]
Dapple —v. (-ling) mark or become marked with spots of colour or shade. —n. Dappled effect. [origin unknown]
Dapple-grey adj. (of an animal’s coat) grey or white with darker spots.
Dapple grey n. Dapple-grey horse.
Darby and joan n. Devoted old married couple. [names of a couple in an 18th-c. Poem]
Darby and joan club n. Club for pensioners.
Dare —v. (-ring; 3rd sing. Present usu. Dare before an expressed or implied infinitive without to) 1 (foll. By infin. With or without to) have the courage or impudence (to) (dare he do it?; if they dare to come; how dare you?). 2 (usu. Foll. By to + infin.) Defy or challenge (i dare you to own up). —n. 1 act of daring. 2 challenge, esp. To prove courage. i dare say 1 (often foll. By that) it is probable. 2 probably; i grant that much. [old english]
Daredevil —n. Recklessly daring person. —adj. Recklessly daring. daredevilry n.
Daring —n. Adventurous courage. —adj. Adventurous, bold; prepared to take risks. daringly adv.
Dariole n. Dish cooked and served in a small mould. [french]
Dark —adj. 1 with little or no light. 2 of deep or sombre colour. 3 (of a person) with dark colouring. 4 gloomy, dismal. 5 evil, sinister. 6 sullen, angry. 7 secret, mysterious. 8 ignorant, unenlightened. —n. 1 absence of light. 2 lack of knowledge. 3 dark area or colour, esp. In painting. after dark after nightfall. The dark ages (or age) 1 period of european history from the 5th–10th c. 2 period of supposed unenlightenment. In the dark 1 lacking information. 2 with no light. darkish adj. Darkly adv. Darkness n. [old english]
Darken v. Make or become dark or darker. never darken a person’s door keep away permanently. darkener n.
Dark glasses n.pl. Spectacles with dark-tinted lenses.
Dark horse n. Little-known person who is unexpectedly successful.
Darkie var. Of *darky.
Darkroom n. Darkened room for photographic work.
Darky n. (also darkie) (pl. -ies) slang offens. Black person.
Darling —n. 1 beloved, lovable, or endearing person or thing. 2 favourite. —adj. 1 beloved, lovable. 2 colloq. Charming or pretty. [old english: related to *dear]
Darn1 —v. Mend (cloth etc.) By filling a hole with stitching. —n. Darned area. [origin uncertain]
Darnel n. Grass growing in cereal crops. [origin unknown]
Darner n. Needle for darning.
Darning n. 1 act of darning. 2 things to be darned.
Dart —n. 1 small pointed missile. 2 (in pl.; usu. Treated as sing.) Indoor game of
throwing darts at a dartboard to score points. 3 sudden rapid movement. 4 dartlike structure, e.g. An insect’s sting. 5 tapering tuck in a garment. —v. (often foll. By out, in, past, etc.) Move, send, or go suddenly or rapidly. [french from germanic]
Dartboard n. Circular target in darts.
Darwinian —adj. Of darwin’s theory of evolution. —n. Adherent of this. darwinism n. Darwinist n. [darwin, name of a naturalist]
Dash —v. 1 rush. 2 strike or fling forcefully, esp. So as to shatter (dashed it to the ground). 3 frustrate, dispirit (dashed their hopes). 4 colloq. (esp. Dash it or dash it all) = *damn v. 1. —n. 1 rush or onset; sudden advance. 2 horizontal stroke (–) in writing or printing to mark a pause etc. 3 impetuous vigour; capacity for or appearance of this. 4 us sprinting-race. 5 longer signal of two in morse code (cf. dot n. 2). 6 slight admixture, esp. Of a liquid. 7 = dashboard. dash off write or draw hurriedly. [imitative]
Dashboard n. Instrument panel of a vehicle or aircraft.
Dastardly adj. Cowardly, despicable. dastardliness n. [origin uncertain]
Dat abbr. Digital audio tape.
Data n.pl. (also treated as sing., although the singular form is strictly datum) 1
known facts used for inference or in reckoning. 2 quantities or characters operated on by a computer etc. [latin data from do give]
Usage (1) in scientific, philosophical, and general use, this word is usually considered to denote a number of items and is thus treated as plural with datum as the singular. (2) in computing and allied subjects (and sometimes in general use), it is treated as a mass (or collective) noun and used with words like this, that, and much, with singular verbs, e.g. Useful data has been collected. Some people consider use (2) to be incorrect but it is more common than use (1). However, data is not a singular countable noun and cannot be preceded by a, every, each, either, or neither, or be given a plural form datas.
Data bank n. Store or source of data.
Database n. Structured set of data held in a computer.
Datable adj. (often foll. By to) capable of being dated.
Data capture n. Entering of data into a computer.
Data processing n. Series of operations on data, esp. By a computer. data processor n.
Date1 —n. 1 day of the month, esp. As a number. 2 particular, esp. Historical, day or year. 3 day, month, and year of writing etc., at the head of a document etc. 4 period to which a work of art etc. Belongs. 5 time when an event takes
place. 6 colloq. A appointment, esp. Social with a person of the opposite sex. B us person to be met at this. —v. (-ting) 1 mark with a date. 2 a assign a date to (an object, event, etc.). B (foll. By to) assign to a particular time, period, etc. 3 (often foll. By from, back to, etc.) Have its origins at a particular time. 4 appear or expose as old-fashioned (design that does not date; that hat dates you). 5 us colloq. A make a date with. B go out together as sexual partners. out of date (attrib. Out-of-date) old-fashioned, obsolete. To date until now. Up to date (attrib. Up-to-date) modern; fashionable; current. [french: related to *data]
Date2 n. 1 dark oval single-stoned fruit. 2 (in full date-palm) tree bearing it. [greek: related to *dactyl, from the shape of the leaf]
Date-line n. 1 north–south line partly along the meridian 180° from greenwich, to the east of which the date is a day earlier than to the west. 2 date and place of writing at the head of a newspaper article etc.
Date-stamp —n. Adjustable rubber stamp etc. Used to record a date. —v. Mark with a date-stamp.
Dative gram. —n. Case expressing the indirect object or recipient. —adj. Of or in this case. [latin: related to *data]
Datum see *data.
Daub —v. 1 spread (paint etc.) Crudely or roughly. 2 coat or smear (a surface) with paint etc. 3 paint crudely or unskilfully. —n. 1 paint etc. Daubed on a surface. 2 plaster, clay, etc., esp. Coating laths or wattles to form a wall. 3 crude painting. [latin: related to de-, alb]
Daughter n. 1 girl or woman in relation to her parent(s). 2 female descendant. 3 (foll. By of) female member of a family etc. 4 (foll. By of) female descendant or inheritor of a quality etc. daughterly adj. [old english]
Daughter-in-law n. (pl. Daughters-in-law) son’s wife.
Daunt v. Discourage, intimidate. daunting adj. [latin domito from domo tame]
Dauntless adj. Intrepid, persevering.
Dauphin n. Hist. Eldest son of the king of france. [french from latin delphinus *dolphin, as a family name]
Davenport n. 1 small writing-desk with a sloping top. 2 us large sofa. [name of the maker]
Davit n. Small crane on board ship, esp. For moving or holding a lifeboat. [french diminutive of david]
Davy n. (pl. -ies) (in full davy lamp) miner’s safety lamp. [name of its inventor]
Davy jones n. Slang (in full davy jones’s locker) bottom of the sea, esp. As the sailors’ graveyard. [origin unknown]
Daw n. = *jackdaw. [old english]
Dawdle v. (-ling) 1 walk slowly and idly. 2 waste time; procrastinate. [origin unknown]
Dawn —n. 1 daybreak. 2 beginning or birth of something. —v. 1 (of a day) begin; grow light. 2 (often foll. By on, upon) begin to become obvious (to). [old english]
Dawn chorus n. Birdsong at daybreak.
Day n. 1 time between sunrise and sunset. 2 a 24 hours as a unit of time. B corresponding period on other planets (martian day). 3 daylight (clear as day). 4 time during which work is normally done (eight-hour day). 5 a (also pl.) Historical period (in those days). B (prec. By the) present time (issues of the day). 6 prime of a person’s life (have had my day; in my day). 7 a future time (will do it one day). 8 date of a specific festival or event etc. (graduation day; christmas day). 9 battle or contest (win the day). all in a day’s work part of the normal routine. At the end of the day when all is said and done. Call it a day end a period of activity. Day after day without respite. Day and night all the time. Day by day gradually. Day in, day out routinely, constantly. Not one’s day day when things go badly (for a person). One of these days soon. One of those days day when things go badly. That will be the day colloq. That will never happen. [old english]
Day-bed n. Bed for daytime rest.
Day-boy n. (also day-girl) non-boarding pupil, esp. At a boarding school.
Daybreak n. First light in the morning.
Day care n. Care of young children, the elderly, the handicapped, etc. During the working day.
Day centre n. Place for care of the elderly or handicapped during the day.
Day-dream —n. Pleasant fantasy or reverie. —v. Indulge in this. day-dreamer n.
Daylight n. 1 light of day. 2 dawn. 3 visible gap, e.g. Between boats in a race. 4 (usu. In pl.) Slang life or consciousness (scared the daylights out of me; beat the living daylights out of them).
Daylight robbery n. Colloq. Blatantly excessive charge.
Daylight saving n. Longer summer evening daylight, achieved by putting clocks forward.
Day nursery n. Nursery for children of working parents.
Day off n. Day’s holiday.
Day of reckoning n. Time when something must be atoned for or avenged.
Day release n. Part-time education for employees.
Day return n. Reduced fare or ticket for a return journey in one day.
Day-room n. Room, esp. In an institution, used during the day.
Day-school n. School for pupils living at home.
Daytime n. Part of the day when there is natural light.
Day-to-day adj. Mundane, routine.
Day-trip n. Trip completed in one day. day-tripper n.
Daze —v. (-zing) stupefy, bewilder. —n. State of bewilderment. [old norse]
Dazzle —v. (-ling) 1 blind or confuse temporarily with a sudden bright light. 2 impress or overpower with knowledge, ability, etc. —n. Bright confusing light. dazzling adj. Dazzlingly adv. [from *daze]
Db abbr. Decibel(s).
Dbs abbr. 1 direct-broadcast satellite. 2 direct broadcasting by satellite.
Dc abbr. 1 (also dc) direct current. 2 district of columbia. 3 da capo.
Dd abbr. Doctor of divinity.
D-day n. 1 day (6 june 1944) on which allied forces invaded n. France. 2 important or decisive day. [d for day]
Ddt abbr. Colourless chlorinated hydrocarbon used as insecticide. [from the chemical name]
De-prefix 1 forming verbs and their derivatives: a down, away (descend; deduct). B completely (denude). 2 added to verbs and their derivatives to form verbs and nouns implying removal or reversal (de-ice; decentralization). [latin]
Deacon n. (fem. (in senses 2 and 3) deaconess) 1 (in episcopal churches) minister below bishop and priest. 2 (in nonconformist churches) lay officer. 3 (in the early church) minister of charity. [greek diakonos servant]
Deactivate v. (-ting) make inactive or less reactive.
Dead —adj. 1 no longer alive. 2 colloq. Extremely tired or unwell. 3 numb (fingers are dead). 4 (foll. By to) insensitive to. 5 no longer effective or in use;
(fingers are dead). 4 (foll. By to) insensitive to. 5 no longer effective or in use; extinct. 6 (of a match, coal, etc.) Extinguished. 7 inanimate. 8 a lacking force or vigour. B (of sound) not resonant. 9 quiet; lacking activity (dead season). 10 (of a microphone, telephone, etc.) Not transmitting sounds. 11 (of a ball in a game) out of play. 12 abrupt, complete (come to a dead stop; a dead calm; dead certainty). —adv. 1 absolutely, completely (dead on target; dead tired). 2 colloq. Very, extremely (dead easy). —n. Time of silence or inactivity (dead of night). as dead as the (or a) dodo entirely obsolete. Dead to the world colloq. Fast asleep; unconscious. [old english]
Dead beat adj. Colloq. Exhausted.
Dead-beat n. Colloq. Derelict, tramp.
Dead duck n. Slang unsuccessful or useless person or thing.
Deaden v. 1 deprive of or lose vitality, force, brightness, sound, feeling, etc. 2 (foll. By to) make insensitive.
Dead end n. 1 closed end of road, passage, etc. 2 (often, with hyphen, attrib.) Hopeless situation, job, etc.
Deadhead —n. 1 faded flower-head. 2 non-paying passenger or spectator. 3 useless person. —v. Remove deadheads from (a plant).
Dead heat n. 1 race in which competitors tie. 2 result of such a race.
Dead language n. Language no longer spoken, e.g. Latin.
Dead letter n. Law or practice no longer observed or recognized.
Deadline n. Time-limit.
Deadlock —n. 1 state of unresolved conflict. 2 lock requiring a key to open or close it. —v. Bring or come to a standstill.
Dead loss n. Colloq. Useless person or thing.
Deadly —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 causing or able to cause fatal injury or serious damage. 2 intense, extreme (deadly dullness). 3 (of aim etc.) True; effective. 4 deathlike (deadly pale). 5 colloq. Dreary, dull. —adv. 1 like death; as if dead (deadly faint). 2 extremely (deadly serious).
Deadly nightshade n. Poisonous plant with purple-black berries.
Dead man’s handle n. (also dead man’s pedal) device on an electric train disconnecting the power supply if released.
Dead march n. Funeral march.
Dead on adj. Exactly right.
Deadpan adj. & adv. Lacking expression or emotion.
Dead reckoning n. Calculation of a ship’s position from the log, compass, etc., when visibility is bad.
Dead set n. Determined attack. be dead set against strongly oppose. Be dead set on be determined to do or get.
Dead shot n. Person who shoots extremely accurately.
Dead weight n. (also dead-weight) 1 a inert mass. B heavy burden. 2 debt not covered by assets. 3 total weight carried on a ship.
Dead wood n. Colloq. Useless person(s) or thing(s).
Deaf-and-dumb alphabet n. (also deaf-and-dumb language) = *sign language.
Usage sign language is the preferred term in official use.
Deafen v. (often as deafening adj.) Overpower with noise or make deaf by noise, esp. Temporarily. deafeningly adv.
Deaf mute n. Deaf and dumb person.
Deal1 —v. (past and past part. Dealt) 1 (foll. By with) a take measures to resolve, placate, etc. B do business with; associate with. C discuss or treat (a subject). 2 (often foll. By by, with) behave in specified way (dealt honourably by them). 3 (foll. By in) sell (deals in insurance). 4 (often foll. By out, round) distribute to several people etc. 5 (also absol.) Distribute (cards) to players. 6 administer (was dealt a blow). 7 assign, esp. Providentially (were dealt much happiness). —n. 1 (usu. A good or great deal) colloq. A large amount (good deal of trouble). B considerably (great deal better). 2 colloq. Business arrangement; transaction. 3 specified treatment (a rough deal). 4 a dealing of cards. B player’s turn to do this. [old english]
Deal2 n. 1 fir or pine timber, esp. As boards of a standard size. 2 board of this. [low german]
Dealer n. 1 trader in (esp. Retail) goods (car-dealer; dealer in tobacco). 2 player dealing at cards. 3 jobber on the stock exchange.
Usage in sense 3, this name has been merged with broker since oct. 1986 (see broker 2, jobber 2).
Dealings n.pl. Contacts, conduct, or transactions.
Dealt past and past part. Of *deal1.
Dean1 n. 1 a head of the chapter of a cathedral or collegiate church. B (usu. Rural dean) clergyman supervising parochial clergy. 2 a college or university official with disciplinary and advisory functions. B head of a university faculty or department or of a medical school. [latin decanus]
Dean2 var. Of *dene.
Deanery n. (pl. -ies) 1 dean’s house or position. 2 parishes presided over by a rural dean.
Dear —adj. 1 a beloved or much esteemed. B as a merely polite or ironic form (my dear man). 2 as a formula of address, esp. Beginning a letter (dear sir). 3 (often foll. By to) precious; cherished. 4 (usu. In superl.) Earnest (my dearest wish). 5 a expensive. B having high prices. —n. (esp. As a form of address) dear person. —adv. At great cost (will pay dear). —int. Expressing surprise, dismay, pity, etc. (dear me!; oh dear!). for dear life desperately. dearly adv. [old english]
Dearie n. My dear. dearie me! Int. Expressing surprise, dismay, etc.
Dearth n. Scarcity, lack.
Death n. 1 irreversible ending of life; dying or being killed. 2 instance of this. 3 destruction; ending (death of our hopes). 4 being dead (eyes closed in death). 5 (usu. Death) personification of death, esp. As a skeleton. 6 lack of spiritual life. at death’s door close to death. Be the death of 1 cause the death of. 2 be annoying or harmful to. Catch one’s death colloq. Catch a serious chill etc. Do to
death 1 kill. 2 overdo. Fate worse than death colloq. Very unpleasant experience. Put to death kill or cause to be killed. To death to the utmost, extremely (bored to death). deathlike adj. [old english]
Deathbed n. Bed where a person dies.
Deathblow n. 1 blow etc. Causing death. 2 event etc. That destroys or ends something.
Death certificate n. Official statement of a person’s death.
Death duty n. Hist. Property tax levied after death.
Usage this term was replaced in 1975 by capital transfer tax and in 1986 by inheritance tax.
Deathly —adj. (-ier, -iest) suggestive of death (deathly silence). —adv. In a deathly way (deathly pale).
Death-mask n. Cast taken of a dead person’s face.
Death penalty n. Punishment by death.
Death rate n. Number of deaths per thousand of population per year.
Death rate n. Number of deaths per thousand of population per year.
Death-rattle n. Gurgling in the throat sometimes heard at death.
Death row n. Us part of a prison for those sentenced to death.
Death squad n. Armed paramilitary group.
Death-trap n. Colloq. Dangerous building, vehicle, etc.
Death-warrant n. 1 order of execution. 2 anything that causes the end of an established practice etc.
Death-watch n. (in full death-watch beetle) small beetle which makes a ticking sound, said to portend death.
Death-wish n. Psychol. Alleged usu. Unconscious desire for death.
Deb n. Colloq. Débutante. [abbreviation]
Debacle n. (brit. Débâcle) 1 a utter defeat or failure. B sudden collapse. 2 confused rush or rout. [french]
Débâcle n. (us debacle) 1 a utter defeat or failure. B sudden collapse. 2 confused rush or rout. [french]
rush or rout. [french]
Debag v. (-gg-) slang remove the trousers of (a person), esp. As a joke.
Debar v. (-rr-) (foll. By from) exclude; prohibit (debarred from the club). debarment n. [french: related to *bar1]
Debark v. Land from a ship. debarkation n. [french débarquer]
Debase v. (-sing) 1 lower in quality, value, or character. 2 depreciate (a coin) by alloying etc. debasement n. [from de-, abase]
Debatable adj. Questionable; disputable. [related to *debate]
Debate —v. (-ting) 1 (also absol.) Discuss or dispute, esp. Formally. 2 consider aspects of (a question); ponder. —n. 1 formal discussion on a particular matter. 2 discussion (open to debate). [french: related to *battle]
Debenture n. Acknowledgement of indebtedness, esp. A company bond providing for payment of interest at fixed intervals. [latin debentur are owed]
Debilitate v. (-ting) enfeeble, enervate. debilitation n. [latin debilis weak]
Debility n. Feebleness, esp. Of health.
Debit —n. 1 entry in an account recording a sum owed. 2 sum recorded. 3 total of such sums. 4 debit side of an account. —v. (-t-) 1 (foll. By against, to) enter on the debit side of an account (debit £50 to my account). 2 (foll. By with) charge (a person) with a debt (debited me with £500). [latin debitum *debt]
Debouch v. 1 (of troops or a stream) come out into open ground. 2 (often foll. By into) (of a river, road, etc.) Merge into a larger body or area. debouchment n. [french bouche mouth]
Debrief v. Colloq. Question (a diplomat, pilot, etc.) About a completed mission or undertaking. debriefing n.
Debris n. 1 scattered fragments, esp. Of wreckage. 2 accumulation of loose rock etc. [french briser break]
Debt n. 1 money etc. Owed (debt of gratitude). 2 state of owing (in debt; get into debt). in a person’s debt under obligation to a person. [latin debeo debit-owe]
Debt of honour n. Debt not legally recoverable, esp. A sum lost in gambling.
Debtor n. Person owing money etc.
Debug v. (-gg-) colloq. 1 remove concealed microphones from (a room etc.). 2 remove defects from (a computer program etc.). 3 = *delouse.
Debunk v. Colloq. Expose (a person, claim, etc.) As spurious or false. debunker n.
Debut n. (brit. Début) first public appearance (as a performer etc.). [french]
Début n. (us debut) first public appearance (as a performer etc.). [french]
Debutante n. (brit. Débutante) (usu. Wealthy) young woman making her social début.
Débutante n. (us debutante) (usu. Wealthy) young woman making her social début.
Dec. Abbr. December.
Deca-comb. Form ten. [greek deka ten]
Decade n. 1 period of ten years. 2 series or group of ten. [greek: related to *deca-]
Usage the second pronunciation given, with the stress on the second syllable, is considered incorrect by some people, even though it is much used in broadcasting.
Decadence n. 1 moral or cultural decline. 2 immoral behaviour. decadent adj. & n. Decadently adv. [latin: related to *decay]
Decaffeinated adj. With caffeine removed or reduced.
Decagon n. Plane figure with ten sides and angles. decagonal adj. [greek: related to *deca-, -gonos -angled]
Decahedron n. Solid figure with ten faces. decahedral adj. [after *polyhedron]
Decaliter n. (brit. -litre) metric unit of capacity, equal to 10 litres.
Decalitre n. (us -liter) metric unit of capacity, equal to 10 litres.
Decalitre n. (us -liter) metric unit of capacity, equal to 10 litres.
Decalogue n. Ten commandments. [greek: related to *deca-, logos word, reason]
Decameter n. (brit. -metre) metric unit of length, equal to 10 metres.
Decametre n. (us -meter) metric unit of length, equal to 10 metres.
Decamp v. 1 depart suddenly; abscond. 2 break up or leave camp. decampment n. [french: related to *camp1]
Decanal adj. 1 of a dean. 2 of the south side of a choir (where the dean sits). [latin: related to *dean1]
Decant v. 1 gradually pour off (esp. Wine), esp. Leaving the sediment behind. 2 transfer as if by pouring. [greek kanthos lip of jug]
Decanter n. Stoppered glass container for decanted wine or spirit.
Decapitate v. (-ting) behead. decapitation n. [latin: related to *capital]
Decapod n. 1 crustacean with ten limbs for walking, e.g. The shrimp. 2 ten-tentacled mollusc, e.g. The squid. [greek: related to *deca-, pous pod-foot]
Decarbonize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) remove the carbon etc. From (an internal-combustion engine etc.). decarbonization n.
Decathlon n. Athletic contest of ten events for all competitors. decathlete n. [from *deca-, greek athlon contest]
Decay —v. 1 (cause to) rot or decompose. 2 decline or cause to decline in quality, power, etc. 3 (usu. Foll. By to) (of a substance) undergo change by radioactivity. —n. 1 rotten state; wasting away. 2 decline in health, quality, etc. 3 radioactive change. [latin cado fall]
Deceased formal —adj. Dead. —n. (usu. Prec. By the) person who has died, esp. Recently.
Deceit n. 1 deception, esp. By concealing the truth. 2 dishonest trick. [latin capio take]
Deceitful adj. Using deceit. deceitfully adv. Deceitfulness n.
Deceive v. (-ving) 1 make (a person) believe what is false; purposely mislead. 2 be unfaithful to, esp. Sexually. 3 use deceit. deceive oneself persist in a mistaken belief. deceiver n.
Decelerate v. (-ting) (cause to) reduce speed. deceleration n. [from de-, accelerate]
December n. Twelfth month of the year. [latin decem ten, originally 10th month of roman year]
Decency n. (pl. -ies) 1 correct, honourable, or modest behaviour. 2 (in pl.) Proprieties; manners. [latin: related to *decent]
Decennial adj. Lasting, recurring every, ten years. [latin decem ten, annus year]
Decent adj. 1 a conforming with standards of decency. B avoiding obscenity. 2 respectable. 3 acceptable, good enough. 4 kind, obliging. decently adv. [latin decet is fitting]
Decentralize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 transfer (power etc.) From central to local authority. 2 reorganize to give greater local autonomy. decentralization n.
Deception n. 1 deceiving or being deceived. 2 thing that deceives. [latin: related to *deceive]
Deceptive adj. Likely to deceive; misleading. deceptively adv. Deceptiveness n.
Deci-comb. Form one-tenth. [latin decimus tenth]
Deci-comb. Form one-tenth. [latin decimus tenth]
Decibel n. Unit used in the comparison of sound levels or power levels of electrical signals.
Decide v. (-ding) 1 (usu. Foll. By to, that, or on, about) resolve after consideration (decided to stay; decided quickly; weather decided me; decided on a blue hat). 2 resolve or settle (an issue etc.). 3 (usu. Foll. By between, for, against, in favour of, or that) give a judgement. decidable adj. [latin caedo cut]
Decigram n. (also decigramme) metric unit of mass, equal to 0.1 gram.
Deciliter n. (brit. -litre) metric unit of capacity, equal to 0.1 litre.
Decilitre n. (us -liter) metric unit of capacity, equal to 0.1 litre.
Decimal —adj. 1 (of a system of numbers, weights, measures, etc.) Based on the number ten. 2 of tenths or ten; reckoning or proceeding by tens. —n. Decimal fraction. [latin decem ten]
Decimal fraction n. Fraction expressed in tenths, hundredths, etc., esp. By units to the right of the decimal point (e.g. 0.61).
Decimalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 express as a decimal. 2 convert to a decimal system (esp. Of coinage). decimalization n.
Decimal point n. Dot placed before the fraction in a decimal fraction.
Decimate v. (-ting) 1 destroy a large proportion of. 2 orig. Rom. Hist. Kill or remove one in every ten of. decimation n.
Usage sense 1 is now the usual sense, but it is considered inappropriate by some people. This word should not be used to mean ‘defeat utterly’.
Decimeter n. (brit. -metre) metric unit of length, equal to 0.1 metre.
Decimetre n. (us -meter) metric unit of length, equal to 0.1 metre.
Decipher v. 1 convert (coded information) into intelligible language. 2 determine the meaning of (unclear handwriting etc.). decipherable adj.
the meaning of (unclear handwriting etc.). decipherable adj.
Decision n. 1 act or process of deciding. 2 resolution made after consideration (made my decision). 3 (often foll. By of) a settlement of a question. B formal judgement. 4 resoluteness. [latin: related to *decide]
Decisive adj. 1 conclusive, settling an issue. 2 quick to decide. decisively adv. Decisiveness n. [medieval latin: related to *decide]
Deck —n. 1 a platform in a ship serving as a floor. B the accommodation on a particular deck of a ship. 2 floor or compartment of a bus etc. 3 section for playing discs or tapes etc. In a sound system. 4 esp. Us pack of cards. 5 slang ground. —v. 1 (often foll. By out) decorate. 2 provide with or cover as a deck. below deck(s) in or into the space below the main deck. [dutch, = cover]
Deck-chair n. Folding garden chair of wood and canvas.
-decker comb. Form having a specified number of decks or layers (double-decker).
Deck-hand n. Cleaner on a ship’s deck.
Declaim v. 1 speak or say as if addressing an audience. 2 (foll. By against) protest forcefully. declamation n. Declamatory adj. [latin: related to *claim]
Declaration n. 1 declaring. 2 formal, emphatic, or deliberate statement. [latin:
Declaration n. 1 declaring. 2 formal, emphatic, or deliberate statement. [latin: related to *declare]
Declare v. (-ring) 1 announce openly or formally (declare war). 2 pronounce (declared it invalid). 3 (usu. Foll. By that) assert emphatically. 4 acknowledge possession of (dutiable goods, income, etc.). 5 (as declared adj.) Admitting to be such (declared atheist). 6 (also absol.) Cricket close (an innings) voluntarily before the team is out. 7 (also absol.) Cards name (the trump suit). declare oneself reveal one’s intentions or identity. declarative adj. Declaratory adj. Declarer n. [latin clarus clear]
Declassify v. (-ies, -ied) declare (information etc.) To be no longer secret. declassification n.
Declension n. 1 gram. A variation of the form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective to show its grammatical case etc. B class of nouns with the same inflexions. 2 deterioration, declining. [latin: related to *decline]
Declination n. 1 downward bend or turn. 2 angular distance of a star etc. North or south of the celestial equator. 3 deviation of a compass needle from true north. declinational adj. [latin: related to *decline]
Decline —v. (-ning) 1 deteriorate; lose strength or vigour; decrease. 2 (also absol.) Politely refuse (an invitation, challenge, etc.). 3 slope or bend downwards, droop. 4 gram. State the forms of (a noun, pronoun, or adjective). —n. 1 gradual loss of vigour or excellence. 2 deterioration. [latin clino bend]
Declining years n.pl. Old age.
Declivity n. (pl. -ies) downward slope. [latin clivus slope]
Declivity n. (pl. -ies) downward slope. [latin clivus slope]
Declutch v. Disengage the clutch of a motor vehicle.
Decoction n. 1 boiling down to extract an essence. 2 the resulting liquid. [latin coquo boil]
Decode v. (-ding) decipher. decoder n.
Decoke colloq. —v. (-king) decarbonize. —n. Process of this.
Décolletage n. Low neckline of a woman’s dress etc. [french collet collar]
Décolleté adj. (also décolletée) (of a dress, woman, etc.) Having or wearing a low neckline.
Decompose v. (-sing) 1 rot. 2 separate (a substance, light, etc.) Into its elements. decomposition n.
Decompress v. Subject to decompression.
Decompression n. 1 release from compression. 2 gradual reduction of high pressure on a deep-sea diver etc.
Decompression chamber n. Enclosed space for decompression.
Decompression sickness n. Condition caused by the sudden lowering of air pressure.
Decongestant n. Medicine etc. That relieves nasal congestion.
Decontaminate v. (-ting) remove contamination from. decontamination n.
Décor n. Furnishing and decoration of a room, stage set, etc. [french: related to *decorate]
Decorate v. (-ting) 1 beautify, adorn. 2 paint, wallpaper, etc. (a room or building). 3 give a medal or award to. [latin decus -oris beauty]
Decorated style n. Archit. Highly ornamented late english gothic style (14th c.).
Decoration n. 1 decorating. 2 thing that decorates. 3 medal etc. Worn as an honour. 4 (in pl.) Flags, tinsel, etc., put up on a festive occasion.
Decorative adj. Pleasing in appearance. decoratively adv.
Decorator n. Person who decorates for a living.
Decorous adj. Having or showing decorum. decorously adv. Decorousness n. [latin decorus seemly]
Decorum n. Polite dignified behaviour. [as *decorous]
Decoy —n. Person or thing used as a lure; bait, enticement. —v. Lure, esp. Using a decoy. [dutch]
Decrease —v. (-sing) make or become smaller or fewer. —n. 1 decreasing. 2 amount of this. decreasingly adv. [latin: related to *de-, cresco grow]
Decree —n. 1 official legal order. 2 legal judgement or decision, esp. In divorce cases. —v. (-ees, -eed, -eeing) ordain by decree. [latin decretum from cerno sift]
Decree absolute n. Final order for completion of a divorce.
Decree nisi n. Provisional order for divorce, made absolute after a fixed period. [latin nisi unless]
Decrepit adj. 1 weakened by age or infirmity. 2 dilapidated. decrepitude n. [latin crepo creak]
Decrescendo adv., adj., & n. (pl. -s) = diminuendo. [italian: related to decrease]
Decretal n. Papal decree. [latin: related to *decree]
Decriminalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) cease to treat as criminal. decriminalization n.
Decry v. (-ies, -ied) disparage, belittle.
Dedicate v. (-ting) (often foll. By to) 1 devote (esp. Oneself) to a special task or purpose. 2 address (a book etc.) To a friend, patron, etc. 3 devote (a building etc.) To a deity, saint, etc. 4 (as dedicated adj.) A (of a person) single-mindedly loyal to an aim, vocation, etc. B (of equipment, esp.
Dedication n. 1 dedicating or being dedicated. 2 words with which a book etc. Is dedicated. [latin: related to *dedicate]
Deduce v. (-cing) (often foll. By from) infer logically. deducible adj. [latin duco duct-lead]
Deduct v. (often foll. By from) subtract, take away, or withhold (an amount, portion, etc.). [related to *deduce]
Deductible adj. That may be deducted, esp. From tax or taxable income.
Deduction n. 1 a deducting. B amount deducted. 2 a inferring of particular
Deduction n. 1 a deducting. B amount deducted. 2 a inferring of particular instances from a general law or principle. B conclusion deduced. [latin: related to *deduce]
Deductive adj. Of or reasoning by deduction. deductively adv. [medieval latin: related to *deduce]
Dee n. 1 letter d. 2 thing shaped like this. [name of the letter d]
Deed n. 1 thing done intentionally or consciously. 2 brave, skilful, or conspicuous act. 3 action (kind in word and deed). 4 legal document used esp. For transferring ownership of property. [old english: related to *do1]
Deed-box n. Strong box for deeds etc.
Deed of covenant n. Agreement to pay a regular sum, esp. To charity.
Deed poll n. Deed made by one party only, esp. To change one’s name.
Deem v. Formal consider, judge (deem it my duty). [old english]
Deemster n. Judge in the isle of man. [from *deem]
Deep —adj. 1 extending far down or in (deep water; deep wound; deep shelf). 2
Deep —adj. 1 extending far down or in (deep water; deep wound; deep shelf). 2 (predic.) A to or at a specified depth (water 6 feet deep). B in a specified number of ranks (soldiers drawn up six deep). 3 situated or coming from far down, back, or in (deep in his pockets; deep sigh). 4 low-pitched, full-toned (deep voice). 5 intense, extreme (deep sleep; deep colour; deep interest). 6 (predic.) Fully absorbed or overwhelmed (deep in a book; deep in debt). 7 profound; difficult to understand (too deep for me). —n. 1 (prec. By the) poet. Sea, esp. When deep. 2 abyss, pit, cavity. 3 (prec. By the) cricket position of a fielder distant from the batsman. 4 deep state (deep of the night). —adv. Deeply; far down or in (dig deep). go off the deep end colloq. Give way to anger or emotion. In deep water in trouble or difficulty. deeply adv. [old english]
Deep breathing n. Breathing with long breaths, esp. As exercise.
Deepen v. Make or become deep or deeper.
Deep-freeze —n. Cabinet for freezing and keeping food for long periods. —v. Freeze or store in a deep-freeze.
Deep-fry v. Immerse in boiling fat to cook.
Deep-laid adj. (of a scheme) secret and elaborate.
Deer n. (pl. Same) four-hoofed grazing animal, the male of which usu. Has antlers. [old english]
Deerskin n. (often attrib.) Leather from a deer’s skin.
Deerstalker n. Soft cloth peaked cap with ear-flaps.
De-escalate v. Make or become less intense. de-escalation n.
Def adj. Slang excellent. [perhaps from *definite or *definitive]
Deface v. (-cing) disfigure. defacement n. [french: related to *face]
De facto —adv. In fact (whether by right or not). —adj. Existing or so in fact (a de facto ruler). [latin]
Defalcate v. (-ting) formal misappropriate, esp. Money. defalcator n. [latin defalcare lop, from falx sickle]
Defalcation n. Formal 1 a misappropriation of money. B amount misappropriated. 2 shortcoming.
Defame v. (-ming) libel; slander; speak ill of. defamation n. Defamatory adj. [latin fama report]
Default —n. 1 failure to appear, pay, or act as one should. 2 preselected option adopted by a computer program when no alternative is specified. —v. Fail to
adopted by a computer program when no alternative is specified. —v. Fail to fulfil (esp. A legal) obligation. by default because of lack of an alternative or opposition. In default of because of the absence of. defaulter n. [french: related to *fail]
Defeat —v. 1 overcome in battle, a contest, etc. 2 frustrate, baffle. 3 reject (a motion etc.) By voting. —n. Defeating or being defeated. [latin: related to dis-, fact]
Defeatism n. Excessive readiness to accept defeat. defeatist n. & adj.
Defecate v. (-ting) evacuate the bowels. defecation n. [latin faex faecis dregs]
Defect —n. Fault, imperfection, shortcoming. —v. Leave one’s country or cause for another. defection n. Defector n. [latin deficio -fect-fail]
Defective adj. Having defect(s); imperfect. defectiveness n. [latin: related to *defect]
Defence n. (us defense) 1 defending, protection. 2 means of this. 3 (in pl.) Fortifications. 4 justification, vindication. 5 defendant’s case or counsel in a lawsuit. 6 defending play or players. defenceless adj. Defencelessly adv. Defencelessness n. [related to *defend]
Defence mechanism n. 1 body’s resistance to disease. 2 usu. Unconscious mental process to avoid anxiety.
Defend v. (also absol.) 1 (often foll. By against, from) resist an attack made on; protect. 2 uphold by argument. 3 conduct a defence in a lawsuit. 4 compete to retain (a title etc.) In a contest. defender n. [latin defendo -fens-]
Defendant n. Person etc. Sued or accused in a lawcourt. [french: related to *defend]
Defense n. (brit. Defence) 1 defending, protection. 2 means of this. 3 (in pl.) Fortifications. 4 justification, vindication. 5 defendant’s case or counsel in a lawsuit. 6 defending play or players. defenceless adj. Defencelessly adv. Defencelessness n. [related to *defend]
Defensible adj. 1 justifiable; supportable by argument. 2 able to be defended militarily. defensibility n. Defensibly adv. [latin: related to *defend]
Defensive adj. 1 done or intended for defence. 2 overreacting to criticism. on the defensive 1 expecting criticism. 2 mil ready to defend. defensively adv. Defensiveness n. [medieval latin: related to *defend]
Defer1 v. (-rr-) postpone. deferment n. Deferral n. [originally the same as *differ]
Defer2 v. (-rr-) (foll. By to) yield or make concessions to. [latin defero carry away]
Deference n. 1 courteous regard, respect. 2 compliance with another’s wishes. in
Deference n. 1 courteous regard, respect. 2 compliance with another’s wishes. in deference to out of respect for.
Deferential adj. Respectful. deferentially adv.
Deferred payment n. Payment by instalments.
Defiance n. Open disobedience; bold resistance. [french: related to *defy]
Deficiency n. (pl. -ies) 1 being deficient. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) lack or shortage. 3 thing lacking. 4 deficit, esp. Financial.
Deficiency disease n. Disease caused by the lack of an essential element of diet.
Deficient adj. (often foll. By in) incomplete or insufficient in quantity, quality, etc. [latin: related to *defect]
Deficit n. 1 amount by which a thing (esp. Money) is too small. 2 excess of liabilities over assets. [french from latin: related to *defect]
Defile1 v. (-ling) 1 make dirty; pollute. 2 desecrate, profane. defilement n. [earlier defoul, from french defouler trample down]
[earlier defoul, from french defouler trample down]
Defile2 —n. Narrow gorge or pass. —v. (-ling) march in file. [french: related to *file1]
Define v. (-ning) 1 give the meaning of (a word etc.). 2 describe or explain the scope of (define one’s position). 3 outline clearly (well-defined image). 4 mark out the boundary of. definable adj. [latin finis end]
Definite adj. 1 certain, sure. 2 clearly defined; not vague; precise. definitely adv. [latin: related to *define]
Definition n. 1 a defining. B statement of the meaning of a word etc. 2 distinctness in outline, esp. Of a photographic image. [latin: related to *define]
Definitive adj. 1 (of an answer, verdict, etc.) Decisive, unconditional, final. 2 (of a book etc.) Most authoritative.
Usage in sense 1, this word is often confused with definite, which does not imply authority and conclusiveness. A definite no is a firm refusal, while a definitive no is an authoritative judgement or decision that something is not the case.
Deflate v. (-ting) 1 empty (a tyre, balloon, etc.) Of air, gas, etc.; be so emptied. 2 (cause to) lose confidence or conceit. 3 a subject (a currency or economy) to deflation. B pursue this as a policy. [from de-, inflate]
Deflation n. 1 deflating or being deflated. 2 reduction of money in circulation, intended to combat inflation. deflationary adj.
intended to combat inflation. deflationary adj.
Deflect v. 1 bend or turn aside from a course or purpose. 2 (often foll. By from) (cause to) deviate. deflection n. (also deflexion). Deflector n. [latin flecto bend]
Deflower v. Literary 1 deprive of virginity. 2 ravage, spoil. [latin: related to *flower]
Defoliate v. (-ting) destroy the leaves of (trees or plants). defoliant n. Defoliation n. [latin: related to *foil2]
Deforest v. Clear of forests or trees. deforestation n.
Deform v. Make ugly or misshapen, disfigure. deformation n. [latin: related to *form]
Deformed adj. (of a person or limb) misshapen.
Deformity n. (pl. -ies) 1 being deformed. 2 malformation, esp. Of a body or limb.
Defraud v. (often foll. By of) cheat by fraud. [latin: related to *fraud]
Defray v. Provide money for (a cost or expense). defrayal n. Defrayment n. [medieval latin fredum fine]
[medieval latin fredum fine]
Defrock v. Deprive (esp. A priest) of office. [french: related to de-, frock]
Defrost v. 1 remove frost or ice from (a refrigerator, windscreen, etc.). 2 unfreeze (frozen food). 3 become unfrozen.
Deft adj. Neat; dexterous; adroit. deftly adv. Deftness n. [var. Of *daft = ‘meek’]
Defunct adj. 1 no longer existing or used. 2 dead or extinct. defunctness n. [latin fungor perform]
Defuse v. (-sing) 1 remove the fuse from (a bomb etc.). 2 reduce tension etc. In (a crisis, difficulty, etc.).
Defy v. (-ies, -ied) 1 resist openly; refuse to obey. 2 (of a thing) present insuperable obstacles to (defies solution). 3 (foll. By to + infin.) Challenge (a person) to do or prove something. [latin fides faith]
Degenerate —adj. 1 having lost its usual or good qualities; immoral, degraded. 2 biol. Having changed to a lower type. —n. Degenerate person or animal. —v. (-ting) become degenerate. degeneracy n. [latin genus race]
Degeneration n. 1 becoming degenerate. 2 med. Morbid deterioration of body tissue etc. [latin: related to *degenerate]
Degrade v. (-ding) 1 humiliate, dishonour. 2 reduce to a lower rank. 3 chem. Reduce to a simpler molecular structure. degradation n. Degrading adj. [latin: related to *grade]
Degree n. 1 stage in a scale, series, or process. 2 stage in intensity or amount (in some degree). 3 unit of measurement of an angle or arc. 4 unit in a scale of temperature, hardness, etc. 5 extent of burns. 6 academic rank conferred by a polytechnic, university, etc. 7 grade of crime (first-degree murder). 8 step in direct genealogical descent. 9 social rank. by degrees gradually. [latin gradus step]
Degrees of comparison see *comparison 4.
Dehisce v. (-cing) (esp. Of a pod, cut, etc.) Gape or burst open. dehiscence n. Dehiscent adj. [latin hio gape]
Dehumanize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 take human qualities away from. 2 make impersonal. dehumanization n.
Dehydrate v. (-ting) 1 remove water from (esp. Foods). 2 make or become dry, esp. Too dry. dehydration n. [greek hudor water]
De-ice v. 1 remove ice from. 2 prevent the formation of ice on. de-icer n.
Deify v. (-ies, -ied) make a god or idol of. deification n. [latin deus god]
Deign v. (foll. By to + infin.) Think fit, condescend. [latin dignus worthy]
Deinstitutionalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) (usu. As deinstitutionalized adj.) Remove from an institution or help recover from the effects of institutional life. deinstitutionalization n.
Deism n. Reasoned belief in the existence of a god. deist n. Deistic adj. [latin deus god]
Deity n. (pl. -ies) 1 god or goddess. 2 divine status or nature. 3 (the deity) god. [french from church latin]
Déjà vu n. 1 feeling of having already experienced the present situation. 2 something tediously familiar. [french, = already seen]
Deject v. (usu. As dejected adj.) Make sad; depress. dejectedly adv. Dejection n. [latin jacio throw]
De jure —adj. Rightful. —adv. Rightfully; by right. [latin]
Dekko n. (pl. -s) slang look, glance. [hindi]
Delay —v. 1 postpone; defer. 2 make or be late; loiter. —n. 1 delaying or being delayed. 2 time lost by this. 3 hindrance. [french]
Delayed-action attrib. Adj. (esp. Of a bomb, camera, etc.) Operating after a set interval.
Delectable adj. Esp. Literary delightful, delicious. delectably adv. [latin: related to *delight]
Delectation n. Literary pleasure, enjoyment.
Delegate —n. 1 elected representative sent to a conference. 2 member of a committee or delegation. —v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By to) a commit (power etc.) To an agent or deputy. B entrust (a task) to another. 2 send or authorize (a person) as a representative. [latin: related to *legate]
Delegation n. 1 group representing others. 2 delegating or being delegated.
Delete v. (-ting) remove (a letter, word, etc.), esp. By striking out. deletion n. [latin deleo]
Deleterious adj. Harmful. [latin from greek]
Delft n. (also delftware) glazed, usu. Blue and white, earthenware. [delft in holland]
Deli n. (pl. -s) colloq. Delicatessen shop. [abbreviation]
Deli n. (pl. -s) colloq. Delicatessen shop. [abbreviation]
Deliberation n. 1 careful consideration; discussion. 2 careful slowness.
Deliberative adj. (esp. Of an assembly etc.) Of or for deliberation or debate.
Delicacy n. (pl. -ies) 1 being delicate (in all senses). 2 a choice food. [from *delicate]
Delicate adj. 1 a fine in texture, quality, etc.; slender, slight. B (of a colour, flavour, etc.) Subtle, hard to discern. 2 susceptible; weak, tender. 3 a requiring tact; tricky (delicate situation). B (of an instrument) highly sensitive. 4 deft (delicate touch). 5 modest. 6 (esp. Of actions) considerate. delicately adv. [latin]
Delicatessen n. 1 shop selling esp. Exotic cooked meats, cheeses, etc. 2 (often attrib.) Such foods. [french: related to *delicate]
Delicious adj. Highly enjoyable, esp. To taste or smell. deliciously adv. [latin deliciae delights]
Delight —v. 1 (often as delighted adj.) Please greatly (her singing delighted us; delighted to help). 2 (foll. By in) take great pleasure in (delights in surprising
delighted to help). 2 (foll. By in) take great pleasure in (delights in surprising everyone). —n. 1 great pleasure. 2 thing that delights. delighted adj. Delightful adj. Delightfully adv. [latin delecto]
Delimit v. (-t-) fix the limits or boundary of. delimitation n. [latin: related to *limit]
Delineate v. (-ting) portray by drawing etc. Or in words. delineation n. [latin: related to *line1]
Delinquent —n. Offender (juvenile delinquent). —adj. 1 guilty of a minor crime or misdeed. 2 failing in one’s duty. delinquency n. [latin delinquo offend]
Deliquesce v. (-cing) 1 become liquid, melt. 2 dissolve in water absorbed from the air. deliquescence n. Deliquescent adj. [latin: related to *liquid]
Delirium n. 1 disorder involving incoherent speech, hallucinations, etc., caused by intoxication, fever, etc. 2 great excitement, ecstasy. [latin lira ridge between furrows]
Delirium tremens n. Psychosis of chronic alcoholism involving tremors and hallucinations.
Deliver v. 1 a distribute (letters, goods, etc.) To their destination(s). B (often foll. By to) hand over. 2 (often foll. By from) save, rescue, or set free. 3 a give birth to (delivered a girl). B assist at the birth of or in giving birth (delivered six
to (delivered a girl). B assist at the birth of or in giving birth (delivered six babies). 4 utter (an opinion, speech, etc.). 5 (often foll. By up, over) abandon; resign (delivered his soul up). 6 launch or aim (a blow etc.). be delivered of give birth to. Deliver the goods colloq. Carry out an undertaking. [latin liber free]
Deliverance n. Rescuing or being rescued.
Delivery n. (pl. -ies) 1 delivering or being delivered. 2 regular distribution of letters etc. (two deliveries a day). 3 thing delivered. 4 childbirth. 5 deliverance. 6 style of throwing a ball, delivering a speech, etc. [anglo-french: related to *deliver]
Dell n. Small usu. Wooded valley. [old english]
Delouse v. (-sing) rid of lice.
Delphic adj. (also delphian) 1 obscure, ambiguous, or enigmatic. 2 of the ancient greek oracle at delphi.
Delphinium n. (pl. -s) garden plant with tall spikes of usu. Blue flowers. [greek: related to *dolphin]
Delta n. 1 triangular area of earth, alluvium etc. At the mouth of a river, formed by its diverging outlets. 2 a fourth letter of the greek alphabet (d, d). B fourth-class mark for work etc. [greek]
Delta wing n. Triangular swept-back wing of an aircraft.
Delude v. (-ding) deceive, mislead. [latin ludo mock]
Deluge —n. 1 great flood. 2 (the deluge) biblical flood (gen. 6-8). 3 overwhelming rush. 4 heavy fall of rain. —v. (-ging) flood or inundate (deluged with complaints). [latin diluvium]
Delusion n. 1 false belief, hope, etc. 2 hallucination. delusive adj. Delusory adj. [related to *delude]
De luxe adj. Luxurious; superior; sumptuous. [french, = of luxury]
Delve v. (-ving) 1 (often foll. By in, into) search or research energetically or deeply (delved into his pocket, his family history). 2 poet. Dig. [old english]
Demagnetize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) remove the magnetic properties of. demagnetization n.
Demagog n. (brit. -gogue) political agitator appealing to mob instincts. demagogic adj. Demagogy n. [greek, = leader of the people]
Demagogue n. (us -gog) political agitator appealing to mob instincts. demagogic adj. Demagogy n. [greek, = leader of the people]
Demand —n. 1 insistent and peremptory request. 2 desire for a commodity (no demand for fur coats). 3 urgent claim (makes demands on her). —v. 1 (often foll. By of, from, or to + infin., or that + clause) ask for insistently (demanded to know). 2 require (task demanding skill). 3 insist on being told (demanded her age). 4 (as demanding adj.) Requiring skill, effort, attention, etc. (demanding job; demanding child). in demand sought after. On demand as soon as requested (payable on demand). [french from latin: related to *mandate]
Demand feeding n. Feeding a baby when it cries.
Demarcation n. 1 marking of a boundary or limits. 2 trade-union practice of restricting a specific job to one union. demarcate v. (-ting). [spanish marcar *mark1]
Dematerialize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make or become non-material; vanish. dematerialization n.
Demean v. (usu. Refl.) Lower the dignity of (would not demean myself). [from *mean2]
Demeanor n. (brit. Demeanour) outward behaviour or bearing. [latin minor threaten]
Demeanour n. (us demeanor) outward behaviour or bearing. [latin minor threaten]
Demented adj. Mad. dementedly adv. [latin mens mind]
Demented adj. Mad. dementedly adv. [latin mens mind]
Dementia n. Chronic insanity. [latin: related to *demented]
Dementia praecox n. Formal schizophrenia.
Demerara n. Light-brown cane sugar. [demerara in guyana]
Demerger n. Dissolution of a commercial merger. demerge v. (-ging).
Demerit n. Fault; blemish.
Demesne n. 1 a territory; domain. B land attached to a mansion etc. C landed property. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) region or sphere. 3 law hist. Possession (of real property) as one’s own. [latin dominicus from dominus lord]
Demi-prefix half; partly. [latin dimidius half]
Demigod n. 1 a partly divine being. B child of a god or goddess and a mortal. 2 colloq. Godlike person.
Demijohn n. Large bottle usu. In a wicker cover. [french]
Demilitarize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) remove an army etc. From (a frontier, zone, etc.). demilitarization n.
Demi-monde n. 1 class of women considered to be of doubtful morality. 2 any semi-respectable group. [french, = half-world]
Demise —n. 1 death; termination. 2 law transfer of an estate, title, etc. By demising. —v. (-sing) law transfer (an estate, title, etc.) By will, lease, or death. [anglo-french: related to *dismiss]
Demisemiquaver n. Mus. Note equal to half a semiquaver.
Demist v. Clear mist from (a windscreen etc.). demister n.
Demo n. (pl. -s) colloq. = *demonstration 2, 3. [abbreviation]
Demobilize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) disband (troops, ships, etc.). demobilization n.
Democracy n. (pl. -ies) 1 a government by the whole population, usu. Through elected representatives. B state so governed. 2 classless and tolerant society. [greek demokratia rule of the people]
Democrat n. 1 advocate of democracy. 2 (democrat) (in the us) member of the democratic party.
Democratic adj. 1 of, like, practising, or being a democracy. 2 favouring social equality. democratically adv.
Democratic party n. More liberal of the two main us political parties.
Democratize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make democratic. democratization n.
Demodulate v. (-ting) extract (a modulating signal) from its carrier. demodulation n.
Demography n. The study of the statistics of births, deaths, disease, etc. demographic adj. Demographically adv. [greek demos the people, *-graphy]
Demolish v. 1 a pull down (a building). B destroy. 2 overthrow (an institution). 3 refute (an argument, theory, etc.). 4 joc. Eat up voraciously. demolition n. [latin moles mass]
Demon n. 1 a evil spirit or devil. B personification of evil passion. 2 (often attrib.) Forceful or skilful performer (demon player). 3 cruel person. 4 (also daemon) supernatural being in ancient greece. demonic adj. [greek daimon deity]
Demonetize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) withdraw (a coin etc.) From use. demonetization n. [french: related to de-, money]
Demoniac —adj. 1 fiercely energetic or frenzied. 2 supposedly possessed by an evil spirit. 3 of or like demons. —n. Demoniac person. demoniacal adj. Demoniacally adv. [church latin: related to *demon]
Demonism n. Belief in demons.
Demonolatry n. Worship of demons. [from *demon, greek latreuo worship]
Demonology n. The study of demons etc.
Demonstrable adj. Able to be shown or proved. demonstrably adv.
Demonstrate v. (-ting) 1 show (feelings etc.). 2 describe and explain by experiment, practical use, etc. 3 logically prove or be proof of the truth or existence of. 4 take part in a public demonstration. 5 act as a demonstrator. [latin monstro show]
Demonstration n. 1 (foll. By of) show of feeling etc. 2 (esp. Political) public meeting, march, etc. 3 the exhibiting etc. Of specimens or experiments in esp. Scientific teaching. 4 proof by logic, argument, etc. 5 mil. Display of military force.
Demonstrative adj. 1 showing feelings readily; affectionate. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) logically conclusive; giving proof (demonstrative of their skill). 3 gram. (of an adjective or pronoun) indicating the person or thing referred to (e.g. This, that,
adjective or pronoun) indicating the person or thing referred to (e.g. This, that, those). demonstratively adv. Demonstrativeness n.
Demonstrator n. 1 person who demonstrates politically. 2 person who demonstrates machines etc. To prospective customers. 3 person who teaches by esp. Scientific demonstration.
Demoralize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) destroy the morale of; dishearten. demoralization n. [french]
Demote v. (-ting) reduce to a lower rank or class. demotion n. [from de-, promote]
Demotic —n. 1 colloquial form of a language. 2 simplified form of ancient egyptian writing (cf. *hieratic). —adj. 1 (esp. Of language) colloquial or vulgar. 2 of ancient egyptian or modern greek demotic. [greek demos the people]
Demotivate v. (-ting) (also absol.) Cause to lose motivation or incentive. demotivation n.
Demur —v. (-rr-) 1 (often foll. By to, at) raise objections. 2 law put in a demurrer. —n. (usu. In neg.) Objection; objecting (agreed without demur). [latin moror delay]
Demure adj. (demurer, demurest) 1 quiet, reserved; modest. 2 coy. demurely adv. Demureness n. [french: related to *demur]
Demurrer n. Law objection raised or exception taken.
Demystify v. (-ies, -ied) remove the mystery from; clarify. demystification n.
Den n. 1 wild animal’s lair. 2 place of crime or vice (opium den). 3 small private room. [old english]
Denarius n. (pl. Denarii) ancient roman silver coin. [latin deni by tens]
Denary adj. Of ten; decimal.
Denationalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) transfer (an industry etc.) From public to private ownership. denationalization n.
Denature v. (-ring) 1 change the properties of (a protein etc.) By heat, acidity, etc. 2 make (alcohol) undrinkable. [french]
Dendrochronology n. 1 dating of trees by their annual growth rings. 2 the study of these. [greek dendron tree]
Dendrology n. The study of trees. dendrological adj. Dendrologist n. [greek dendron tree]
Dene n. (also dean) narrow wooded valley. [old english]
Dengue n. Infectious tropical viral fever. [w. Indian spanish from swahili]
Deniable adj. That may be denied.
Denial n. 1 denying the truth or existence of a thing. 2 refusal of a request or wish. 3 disavowal of a leader etc.
Denier n. Unit of weight measuring the fineness of silk, nylon, etc. [originally the name of a small coin, from latin *denarius]
Denigrate v. (-ting) blacken the reputation of. denigration n. Denigrator n. Denigratory adj. [latin niger black]
Denim n. 1 (often attrib.) Hard-wearing usu. Blue cotton twill used for jeans, overalls, etc. 2 (in pl.) Colloq. Jeans etc. Made of this. [french de of, nîmes in france]
Denizen n. 1 (usu. Foll. By of) inhabitant or occupant. 2 foreigner having certain rights in an adopted country. 3 naturalized foreign word, animal, or plant. [latin de intus from within]
Denominate v. (-ting) give a name to, call, describe as. [latin: related to
Denominate v. (-ting) give a name to, call, describe as. [latin: related to *nominate]
Denomination n. 1 church or religious sect. 2 class of measurement or money. 3 name, esp. A characteristic or class name. denominational adj. [latin: related to *denominate]
Denominator n. Number below the line in a vulgar fraction; divisor. [latin nomen name]
Denote v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By that) be a sign of; indicate; mean. 2 stand as a name for; signify. denotation n. [latin: related to *note]
Denouement n. (also dénouement) 1 final unravelling of a plot or complicated situation. 2 final scene in a play, novel, etc. [french, from latin nodus knot]
Denounce v. (-cing) 1 accuse publicly; condemn. 2 inform against. 3 announce withdrawal from (an armistice, treaty, etc.). denouncement n. [latin nuntius messenger]
Density n. (pl. -ies) 1 denseness of thing(s) or a substance. 2 physics degree of consistency measured by the quantity of mass per unit volume. 3 opacity of a photographic image.
photographic image.
Dent —n. 1 slight hollow as made by a blow or pressure. 2 noticeable adverse effect (dent in our funds). —v. 1 mark with a dent. 2 adversely affect. [from *indent]
Dental adj. 1 of the teeth or dentistry. 2 (of a consonant) produced with the tongue-tip against the upper front teeth (as th) or the ridge of the teeth (as n, s, t). [latin dens dent-tooth]
Dental floss n. Thread used to clean between the teeth.
Dental surgeon n. Dentist.
Dentate adj. Bot. & zool. Toothed; with toothlike notches.
Dentifrice n. Toothpaste or tooth powder. [latin: related to *dental, frico rub]
Dentin n. (brit. Dentine) hard dense tissue forming the bulk of a tooth.
Dentine n. (us dentin) hard dense tissue forming the bulk of a tooth.
Dentist n. Person qualified to treat, extract, etc., teeth. dentistry n.
Dentition n. 1 type, number, and arrangement of teeth in a species etc. 2 teething.
Denture n. Removable artificial tooth or teeth.
Denuclearize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) remove nuclear weapons from (a country etc.). denuclearization n.
Denude v. (-ding) 1 make naked or bare. 2 (foll. By of) strip of (covering, property, etc.). denudation n. [latin nudus naked]
Denunciation n. Denouncing; public condemnation. [latin: related to *denounce]
Deny v. (-ies, -ied) 1 declare untrue or non-existent. 2 repudiate or disclaim. 3 (often foll. By to) withhold (a thing) from (denied him the satisfaction; denied it to me). deny oneself be abstinent. [latin: related to *negate]
Deodar n. Himalayan cedar. [sanskrit, = divine tree]
Deodorant n. (often attrib.) Substance applied to the body or sprayed into the air to conceal smells. [related to *odour]
Deodorize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) remove or destroy the smell of. deodorization n.
deodorization n.
Deoxyribonucleic acid see *dna. [from de-, oxygen, *ribonucleic acid]
Dep. Abbr. 1 departs. 2 deputy.
Depart v. 1 a (often foll. By from) go away; leave. B (usu. Foll. By for) start; set out. 2 (usu. Foll. By from) deviate (departs from good taste). 3 esp. Formal or literary leave by death; die (departed this life). [latin dispertio divide]
Departed —adj. Bygone. —n. (prec. By the) euphem. Dead person or people.
Department n. 1 separate part of a complex whole, esp.: a a branch of administration (housing department). B a division of a school, college, etc., by subject (physics department). C a section of a large store (hardware department). 2 colloq. Area of special expertise. 3 administrative district, esp. In france. [french: related to *depart]
Departmental adj. Of a department. departmentally adv.
Department store n. Large shop with many departments.
Departure n. 1 departing. 2 (often foll. By from) deviation (from the truth, a standard, etc.). 3 (often attrib.) Departing of a train, aircraft, etc. (departure lounge). 4 new course of action or thought (driving is rather a departure for him).
Depend v. 1 (often foll. By on, upon) be controlled or determined by (it depends on luck). 2 (foll. By on, upon) a need (depends on his car). B rely on (i’m depending on good weather). [latin pendeo hang]
Dependable adj. Reliable. dependability n. Dependableness n. Dependably adv.
Dependant n. (us dependent) person supported, esp. Financially, by another. [french: related to *depend]
Dependence n. 1 depending or being dependent, esp. Financially. 2 reliance; trust.
Dependency n. (pl. -ies) country or province controlled by another.
Dependent —adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By on, upon) depending, conditional. 2 unable to do without (esp. A drug). 3 maintained at another’s cost. 4 (of a clause etc.) Subordinate to a sentence or word. —n. Us var. Of *dependant.
Depict v. 1 represent in drawing or painting etc. 2 portray in words; describe. depicter n. (also -tor). Depiction n. [latin: related to *picture]
Depilate v. (-ting) remove hair from. depilation n. [latin pilus hair]
Depilatory —adj. Removing unwanted hair. —n. (pl. -ies) depilatory substance.
Deplete v. (-ting) (esp. In passive) reduce in numbers, force, or quantity; exhaust. depletion n. [latin pleo fill]
Deploy v. 1 spread out (troops) into a line ready for action. 2 use (arguments, forces, etc.) Effectively. deployment n. [latin plico fold]
Depoliticize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make non-political. depoliticization n.
Deponent —adj. (of esp. A latin or greek verb) passive in form but active in meaning. —n. 1 deponent verb. 2 person making deposition under oath. [latin depono put down, lay aside]
Depopulate v. (-ting) reduce the population of. depopulation n.
Deport v. 1 remove forcibly or exile to another country; banish. 2 refl. Behave (in a specified manner) (deported himself well). deportation n. (in sense 1). [latin porto carry]
Deportee n. Deported person.
Deportment n. Bearing, demeanour. [french: related to *deport]
Depose v. (-sing) 1 remove from office, esp. Dethrone. 2 law (usu. Foll. By to, or that + clause) testify, esp. On oath. [french from latin: related to *deposit]
Deposit —n. 1 a money in a bank account. B anything stored for safe keeping. 2 a payment made as a pledge for a contract or as an initial part payment for a thing bought. B returnable sum paid on the hire of an item. 3 a natural layer of sand, rock, coal, etc. B layer of accumulated matter on a surface. —v. (-t-) 1 a put or lay down (deposited the book on the shelf). B (of water etc.) Leave (matter etc.) Lying. 2 a store or entrust for keeping. B pay (a sum of money) into a bank account. 3 pay (a sum) as part of a larger sum or as a pledge for a contract. [latin pono posit-put]
Deposit account n. Bank account that pays interest but is not usu. Immediately accessible.
Depositary n. (pl. -ies) person to whom a thing is entrusted. [latin: related to *deposit]
Deposition n. 1 deposing, esp. Dethronement. 2 sworn evidence; giving of this. 3 (the deposition) taking down of christ from the cross. 4 depositing or being deposited. [latin: related to *deposit]
Depositor n. Person who deposits money, property, etc.
Depository n. (pl. -ies) 1 a storehouse. B store (of wisdom, knowledge, etc.). 2 = depositary. [latin: related to deposit]
Depot n. 1 a storehouse, esp. For military supplies. B headquarters of a regiment. 2 a place where vehicles, e.g. Buses, are kept. B us railway or bus station. [french: related to *deposit]
Deprave v. (-ving) corrupt, esp. Morally. [latin pravus crooked]
Depravity n. (pl. -ies) moral corruption; wickedness.
Deprecate v. (-ting) express disapproval of; deplore. deprecation n. Deprecatory adj. [latin: related to *pray]
Usage deprecate is often confused with depreciate.
Depreciate v. (-ting) 1 diminish in value. 2 belittle. depreciatory adj. [latin: related to *price]
Usage depreciate is often confused with deprecate.
Depreciation n. 1 a decline in value, esp. Due to wear and tear. B allowance made for this. 2 belittlement.
Depredation n. (usu. In pl.) Despoiling, ravaging. [latin: related to *prey]
Depress v. 1 make dispirited or sad. 2 push down; lower. 3 reduce the activity of (esp. Trade). 4 (as depressed adj.) A miserable. B suffering from depression. depressing adj. Depressingly adv. [latin: related to *press1]
Depressant —adj. Reducing activity, esp. Of a body function. —n. Depressant substance.
Depressed area n. Area of economic depression.
Depression n. 1 extreme melancholy, often with a reduction in vitality and physical symptoms. 2 econ. Long period of slump. 3 lowering of atmospheric pressure; winds etc. Caused by this. 4 hollow on a surface. 5 pressing down.
Depressive —adj. 1 tending to depress (depressive drug, influence). 2 of or tending towards depression (depressive illness; depressive father). —n. Person suffering from depression.
Deprivation n. Depriving or being deprived (suffered many deprivations).
Deprive v. (-ving) 1 (usu. Foll. By of) prevent from having or enjoying. 2 (as deprived adj.) Lacking what is needed for well-being; underprivileged. deprival n. [latin: related to *privation]
Dept. Abbr. Department.
Dept. Abbr. Department.
Depth n. 1 a deepness. B measurement from the top down, from the surface inwards, or from front to back. 2 difficulty; abstruseness. 3 a wisdom. B intensity of emotion etc. 4 intensity of colour, darkness, etc. 5 (usu. In pl.) A deep water or place; abyss. B low, depressed state. C lowest, central, or inmost part (depths of the country; depth of winter). in depth thoroughly. Out of one’s depth 1 in water over one’s head. 2 engaged in a task etc. Too difficult for one. [related to *deep]
Depth-charge n. Bomb exploding under water.
Deputation n. Delegation. [latin: related to *depute]
Depute v. (-ting) (often foll. By to) 1 delegate (a task, authority, etc.). 2 authorize as representative. [latin puto think]
Deputize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) (usu. Foll. By for) act as deputy.
Deputy n. (pl. -ies) 1 person appointed to act for another (also attrib.: deputy manager). 2 parliamentary representative in some countries. [var. Of *depute]
Derail v. (usu. In passive) cause (a train etc.) To leave the rails. derailment n. [french: related to *rail1]
Derange v. (-ging) 1 make insane. 2 disorder, disturb. derangement n. [french:
Derange v. (-ging) 1 make insane. 2 disorder, disturb. derangement n. [french: related to *rank1]
Derby n. (pl. -ies) 1 a annual flat horse-race at epsom. B similar race elsewhere. 2 important sporting contest. 3 (derby) us bowler hat. [earl of derby]
Derecognize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) cease to recognize the status of (esp. A trade union). derecognition n.
Deregulate v. (-ting) remove regulations from. deregulation n.
Derelict —adj. 1 (esp. Of a property) dilapidated. 2 abandoned, ownerless. —n. 1 vagrant. 2 abandoned property. [latin: related to *relinquish]
Dereliction n. 1 (usu. Foll. By of) neglect; failure to carry out obligations. 2 abandoning or being abandoned.
Derestrict v. Remove restrictions (esp. Speed limits) from. derestriction n.
Deride v. (-ding) mock. derision n. [latin rideo laugh]
De rigueur predic. Adj. Required by fashion or etiquette (drugs were de rigueur). [french]
Derivation n. 1 deriving or being derived. 2 a formation of a word from another or from a root. B tracing of the origin of a word. C statement of this.
Derivative —adj. Derived; not original (his music is derivative). —n. 1 derived word or thing. 2 math. Quantity measuring the rate of change of another.
Derive v. (-ving) 1 (usu. Foll. By from) get or trace from a source (derived satisfaction from work). 2 (foll. By from) arise from, originate in (happiness derives from many things). 3 (usu. Foll. By from) show or state the origin or formation of (a word etc.). [latin rivus stream]
Dermatitis n. Inflammation of the skin. [greek derma skin, *-itis]
Dermatology n. The study of skin diseases. dermatological adj. Dermatologist n. [from *dermatitis, *-logy]
Dermis n. 1 (in general use) the skin. 2 layer of living tissue below the epidermis. [from *epidermis]
Derogate v. (-ting) (foll. By from) formal detract from (merit, right, etc.). derogation n. [latin rogo ask]
Derrick n. 1 crane for heavy weights, with a movable pivoted arm. 2 framework over an oil well etc., holding the drilling machinery. [derrick, name of a hangman]
Derring-do n. Literary joc. Heroic courage or actions. [daring to do]
Derris n. 1 tropical climbing plant. 2 insecticide made from its root. [latin from greek]
Derv n. Diesel oil for road vehicles. [diesel-engined road-vehicle]
Dervish n. Member of a muslim fraternity vowed to poverty and austerity. [turkish from persian, = poor]
Des abbr. Department of education and science.
Desalinate v. (-ting) remove the salt from (esp. Sea water). desalination n. [from *saline]
Descale v. (-ling) remove scale from.
Descant —n. 1 harmonizing treble melody above the basic melody, esp. Of a hymn tune. 2 poet. Melody; song. —v. (foll. By on, upon) talk prosily, esp. In praise of. [latin cantus song: related to *chant]
Descend v. 1 go or come down. 2 sink, fall. 3 slope downwards. 4 (usu. Foll. By on) make a sudden attack or visit. 5 (of property etc.) Be passed on by inheritance. 6 a sink in rank, quality, etc. B (foll. By to) stoop to (an unworthy act). be descended from have as an ancestor. descendent adj. [latin scando climb]
Descendant n. Person or thing descended from another. [french: related to *descend]
Descent n. 1 act or way of descending. 2 downward slope. 3 lineage, family origin. 4 decline; fall. 5 sudden attack.
Describe v. (-bing) 1 a state the characteristics, appearance, etc. Of. B (foll. By as) assert to be; call (described him as a liar). 2 a draw (esp. A geometrical figure). B move in (a specified way, esp. A curve) (described a parabola through the air). [latin scribo write]
Description n. 1 a describing or being described. B representation, esp. In words. 2 sort, kind (no food of any description). [latin: related to *describe]
Descriptive adj. Describing, esp. Vividly. [latin: related to *describe]
Descry v. (-ies, -ied) literary catch sight of; discern. [french: related to *cry]
Descry v. (-ies, -ied) literary catch sight of; discern. [french: related to *cry]
Desecrate v. (-ting) violate (a sacred place etc.) With violence, profanity, etc. desecration n. Desecrator n. [from de-, consecrate]
Desegregate v. (-ting) abolish racial segregation in. desegregation n.
Deselect v. Reject (a selected candidate, esp. A sitting mp) in favour of another. deselection n.
Desensitize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) reduce or destroy the sensitivity of. desensitization n.
Desert1 v. 1 leave without intending to return. 2 (esp. As deserted adj.) Forsake, abandon. 3 run away (esp. From military service). deserter n. (in sense 3). Desertion n. [latin desero -sert-leave]
Desert2 —n. Dry barren, esp. Sandy, tract. —adj. Uninhabited, desolate, barren. [latin desertus: related to *desert1]
Desert2 —n. Dry barren, esp. Sandy, tract. —adj. Uninhabited, desolate, barren. [latin desertus: related to *desert1]
Desert3 n. 1 (in pl.) Deserved reward or punishment (got his deserts). 2 being worthy of reward or punishment. [french: related to *deserve]
Desert boot n. Suede etc. Ankle-high boot.
Desertification n. Making or becoming a desert.
Desert island n. (usu. Tropical) uninhabited island.
Deserve v. (-ving) (often foll. By to + infin.) Be worthy of (a reward, punishment, etc.) (deserves a prize). deservedly adv. [latin servio serve]
Deserving adj. (often foll. By of) worthy (esp. Of help, praise, etc.).
Déshabillé n. (also déshabille, dishabille) state of partial undress. [french, = undressed]
Desiccate v. (-ting) remove moisture from (esp. Food) (desiccated coconut). desiccation n. [latin siccus dry]
Desideratum n. (pl. -ta) something lacking but desirable. [latin: related to *desire]
Design —n. 1 a preliminary plan or sketch for making something. B art of producing these. 2 lines or shapes forming a pattern or decoration. 3 plan, purpose, or intention. 4 a arrangement or layout of a product. B established version of a product. —v. 1 produce a design for (a building, machine, etc.). 2 intend or plan (designed for beginners). 3 be a designer. by design on purpose.
Have designs on plan to appropriate, seduce, etc. [latin signum mark]
Designate —v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By as) appoint to an office or function. 2 specify (designated times). 3 (often foll. By as) describe as; style. 4 serve as the name or symbol of. —adj. (after the noun) appointed to office but not yet installed. [latin: related to *design]
Designation n. 1 name, description, or title. 2 designating.
Designedly adv. On purpose.
Designer n. 1 person who designs e.g. Clothing, machines, theatre sets; draughtsman. 2 (attrib.) Bearing the label of a famous designer; prestigious.
Designer drug n. Synthetic analogue of an illegal drug.
Designing adj. Crafty, scheming.
Desirable adj. 1 worth having or doing. 2 sexually attractive. desirability n. Desirableness n. Desirably adv.
Desire —n. 1 a unsatisfied longing or wish. B expression of this; request. 2 sexual appetite. 3 something desired (achieved his heart’s desire). —v. (-ring) 1 (often foll. By to + infin., or that + clause) long for; wish. 2 request (desires a rest). [latin desidero long for]
Desirous predic. Adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By of) desiring, wanting (desirous of stardom). 2 wanting; hoping (desirous to do the right thing).
Desist v. (often foll. By from) abstain; cease. [latin desisto]
Desk n. 1 piece of furniture with a surface for writing on, and often drawers. 2 counter in a hotel, bank, etc. 3 specialized section of a newspaper office (sports desk). 4 unit of two orchestral players sharing a stand. [latin: related to *discus]
Desktop n. 1 working surface of a desk. 2 (attrib.) (esp. Of a microcomputer) for use on an ordinary desk.
Desktop publishing n. Printing with a desktop computer and high-quality printer.
Desolate —adj. 1 left alone; solitary. 2 uninhabited, ruined, dreary (desolate moor). 3 forlorn; wretched. —v. (-ting) 1 depopulate, devastate; lay waste. 2 (esp. As desolated adj.) Make wretched. desolately adv. Desolateness n. [latin solus alone]
Desolation n. 1 desolating or being desolated. 2 loneliness, grief, etc., esp. Caused by desertion. 3 neglected, ruined, or empty state.
Despair —n. 1 complete loss or absence of hope. 2 cause of this. —v. (often foll. By of) lose or be without hope (despaired of ever winning). [latin spero hope]
Despatch var. Of *dispatch.
Desperado n. (pl. -es or us -s) desperate or reckless criminal etc. [as *desperate]
Desperate adj. 1 reckless from despair; violent and lawless. 2 a extremely dangerous, serious, or bad (desperate situation). B staking all on a small chance (desperate remedy). 3 (usu. Foll. By for) needing or desiring very much (desperate for recognition). desperately adv. Desperateness n. Desperation n. [latin: related to *despair]
Despotism n. 1 rule by a despot; tyranny. 2 country ruled by a despot.
Des res n. Slang desirable residence. [abbreviation]
Dessert n. 1 sweet course of a meal. 2 fruit, nuts, etc., served at the end of a meal. [french: related to dis-, serve]
Dessertspoon n. 1 medium-sized spoon for dessert. 2 amount held by this. dessertspoonful n. (pl. -s).
Destabilize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make unstable. 2 subvert (esp. A foreign government). destabilization n.
Destination n. Place a person or thing is bound for. [latin: related to *destine]
Destine v. (-ning) (often foll. By to, for, or to + infin.) Appoint; preordain; intend (destined him for the navy). be destined to be fated or preordained to. [french from latin]
Destiny n. (pl. -ies) 1 a fate. B this regarded as a power. 2 particular person’s fate etc. [french from latin]
Destitute adj. 1 without food, shelter, etc. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) lacking (destitute of friends). destitution n. [latin]
Destroy v. 1 pull or break down; demolish. 2 kill (esp. An animal). 3 make useless; spoil. 4 ruin, esp. Financially. 5 defeat. [latin struo struct-build]
Destroyer n. 1 person or thing that destroys. 2 fast armed warship escorting other ships.
Destruct us esp. Astronaut. —v. Destroy (one’s own rocket etc.) Or be destroyed deliberately, esp. For safety. —n. Destructing.
Destructible adj. Able to be destroyed. [latin: related to *destroy]
Destruction n. 1 destroying or being destroyed. 2 cause of this. [latin: related to *destroy]
Destructive adj. 1 (often foll. By to, of) destroying or tending to destroy. 2 negatively critical. destructively adv. Destructiveness n.
Desuetude n. Formal state of disuse (fell into desuetude). [latin suesco be accustomed]
Desultory adj. 1 constantly turning from one subject to another. 2 disconnected; unmethodical. desultorily adv. [latin desultorius superficial]
Detach v. 1 (often foll. By from) unfasten or disengage and remove. 2 send (troops etc.) On a separate mission. 3 (as detached adj.) A impartial; unemotional. B (esp. Of a house) standing separate. detachable adj. [french: related to *attach]
Detachment n. 1 a aloofness; indifference. B impartiality. 2 detaching or being detached. 3 troops etc. Detached for a specific purpose. [french: related to *detach]
Detail —n. 1 small particular; item. 2 a these collectively (eye for detail). B treatment of them (detail was unconvincing). 3 a minor decoration on a building etc. B small part of a picture etc. Shown alone. 4 small military detachment. —v. 1 give particulars of. 2 relate circumstantially. 3 assign for special duty. 4 (as detailed adj.) A (of a picture, story, etc.) Containing many details. B itemized (detailed list). in detail item by item, minutely. [french: related to *tail2]
Detain v. 1 keep waiting; delay. 2 keep in custody, lock up. detainment n. [latin teneo hold]
Detainee n. Person kept in custody, esp. For political reasons.
Detect v. 1 discover or perceive (detected a note of sarcasm). 2 (often foll. By in) discover (a criminal); solve (a crime). detectable adj. Detector n. [latin tego tect-cover]
Detection n. 1 detecting or being detected. 2 work of a detective.
Detective n. Person, esp. A police officer, investigating crimes.
Détente n. Easing of strained, esp. International, relations. [french, = relaxation]
Detention n. 1 detaining or being detained. 2 being kept late in school as a punishment. [latin: related to *detain]
Detention centre n. Short-term prison for young offenders.
Deter v. (-rr-) (often foll. By from) discourage or prevent, esp. Through fear. determent n. [latin terreo frighten]
Detergent —n. Synthetic cleansing agent used with water. —adj. Cleansing. [latin tergeo wipe]
Deteriorate v. (-ting) become worse. deterioration n. [latin deterior worse]
Determinant —adj. Determining. —n. 1 determining factor etc. 2 quantity obtained by the addition of products of the elements of a square matrix according to a given rule. [latin: related to *determine]
Determinate adj. Limited, of definite scope or nature.
Determination n. 1 firmness of purpose; resoluteness. 2 process of deciding or
Determination n. 1 firmness of purpose; resoluteness. 2 process of deciding or determining.
Determine v. (-ning) 1 find out or establish precisely. 2 decide or settle; resolve. 3 be the decisive factor in regard to (demand determines supply). be determined be resolved. [latin terminus boundary]
Determinism n. Doctrine that human actions, events, etc. Are determined by causes external to the will. determinist n. & adj. Deterministic adj. Deterministically adv.
Deterrent —adj. Deterring. —n. Deterrent thing or factor (esp. Nuclear weapons). deterrence n.
Detest v. Hate violently, loathe. detestation n. [latin detestor from testis witness]
Detestable adj. Intensely disliked; hateful.
Dethrone v. (-ning) remove from a throne, depose. dethronement n.
Detonate v. (-ting) set off (an explosive charge); be set off. detonation n. [latin tono thunder]
Detonator n. Device for detonating explosives.
Detour n. Divergence from a usual route; roundabout course. [french: related to *turn]
Detoxify v. (-ies, -ied) remove poison or harmful substances from. detoxification n. [latin toxicum poison]
Detract v. (foll. By from) take away (a part); diminish; make seem less valuable or important. [latin traho tract-draw]
Detractor n. Person who criticizes unfairly. detraction n.
Detriment n. 1 harm, damage. 2 cause of this. detrimental adj. [latin: related to *trite]
Detritus n. Gravel, sand, etc. Produced by erosion; debris. [latin: related to *detriment]
De trop predic. Adj. Not wanted, in the way. [french, = excessive]
Deuce1 n. 1 two on dice or playing-cards. 2 tennis score of 40 all. [latin duo duos two]
Deuce2 n. The devil, esp. As an exclamation of surprise or annoyance (who the deuce are you?). [low german duus two (being the worst throw at dice)]
Deus ex machina n. Unlikely agent resolving a seemingly hopeless situation, esp. In a play or novel. [latin, = god from the machinery, i.e. In a theatre]
Deuterium n. Stable isotope of hydrogen with a mass about double that of the usual isotope. [greek deuteros second]
Deutschmark n. (also deutsche mark) chief monetary unit of germany. [german: related to *mark2]
Devalue v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) 1 reduce the value of. 2 reduce the value of (a currency) in relation to others or to gold. devaluation n.
Devastate v. (-ting) 1 lay waste; cause great destruction to. 2 (often in passive) overwhelm with shock or grief. devastation n. [latin vasto lay waste]
Develop v. (-p-) 1 a make or become bigger, fuller, more elaborate, etc. B bring or come to an active, visible, or mature state. 2 begin to exhibit or suffer from (developed a rattle). 3 a build on (land). B convert (land) to new use. 4 treat (photographic film etc.) To make the image visible. developer n. [french]
Developing country n. Poor or primitive country.
Developing country n. Poor or primitive country.
Development n. 1 developing or being developed. 2 a stage of growth or advancement. B thing that has developed; new event or circumstance etc. (latest developments). 3 full-grown state. 4 developed land; group of buildings. developmental adj.
Development area n. Area where new industries are encouraged by the state.
Deviant —adj. Deviating from what is normal, esp. Sexually. —n. Deviant person or thing. deviance n. Deviancy n.
Deviate v. (-ting) (often foll. By from) turn aside or diverge (from a course of action, rule, etc.). deviation n. [latin via way]
Device n. 1 thing made or adapted for a special purpose. 2 plan, scheme, or trick. 3 design, esp. Heraldic. leave a person to his or her own devices leave a person to do as he or she wishes. [french: related to *devise]
Devil —n. 1 (usu. The devil) (in christian and jewish belief) supreme spirit of evil; satan. 2 a evil spirit; demon. B personified evil. 3 a wicked person. B mischievously clever person. 4 colloq. Person of a specified kind (lucky devil). 5 fighting spirit, mischievousness (devil is in him tonight). 6 colloq. Awkward thing. 7 (the devil or the devil) colloq. Used as an exclamation of surprise or annoyance (who the devil are you?). 8 literary hack. 9 junior legal counsel. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 cook (food) with hot seasoning. 2 act as devil for an author or barrister. 3 us harass, worry. between the devil and the deep blue sea in a dilemma. A devil of colloq. Considerable, difficult, or remarkable. Devil’s own colloq. Very difficult or unusual (the devil’s own job). The devil to pay trouble
colloq. Very difficult or unusual (the devil’s own job). The devil to pay trouble to be expected. Speak (or talk) of the devil said when person appears just after being mentioned. [greek diabolos accuser, slanderer]
Devilish —adj. 1 of or like a devil; wicked. 2 mischievous. —adv. Colloq. Very. devilishly adv.
Devil-may-care adj. Cheerful and reckless.
Devilment n. Mischief, wild spirits.
Devilry n. (pl. -ies) 1 wickedness; reckless mischief. 2 black magic.
Devil’s advocate n. Person who argues against a proposition to test it.
Devils-on-horseback n.pl. Savoury of prunes or plums wrapped in bacon.
Devious adj. 1 not straightforward, underhand. 2 winding, circuitous. deviously adv. Deviousness n. [latin via way]
Devise v. (-sing) 1 carefully plan or invent. 2 law leave (real estate) by will. [latin: related to *divide]
Devoid predic. Adj. (foll. By of) lacking or free from. [french: related to *void]
Devolution n. Delegation of power, esp. To local or regional administration. devolutionist n. & adj. [latin: related to *devolve]
Devolve v. (-ving) 1 (foll. By on, upon, etc.) Pass (work or duties) or be passed to (a deputy etc.). 2 (foll. By on, to, upon) (of property etc.) Descend to. devolvement n. [latin volvo volut-roll]
Devonian —adj. Of the fourth period of the palaeozoic era. —n. This period. [devon in england]
Devote v. (-ting) (often refl.; foll. By to) apply or give over to (a particular activity etc.). [latin voveo vot-vow]
Devoted adj. Loving; loyal. devotedly adv.
Devotee n. 1 (usu. Foll. By of) zealous enthusiast or supporter. 2 pious person.
Devotion n. 1 (usu. Foll. By to) great love or loyalty. 2 a religious worship. B (in pl.) Prayers. devotional adj. [latin: related to *devote]
Devour v. 1 eat voraciously. 2 (of fire etc.) Engulf, destroy. 3 take in eagerly (devoured the play). 4 preoccupy (devoured by fear). [latin voro swallow]
Devout adj. Earnestly religious or sincere. devoutly adv. Devoutness n. [latin: related to *devote]
Dew n. 1 condensed water vapour forming on cool surfaces at night. 2 similar glistening moisture. dewy adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Dewberry n. (pl. -ies) bluish fruit like the blackberry.
Dew-claw n. Rudimentary inner toe on some dogs.
Dewdrop n. Drop of dew.
Dewey system n. Decimal system of library classification. [dewey, name of a librarian]
Dewlap n. Loose fold of skin hanging from the throat of cattle, dogs, etc. [from *dew, *lap1]
Dew point n. Temperature at which dew forms.
Dexter adj. Esp. Heraldry on or of the right-hand side (observer’s left) of a shield etc. [latin, = on the right]
Dexterity n. 1 skill in using one’s hands. 2 mental adroitness. [latin: related to *dexter]
Dexterous adj. (also dextrous) having or showing dexterity. dexterously adv. Dexterousness n.
Dextrin n. Soluble gummy substance used as a thickening agent, adhesive, etc. [latin dextra on or to the right]
Dextrose n. Form of glucose. [latin dextra on or to the right]
Dfc abbr. Distinguished flying cross.
Dfm abbr. Distinguished flying medal.
Dhal n. (also dal) 1 a kind of split pulse common in india. 2 dish made with this. [hindi]
Dharma n. Ind. 1 social custom; correct behaviour. 2 the buddhist truth. 3 the hindu moral law. [sanskrit, = decree, custom]
Dhoti n. (pl. -s) loincloth worn by male hindus. [hindi]
Di-1 comb. Form two-, double. [greek dis twice]
Di-2 prefix = *dis-.
Di-3 prefix form of *dia-before a vowel.
Dia. Abbr. Diameter.
Dia-prefix (also di-before a vowel) 1 through (diaphanous). 2 apart (diacritical). 3 across (diameter). [greek dia through]
Diabetes n. Disease in which sugar and starch are not properly absorbed by the body. [latin from greek]
Diabetic —adj. 1 of or having diabetes. 2 for diabetics. —n. Person suffering from diabetes.
Diabolical adj. (also diabolic) 1 of the devil. 2 devilish; inhumanly cruel or wicked. 3 extremely bad, clever, or annoying. diabolically adv. [latin: related to *devil]
Diabolism n. 1 worship of the devil. 2 sorcery. [greek: related to *devil]
Diachronic adj. Of a thing’s historical development. diachronically adv. [greek khronos time]
Diaconal adj. Of a deacon. [church latin: related to *deacon]
Diaconate n. 1 position of deacon. 2 body of deacons.
Diacritic n. Sign (e.g. An accent or cedilla) indicating different sounds or values of a letter. [greek: related to *critic]
Diacritical —adj. Distinguishing, distinctive. —n. (in full diacritical mark or sign) = *diacritic.
Diadem n. 1 crown or headband as a sign of sovereignty. 2 sovereignty. 3 crowning distinction. [greek deo bind]
Diaeresis n. (pl. Diaereses) (us dieresis) mark (as in naïve) over a vowel to indicate that it is sounded separately. [greek, = separation]
Diagnose v. (-sing) make a diagnosis of (a disease, fault, etc.).
Diagnosis n. (pl. Diagnoses) 1 a identification of a disease from its symptoms. B formal statement of this. 2 identification of the cause of a mechanical fault etc. [greek gignosko recognize]
Diagnostic —adj. Of or assisting diagnosis. —n. Symptom. diagnostically adv. Diagnostician n. [greek: related to *diagnosis]
Diagnostics n. 1 (treated as pl.) Computing programs etc. Used to identify faults in hardware or software. 2 (treated as sing.) Science of diagnosing disease.
Diagonal —adj. 1 crossing a straight-sided figure from corner to corner. 2 slanting, oblique. —n. Straight line joining two opposite corners. diagonally adv. [greek gonia angle]
Diagram n. Outline drawing, plan, or graphic representation of a machine, structure, process, etc. diagrammatic adj. Diagrammatically adv. [greek: related to *-gram]
Dial —n. 1 plate with a scale for measuring weight, volume, etc., indicated by a pointer. 2 movable numbered disc on a telephone for making connection. 3 face of a clock or watch, marking the hours etc. 4 a plate or disc etc. On a radio or television for selecting a wavelength or channel. B similar device on other equipment. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 (also absol.) Select (a telephone number) with a dial. 2 measure, indicate, or regulate with a dial. [medieval latin diale from dies day]
Dialect n. 1 regional form of speech. 2 variety of language with non-standard vocabulary, pronunciation, or grammar. dialectal adj. [greek lego speak]
Dialectic n. 1 art of investigating the truth by discussion and logical argument. 2 process whereby contradictions merge to form a higher truth. 3 any situation or discussion involving the juxtaposition or conflict of opposites. [greek: related to *dialect]
Dialectical adj. Of dialectic. dialectically adv.
Dialectical materialism n. Marxist theory that political and historical events are due to the conflict of social forces arising from economic conditions.
Dialectics n. (treated as sing. Or pl.) = *dialectic n. 1.
Dialling tone n. Sound indicating that a telephone caller may dial.
Dialog n. (brit. Dialogue) 1 a conversation. B this in written form. 2 discussion between people with different opinions. [greek lego speak]
Dialogue n. (us dialog) 1 a conversation. B this in written form. 2 discussion between people with different opinions. [greek lego speak]
Dialysis n. (pl. Dialyses) 1 separation of particles in a liquid by differences in their ability to pass through a membrane into another liquid. 2 purification of the blood by this technique. [greek luo set free]
Diamanté adj. Decorated with synthetic diamonds or another sparkling substance. [french diamant diamond]
Diameter n. 1 straight line passing through the centre of a circle or sphere to its edges; length of this. 2 transverse measurement; width, thickness. 3 unit of linear magnifying power. [greek: related to *-meter]
Diametrical adj. (also diametric) 1 of or along a diameter. 2 (of opposites etc.) Absolute. diametrically adv. [greek: related to *diameter]
Diamond n. 1 very hard transparent precious stone of pure crystallized carbon. 2 rhombus. 3 a playing-card of the suit denoted by a red rhombus. B (in pl.) This suit. [greek: related to *adamant]
Diamond wedding n. 60th (or 75th) wedding anniversary.
Dianthus n. Flowering plant of the genus including the carnation. [greek, = flower of zeus]
Diapason n. 1 compass of a voice or musical instrument. 2 fixed standard of musical pitch. 3 either of two main organ-stops. [greek, = through all (notes)]
Diaper n. Us baby’s nappy. [greek aspros white]
Diaphanous adj. (of fabric etc.) Light, delicate, and almost transparent. [greek phaino show]
Diaphragm n. 1 muscular partition between the thorax and abdomen in mammals. 2 = *dutch cap. 3 a photog. Plate or disc pierced with a circular hole to cut off marginal beams of light. B vibrating disc in a microphone, telephone, loudspeaker, etc. 4 device for varying the lens aperture in a camera etc. 5 thin sheet as a partition etc. [greek phragma fence]
Diapositive n. Positive photographic slide or transparency.
Diarist n. Person who keeps a diary.
Diarrhea n. (esp. Brit. Diarrhoea) condition of excessively frequent and loose bowel movements. [greek rheo flow]
Diarrhoea n. (esp. Us diarrhea) condition of excessively frequent and loose bowel movements. [greek rheo flow]
Diary n. (pl. -ies) 1 daily record of events or thoughts. 2 book for this or for noting future engagements. [latin dies day]
Diaspora n. 1 the dispersion of the jews after their exile in 538 bc. 2 the dispersed jews. [greek]
Diastase n. Enzyme converting starch to sugar. [greek diastasis separation]
Diatom n. One-cell alga found as plankton and forming fossil deposits. [greek, = cut in half]
Diatomic adj. Consisting of two atoms.
Diatonic adj. Mus. (of a scale, interval, etc.) Involving only notes belonging to the prevailing key. [greek: related to *tonic]
Diatribe n. Forceful verbal attack or criticism; invective. [greek tribo rub]
Diazepam n. A tranquillizing drug. [benzodiazepine + am]
Dibble —n. (also dibber) hand tool for making holes for planting. —v. (-ling) sow, plant, or prepare (soil) with a dibble. [origin uncertain]
Dice —n.pl. 1 a small cubes with faces bearing 1–6 spots, used in games or gambling. B (treated as sing.) One of these cubes (see die2). 2 game played with dice. —v. (-cing) 1 take great risks, gamble (dicing with death). 2 cut into small cubes. [pl. Of die2]
Dichotomy n. (pl. -ies) division into two, esp. A sharply defined one. [greek dikho-apart: related to *tome]
Usage the use of dichotomy to mean dilemma or ambivalence is considered incorrect in standard english.
Dichromatic adj. 1 two-coloured. 2 having vision sensitive to only two of the three primary colours.
three primary colours.
Dick1 n. 1 colloq. (in certain set phrases) person (clever dick). 2 coarse slang penis. [dick, pet form of richard]
Dick2 n. Slang detective. [perhaps an abbreviation]
Dickens n. (usu. Prec. By how, what, why, etc., the) colloq. (esp. In exclamations) deuce; the devil (what the dickens is it). [probably the name dickens]
Dickensian adj. 1 of the 19th-c. Novelist dickens or his work. 2 resembling situations in dickens’s work, esp. Poverty.
Dickhead n. Coarse slang idiot. [from *dick1]
Dicky —n. (pl. -ies) colloq. False shirt-front. —adj. (-ier, -iest) slang unsound; unhealthy. [dicky, pet form of richard]
Dicky-bird n. 1 child’s word for a little bird. 2 word (didn’t say a dicky-bird).
Dicky bow n. Colloq. Bow-tie.
Dicotyledon n. Flowering plant having two cotyledons. dicotyledonous adj.
Dicotyledon n. Flowering plant having two cotyledons. dicotyledonous adj.
Dicta pl. Of *dictum.
Dictaphone n. Propr. Machine for recording and playing back dictated words. [from dictate, phone]
Dictate —v. (-ting) 1 say or read aloud (material to be written down or recorded). 2 state or order authoritatively or peremptorily. —n. (usu. In pl.) Authoritative instruction or requirement (dictates of conscience, fashion). dictation n. [latin dicto from dico say]
Dictator n. 1 usu. Unelected omnipotent ruler. 2 omnipotent person in any sphere. 3 domineering person. dictatorship n. [latin: related to *dictate]
Dictatorial adj. 1 of or like a dictator. 2 overbearing. dictatorially adv. [latin: related to *dictator]
Diction n. Manner of enunciation in speaking or singing. [latin dictio from dico dict-say]
Dictionary n. (pl. -ies) 1 book listing (usu. Alphabetically) and explaining the words of a language or giving corresponding words in another language. 2 reference book explaining the terms of a particular subject. [medieval latin: related to *diction]
Dictum n. (pl. Dicta or -s) 1 formal expression of opinion. 2 a saying. [latin,
Dictum n. (pl. Dicta or -s) 1 formal expression of opinion. 2 a saying. [latin, neuter past part. Of dico say]
Did past of *do1.
Didactic adj. 1 meant to instruct. 2 (of a person) tediously pedantic. didactically adv. Didacticism n. [greek didasko teach]
Diddle v. (-ling) colloq. Swindle. [probably from diddler, name of a character in a 19th-c. Play]
Diddums int. Often iron. Expressing commiseration. [= did ‘em, i.e. Did they (tease you etc.)?]
Diddums int. Often iron. Expressing commiseration. [= did ‘em, i.e. Did they (tease you etc.)?]
Didgeridoo n. Long tubular australian aboriginal musical instrument. [imitative]
Didn’t contr. Did not.
Die1 v. (dies, died, dying) 1 cease to live; expire, lose vital force. 2 a come to an end, fade away (his interest died). B cease to function. C (of a flame) go out. 3 (foll. By on) die or cease to function while in the presence or charge of (a person). 4 (usu. Foll. By of, from, with) be exhausted or tormented (nearly died of boredom). be dying (foll. By for, or to + infin.) Wish for longingly or intently (was dying for a drink). Die away fade to the point of extinction. Die back (of a plant) decay from the tip towards the root. Die down become fainter or weaker.
plant) decay from the tip towards the root. Die down become fainter or weaker. Die hard die reluctantly (old habits die hard). Die off die one after another. Die out become extinct, cease to exist. [old norse]
Die2 n. 1 = *dice 1b. 2 (pl. Dies) a engraved device for stamping coins, medals, etc. B device for stamping, cutting, or moulding material. the die is cast an irrevocable step has been taken. [latin datum from do give]
Usage dice, rather than die, is now the standard singular as well as plural form in the games sense (one dice, two dice).
Die-casting n. Process or product of casting from metal moulds.
Die-hard n. Conservative or stubborn person.
Dielectric —adj. Not conducting electricity. —n. Dielectric substance.
Dieresis n. (pl. Diereses) (brit. Diaeresis) mark (as in naïve) over a vowel to indicate that it is sounded separately. [greek, = separation]
Diesel n. 1 (in full diesel engine) internal-combustion engine in which heat produced by the compression of air in the cylinder ignites the fuel. 2 vehicle driven by a diesel engine. 3 fuel for a diesel engine. [diesel, name of an engineer]
Diesel-electric adj. (of a locomotive etc.) Driven by an electric current from a
Diesel-electric adj. (of a locomotive etc.) Driven by an electric current from a diesel-engined generator.
Diesel oil n. Heavy petroleum fraction used in diesel engines.
Die-sinker n. Engraver of dies.
Die-stamping n. Embossing paper etc. With die.
Diet1 —n. 1 range of foods habitually eaten by a person or animal. 2 limited range of food to which a person is restricted. 3 thing regularly offered (diet of half-truths). —v. (-t-) restrict oneself to a special diet, esp. To slim. dietary adj. Dieter n. [greek diaita way of life]
Diet2 n. 1 legislative assembly in certain countries. 2 hist. Congress. [latin dieta]
Dietetic adj. Of diet and nutrition. [greek: related to *diet1]
Dietetics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) The study of diet and nutrition.
Dietitian n. (also dietician) expert in dietetics.
Dif-prefix = *dis-.
Differ v. 1 (often foll. By from) be unlike or distinguishable. 2 (often foll. By with) disagree. [latin differo, dilat-bring apart]
Difference n. 1 being different or unlike. 2 degree of this. 3 way in which things differ. 4 a quantity by which amounts differ. B remainder left after subtraction. 5 disagreement, dispute. make a (or all the, no, etc.) Difference have a significant (or a very significant, or no etc.) Effect. With a difference having a new or unusual feature.
Different adj. 1 (often foll. By from or to) unlike, of another nature. 2 distinct, separate. 3 unusual. differently adv.
Usage in sense 1, different from is more widely acceptable than different to, which is common in less formal use.
Differential —adj. 1 of, exhibiting, or depending on a difference. 2 math. Relating to infinitesimal differences. 3 constituting or relating to a specific difference. —n. 1 difference between things of the same kind. 2 difference in wages between industries or categories of employees in the same industry. 3 difference between rates of interest etc.
Differential calculus n. Method of calculating rates of change, maximum or minimum values, etc.
Differential gear n. Gear enabling a vehicle’s rear wheels to revolve at different speeds on corners.
Differentiate v. (-ting) 1 constitute a difference between or in. 2 recognize as different; distinguish. 3 become different during development. 4 math. Calculate the derivative of. differentiation n.
Difficult adj. 1 a needing much effort or skill. B troublesome, perplexing. 2 (of a person) demanding. 3 problematic.
Difficulty n. (pl. -ies) 1 being difficult. 2 a difficult thing; problem, hindrance. B (often in pl.) Distress, esp. Financial (in difficulties). [latin difficultas: related to *faculty]
Diffract v. Break up (a beam of light) into a series of dark and light bands or coloured spectra, or (a beam of radiation or particles) into a series of high and low intensities. diffraction n. Diffractive adj. [latin diffringo: related to *fraction]
Diffuse —adj. 1 spread out, not concentrated. 2 not concise, wordy. —v. (-sing) 1 disperse or spread widely. 2 intermingle by diffusion. diffusible adj. Diffusive adj. [latin: related to *found3]
Diffusion n. 1 diffusing or being diffused. 2 interpenetration of substances by natural movement of their particles. [latin: related to *diffuse]
Dig —v. (-gg-; past and past part. Dug) 1 (also absol.) Break up and remove or turn over (ground etc.). 2 (foll. By up) break up the soil of (fallow land). 3 make
turn over (ground etc.). 2 (foll. By up) break up the soil of (fallow land). 3 make (a hole, tunnel, etc.) By digging. 4 (often foll. By up, out) a obtain by digging. B (foll. By up, out) find or discover. C (foll. By into) search for information in (a book etc.). 5 (also absol.) Excavate (an archaeological site). 6 slang like; understand. 7 (foll. By in, into) thrust (a sharp object); prod or nudge. 8 (foll. By into, through, under) make one’s way by digging. —n. 1 piece of digging. 2 thrust or poke. 3 colloq. Pointed remark. 4 archaeological excavation. 5 (in pl.) Colloq. Lodgings. dig one’s heels in be obstinate. Dig in colloq. Begin eating. Dig oneself in 1 prepare a defensive trench or pit. 2 establish one’s position. [old english]
Digest —v. 1 assimilate (food) in the stomach and bowels. 2 understand and assimilate mentally. 3 summarize. —n. 1 periodical synopsis of current literature or news. 2 methodical summary, esp. Of laws. digestible adj. [latin digero -gest-]
Digestion n. 1 process of digesting. 2 capacity to digest food.
Digestive —adj. Of or aiding digestion. —n. 1 substance aiding digestion. 2 (in full digestive biscuit) wholemeal biscuit.
Digger n. 1 person or machine that digs, esp. A mechanical excavator. 2 colloq. Australian or new zealander.
Digit n. 1 any numeral from 0 to 9. 2 finger or toe. [latin, = finger, toe]
Digital adj. 1 of digits. 2 (of a clock, watch, etc.) Giving a reading by displayed digits. 3 (of a computer) operating on data represented by a series of digits. 4 (of a recording) with sound-information represented by digits for more reliable transmission. digitally adv. [latin: related to *digit]
Digital audio tape n. Magnetic tape on which sound is recorded digitally.
Digitalis n. Drug prepared from foxgloves, used to stimulate the heart. [related to *digit, from the form of the flowers]
Digitize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) convert (data etc.) Into digital form, esp. For a computer. digitization n.
Dignified adj. Having or showing dignity.
Dignify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 confer dignity on; ennoble. 2 give a fine name to. [latin dignus worthy]
Dignitary n. (pl. -ies) person of high rank or office. [from *dignity]
Dignity n. (pl. -ies) 1 composed and serious manner. 2 worthiness, nobleness (dignity of work). 3 high rank or position. beneath one’s dignity not worthy enough for one. Stand on one’s dignity insist on being treated with respect. [latin dignus worthy]
Digraph n. Two letters representing one sound, e.g. Ph, ey as in phone, key. [from di-1, -graph]
Usage digraph is sometimes confused with ligature, which means two or more letters joined together.
Digress v. Depart from the main subject in speech or writing. digression n. [latin digredior -gress-]
Digs see *dig n. 5.
Dike1 var. Of *dyke1.
Dike2 var. Of *dyke2.
Diktat n. Categorical statement or decree. [german, = *dictate]
Dilapidated adj. In disrepair or ruin. dilapidation n. [latin: related to *di-2, lapis stone]
Dilatation n. 1 dilating of the cervix, e.g. For surgical curettage. 2 dilation. [from *dilate]
Dilate v. (-ting) 1 make or become wider or larger. 2 speak or write at length. dilation n. [latin latus wide]
Dilatory adj. Given to or causing delay. [latin dilatorius: related to *differ]
Dildo n. (pl. -s) artificial erect penis for sexual stimulation. [origin unknown]
Dilemma n. 1 situation in which a difficult choice has to be made. 2 difficult situation, predicament. [greek lemma premiss]
Usage the use of dilemma in sense 2 is considered incorrect by some people.
Dilettante n. (pl. Dilettanti or -s) dabbler in a subject. dilettantism n. [italian dilettare *delight]
Diligent adj. 1 hard-working. 2 showing care and effort. diligence n. Diligently adv. [french from latin diligo love]
Dill n. Herb with aromatic leaves and seeds. [old english]
Dilly-dally v. (-ies, -ied) colloq. 1 dawdle. 2 vacillate. [reduplication of *dally]
Dilute —v. (-ting) 1 reduce the strength of (a fluid) by adding water etc. 2 weaken or reduce in effect. —adj. Diluted. dilution n. [latin diluo -lut-wash away]
Diluvial adj. Of a flood, esp. Of the flood in genesis. [latin: related to *deluge]
Dim —adj. (dimmer, dimmest) 1 a faintly luminous or visible; not bright. B
Dim —adj. (dimmer, dimmest) 1 a faintly luminous or visible; not bright. B indistinct. 2 not clearly perceived or remembered. 3 colloq. Stupid. 4 (of the eyes) not seeing clearly. —v. (-mm-) make or become dim. take a dim view of colloq. Disapprove of. dimly adv. Dimness n. [old english]
Dime n. Us tencent coin. [latin decima tenth (part)]
Dimension —n. 1 measurable extent, as length, breadth, depth, etc. 2 (in pl.) Size (of huge dimensions). 3 aspect, facet (gained a new dimension). —v. (usu. As dimensioned adj.) Mark dimensions on (a diagram etc.). dimensional adj. [latin metior mens-measure]
Diminish v. 1 make or become smaller or less. 2 (often as diminished adj.) Lessen the reputation of (a person); humiliate. law of diminishing returns fact that expenditure etc. Beyond a certain point ceases to produce a proportionate yield. [latin: related to *minute1]
Diminuendo mus. —n. (pl -s) gradual decrease in loudness. —adv. & adj. Decreasing in loudness. [italian: related to *diminish]
Diminution n. 1 diminishing or being diminished. 2 decrease. [latin: related to *diminish]
Diminutive —adj. 1 tiny. 2 (of a word or suffix) implying smallness or affection. —n. Diminutive word or suffix.
Dimmer n. 1 (in full dimmer switch) device for varying the brightness of an electric light. 2 us a (in pl.) Small parking lights on a vehicle. B headlight on low
electric light. 2 us a (in pl.) Small parking lights on a vehicle. B headlight on low beam.
Dimple —n. Small hollow, esp. In the cheek or chin. —v. (-ling) form dimples (in). dimply adj. [probably old english]
Dim-wit n. Colloq. Stupid person. dim-witted adj.
Din n. Any of a series of german technical standards designating electrical connections, film speeds, and paper sizes. [german, from deutsche industrie-norm]
Din —n. Prolonged loud confused noise. —v. (-nn-) (foll. By into) force (information) into a person by constant repetition; make a din. [old english]
Dinar n. Chief monetary unit of yugoslavia and several countries of the middle east and n. Africa. [arabic and persian from latin *denarius]
Dine v. (-ning) 1 a eat dinner. B (foll. By on, upon) eat for dinner. 2 (esp. In phr. Wine and dine) entertain with food. dine out dine away from home. [french diner as *dis-, latin jejunus fasting]
Diner n. 1 person who dines. 2 dining-car. 3 us small restaurant. 4 small dining-room.
Dinette n. Small room or alcove for eating meals.
Ding —v. Make a ringing sound. —n. Ringing sound. [imitative]
Dingbat n. Slang us & austral. Stupid or eccentric person. [perhaps from ding to beat + *bat1]
Ding-dong n. 1 sound of two chimes, esp. As a doorbell. 2 colloq. Heated argument or fight. [imitative]
Dinghy n. (pl. -ies) 1 small boat carried by a ship. 2 small pleasure-boat. 3 small inflatable rubber boat. [hindi]
Dingle n. Deep wooded valley or dell. [origin unknown]
Dingo n. (pl. -es) wild australian dog. [aboriginal]
Dinner n. 1 main meal of the day, either at midday or in the evening. 2 (in full dinner-party) formal evening meal, esp. With guests. [french: related to *dine]
Dinner-dance n. Formal dinner followed by dancing.
Dinner-jacket n. Man’s short usu. Black formal jacket for evening wear.
Dinner lady n. Woman who supervises school dinners.
Dinner service n. Set of matching crockery for dinner.
Dinosaur n. 1 extinct, often enormous, reptile of the mesozoic era. 2 unwieldy or unchanging system or organization. [greek deinos terrible, *saurian]
Dint —n. Dent. —v. Mark with dints. by dint of by force or means of. [old english and old norse]
Diocese n. District under the pastoral care of a bishop. diocesan adj. [greek
Diocese n. District under the pastoral care of a bishop. diocesan adj. [greek dioikesis administration]
Diode n. 1 semiconductor allowing the flow of current in one direction only and having two terminals. 2 thermionic valve having two electrodes. [from di-1, electrode]
Dionysian adj. Wildly sensual; unrestrained. [greek dionusos god of wine]
Diopter n. (brit. Dioptre) unit of refractive power of a lens. [greek: related to *dia-, opsis sight]
Dioptre n. (us diopter) unit of refractive power of a lens. [greek: related to *dia-, opsis sight]
Diorama n. 1 scenic painting lit to simulate sunrise etc. 2 small scene with three-dimensional figures, viewed through a window etc. 3 small-scale model or film-set. [from *dia-, greek horao see]
Dioxide n. Oxide containing two atoms of oxygen in the molecule.
Dip —v. (-pp-) 1 put or lower briefly into liquid etc.; immerse. 2 a go below a surface or level. B (of income, activity, etc.) Decline slightly, esp. Briefly. 3 slope or extend downwards (road dips). 4 go under water and emerge quickly. 5 (foll. By into) look cursorily into (a book, subject, etc.). 6 a (foll. By into) put a hand, ladle, etc., into (a container) to take something out. B use part of (one’s resources) (dipped into our savings). 7 lower or be lowered, esp. In salute. 8 lower the beam of (headlights) to reduce dazzle. 9 colour (a fabric) by
lower the beam of (headlights) to reduce dazzle. 9 colour (a fabric) by immersing it in dye. 10 wash (sheep) in disinfectant. —n. 1 dipping or being dipped. 2 liquid for dipping.
Dip. Ed. Abbr. Diploma in education.
Diphtheria n. Acute infectious bacterial disease with inflammation of a mucous membrane esp. Of the throat. [greek diphthera skin, hide]
Usage the second pronunciation is considered incorrect by some people.
Diphthong n. Two written or spoken vowels pronounced in one syllable (as in coin, loud, toy). [greek phthoggos voice]
Diplodocus n. (pl. -cuses) giant plant-eating dinosaur with a long neck and tail. [greek diplous double, dokos wooden beam]
Diploma n. 1 certificate of qualification awarded by a college etc. 2 document conferring an honour or privilege. [greek, = folded paper, from diplous double]
Diplomacy n. 1 a management of international relations. B skill in this. 2 tact. [french: related to *diplomatic]
Diplomat n. 1 member of a diplomatic service. 2 tactful person.
Diplomatic adj. 1 of or involved in diplomacy. 2 tactful. diplomatically adv.
Diplomatic adj. 1 of or involved in diplomacy. 2 tactful. diplomatically adv. [french: related to *diploma]
Diplomatic bag n. Container for dispatching official mail etc. To or from an embassy, usu. Exempt from customs inspection.
Diplomatic immunity n. Exemption of diplomatic staff abroad from arrest, taxation, etc.
Diplomatic service n. Branch of the civil service concerned with the representation of a country abroad.
Diplomatist n. Diplomat.
Dipole n. 1 two equal and oppositely charged or magnetized poles separated by a distance. 2 molecule in which a concentration of positive charges is separated from a concentration of negative charges. 3 aerial consisting of a horizontal metal rod with a connecting wire at its core.
Dipper n. 1 diving bird, esp. The water ouzel. 2 ladle.
Dipso n. (pl. -s) colloq. Alcoholic. [abbreviation]
Dipsomania n. Alcoholism. dipsomaniac n. [greek dipsa thirst]
Dipstick n. Rod for measuring the depth of esp. Oil in a vehicle’s engine.
Dip-switch n. Switch for dipping a vehicle’s headlights.
Dipterous adj. (of an insect) having two wings. [greek pteron wing]
Diptych n. Painting, esp. An altarpiece, on two hinged panels closing like a book. [greek, = pair of writing-tablets, from ptukhe fold]
Dire adj. 1 a calamitous, dreadful. B ominous. C (predic) colloq. Very bad. 2 urgent (in dire need). [latin]
Direct —adj. 1 extending or moving in a straight line or by the shortest route; not crooked or circuitous. 2 straightforward; frank. 3 with nothing or no-one in between; personal (direct line). 4 (of descent) lineal, not collateral. 5 complete, greatest possible (the direct opposite). —adv. 1 in a direct way or manner (dealt with them direct). 2 by the direct route (sent direct to london). —v. 1 control; govern or guide (duty directs me). 2 (foll. By to + infin., or that + clause) order (a person) to. 3 (foll. By to) a address (a letter etc.). B tell or show (a person) the way to (a place). 4 (foll. By at, to, towards) point, aim, or turn (a blow, attention, or remark). 5 (also absol.) Supervise the performing, staging, etc., of (a film, play, etc.). directness n. [latin dirigo from rego rect-guide]
Direct current n. Electric current flowing in one direction only.
Direct debit n. Regular debiting of a bank account at the request of the payee.
Direct debit n. Regular debiting of a bank account at the request of the payee.
Direct-grant school n. School funded by the government and not a local authority.
Direction n. 1 directing; supervision. 2 (usu. In pl.) Order or instruction. 3 line along which, or point to or from which, a person or thing moves or looks. 4 tendency or scope of a theme, subject, etc.
Directional adj. 1 of or indicating direction. 2 sending or receiving radio or sound waves in one particular direction.
Directive —n. Order from an authority. —adj. Serving to direct.
Directly —adv. 1 a at once; without delay, immediately (directly after lunch). B presently, shortly. 2 exactly (directly opposite). 3 in a direct manner. —conj. Colloq. As soon as (will tell you directly they come).
Direct object n. Primary object of the action of a transitive verb.
Director n. 1 person who directs or controls, esp. A member of the board of a company. 2 person who directs a film, play, etc. directorial adj. Directorship n.
Directorate n. 1 board of directors. 2 office of director.
Director-general n. Chief executive of a large organization.
Directory n. (pl. -ies) book with a list of telephone subscribers, inhabitants of a district, or members of a profession etc. [latin: related to *direct]
Directory enquiries n.pl. Telephone service providing a subscriber’s number on request.
Directress n. Woman director.
Direct speech n. Words actually spoken, not reported.
Direct tax n. Tax that one pays directly to the government, esp. On income.
Dirge n. 1 lament for the dead. 2 any dreary piece of music. [latin imperative dirige = direct, used in the office for the dead]
Dirham n. Principal monetary unit of morocco and the united arab emirates. [arabic]
Dirigible —adj. Capable of being guided. —n. Dirigible balloon or airship. [related to *direct]
Dirk n. Short dagger. [origin unknown]
Dirndl n. 1 dress with a close-fitting bodice and full skirt. 2 full skirt of this kind. [german]
Dirt n. 1 unclean matter that soils. 2 a earth, soil. B earth, cinders, etc., used to make the surface for a road etc. (usu. Attrib.: dirt track). 3 foul or malicious words or talk. 4 excrement. treat like dirt treat with contempt. [old norse drit excrement]
Dirt cheap adj. & adv. Colloq. Extremely cheap.
Dirty —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 soiled, unclean. 2 causing dirtiness (dirty job). 3 sordid, lewd, obscene. 4 unpleasant, dishonourable, unfair (dirty trick). 5 (of weather) rough, squally. 6 (of colour) muddied, dingy. —adv. Slang 1 very (a dirty great diamond). 2 in a dirty manner (talk dirty; act dirty) (esp. In senses 3 and 4 of adj.). —v. (-ies, -ied) make or become dirty. do the dirty on colloq. Play a mean trick on. dirtily adv. Dirtiness n.
Dirty look n. Colloq. Look of disapproval or disgust.
Dirty old man n. Colloq. Lecherous man.
Dirty weekend n. Colloq. Weekend spent with a lover.
Dirty word n. 1 offensive or indecent word. 2 word for something disapproved of (profit is a dirty word).
Dirty work n. Dishonourable or illegal activity; unpleasant task.
Dis-prefix forming nouns, adjectives, and verbs implying: 1 negation or direct opposite (dishonest; discourteous). 2 reversal (disengage; disorientate). 3 removal of a thing or quality (dismember; disable). 4 separation (distinguish). 5 completeness or intensification (disgruntled). 6 expulsion from (disbar). [french des-or latin dis-]
Disability n. (pl. -ies) 1 permanent physical or mental incapacity. 2 lack of some capacity etc., preventing action.
Disable v. (-ling) 1 deprive of an ability or function. 2 (often as disabled adj.) Physically incapacitate. disablement n.
Disabuse v. (-sing) (usu. Foll. By of) free from a mistaken idea; disillusion.
Disadvantage —n. 1 unfavourable circumstance or condition. 2 damage; loss. — v. (-ging) cause disadvantage to. at a disadvantage in an unfavourable position or aspect. disadvantageous adj.
Disadvantaged adj. Lacking normal opportunities through poverty, disability, etc.
Disaffected adj. Discontented (esp. Politically); no longer loyal. disaffection n.
Disagree v. (-ees, -eed, -eeing) (often foll. By with) 1 hold a different opinion. 2 (of factors) not correspond. 3 upset (onions disagree with me). disagreement n.
Disappear v. 1 cease to be visible. 2 cease to exist or be in circulation or use. 3 (of a person) go missing. disappearance n.
Disappoint v. 1 fail to fulfil the desire or expectation of. 2 frustrate (a hope etc.). disappointed adj. Disappointing adj.
Disappointment n. 1 person or thing that disappoints. 2 being disappointed.
Disapprobation n. Formal disapproval.
Disapprove v. (-ving) (usu. Foll. By of) have or express an unfavourable opinion. disapproval n.
Disarm v. 1 take weapons etc. Away from. 2 reduce or give up one’s own
weapons. 3 defuse (a bomb etc.). 4 make less angry, hostile, etc; charm, win over. disarming adj. (esp. In sense 4). Disarmingly adv.
Disarmament n. Reduction by a state of its armaments.
Disarrange v. (-ging) bring into disorder. disarrangement n.
Disarray —n. Disorder. —v. Throw into disorder.
Disassociate v. (-ting) = *dissociate. disassociation n.
Disaster n. 1 great or sudden misfortune; catastrophe. 2 colloq. Complete failure. disastrous adj. Disastrously adv. [latin astrum star]
Disavow v. Disclaim knowledge of or responsibility for. disavowal n.
Disband v. Break up; disperse. disbandment n.
Disbar v. (-rr-) deprive (a barrister) of the right to practise. disbarment n.
Disbelieve v. (-ving) be unable or unwilling to believe; be sceptical. disbelief n. Disbelievingly adv.
Disburse v. (-sing) pay out (money). disbursal n. Disbursement n. [french: related to dis-, bourse]
Disc n. (also disk esp. Us and in sense 4a) 1 a flat thin circular object. B round flat or apparently flat surface or mark. 2 layer of cartilage between vertebrae. 3 gramophone record. 4 a (usu. Disk; in full magnetic disk) flat circular computer storage device. B (in full optical disc) disc for data recorded and read by laser. [latin *discus]
Discard v. 1 reject as unwanted. 2 remove or put aside. [from dis-, card1]
Disc brake n. Brake employing the friction of pads against a disc.
Discern v. 1 perceive clearly with the mind or senses. 2 make out with effort. discernible adj. [latin cerno cret-separate]
Discerning adj. Having good judgement. discerningly adv. Discernment n.
Discharge —v. (-ging) 1 release (a prisoner); allow (a patient, jury) to leave. 2 dismiss from office or employment. 3 fire (a gun etc.). 4 throw; eject. 5 emit, pour out (pus etc.). 6 (foll. By into) (of a river etc.) Flow into (esp. The sea). 7 a carry out (a duty or obligation). B relieve oneself of (a debt etc.). C relieve (a bankrupt) of residual liability. 8 law cancel (an order of court). 9 release an electrical charge from. 10 a relieve (a ship etc.) Of cargo. B unload (cargo). —n. 1 discharging or being discharged. 2 certificate of release, dismissal, etc. 3 matter discharged; pus etc. 4 release of an electric charge, esp. With a spark.
Disciple n. Follower of a leader, teacher, etc., esp. Of christ. [latin disco learn]
Disciplinarian n. Enforcer of or believer in firm discipline.
Disciplinary adj. Of or enforcing discipline.
Discipline —n. 1 a control or order exercised over people or animals, e.g. Over members of an organization. B system of rules for this. 2 training or way of life aimed at self-control and conformity. 3 branch of learning. 4 punishment. —v. (-ning) 1 punish. 2 control by training in obedience. [latin disciplina from disco learn]
Disc jockey n. Presenter of recorded pop music.
Disclaim v. 1 deny or disown. 2 renounce legal claim to.
Disclaimer n. Renunciation; statement disclaiming something.
Disclose v. (-sing) make known; expose. disclosure n.
Disco colloq. —n. (pl. -s) = *discothèque. —v. (-es, -ed) dance to disco music. [abbreviation]
Discolor v. (brit. Discolour) cause to change from its normal colour; stain;
Discolor v. (brit. Discolour) cause to change from its normal colour; stain; tarnish. discoloration n.
Discolour v. (us discolor) cause to change from its normal colour; stain; tarnish. discoloration n.
Discomfit v. (-t-) disconcert, baffle, frustrate. discomfiture n. [french: related to dis-, confection]
Usage discomfit is sometimes confused with discomfort.
Discomfort —n. 1 lack of comfort; slight pain or unease. 2 cause of this. —v. Make uncomfortable.
Usage as a verb, discomfort is sometimes confused with discomfit.
Discompose v. (-sing) disturb the composure of. discomposure n.
Disco music n. Popular dance music with a heavy bass rhythm.
Disconcert v. Disturb the composure of; fluster.
Disconnect v. 1 break the connection of. 2 put out of action by disconnecting the parts. disconnection n.
parts. disconnection n.
Disconnected adj. Incoherent and illogical.
Disconsolate adj. Forlorn, unhappy, disappointed. disconsolately adv. [latin: related to dis-, solace]
Discontent —n. Lack of contentment; dissatisfaction, grievance. —v. (esp. As discontented adj.) Make dissatisfied. discontentment n.
Discontinue v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) 1 come or bring to an end (a discontinued line). 2 give up, cease from (doing something). discontinuance n.
Discontinuous adj. Lacking continuity; intermittent. discontinuity n.
Discord n. 1 disagreement; strife. 2 harsh noise; clashing sounds. 3 lack of harmony in a chord. [latin: related to *dis-, cor cord-heart]
Discordant adj. 1 disagreeing. 2 not in harmony; dissonant. discordance n. Discordantly adv.
Discothèque n. 1 nightclub etc. For dancing to pop records. 2 professional lighting and sound equipment used for this. 3 party with such equipment. [french, = record-library]
Discount —n. Amount deducted from a full or normal price, esp. For prompt or advance payment. —v. 1 disregard as unreliable or unimportant. 2 deduct an amount from (a price etc.). 3 give or get the present worth of (an investment certificate which has yet to mature). at a discount below the usual price or true value.
Discountenance v. (-cing) 1 disconcert. 2 refuse to approve of.
Discourage v. (-ging) 1 deprive of courage or confidence. 2 dissuade, deter. 3 show disapproval of. discouragement n.
Discourse —n. 1 conversation. 2 lengthy treatment of a subject. 3 lecture, speech. —v. (-sing) 1 converse. 2 speak or write at length on a subject. [latin curro curs-run]
Discourteous adj. Lacking courtesy. discourteously adv. Discourtesy n. (pl. -ies).
Discover v. 1 a find out or become aware of, by intention or chance. B be first to find or find out (who discovered america?). 2 find and promote as a new performer. discoverer n. [latin discooperio: related to dis-, cover]
Discovery n. (pl. -ies) 1 discovering or being discovered. 2 person or thing discovered.
Discredit —n. 1 harm to reputation. 2 person or thing causing this. 3 lack of credibility. —v. (-t-) 1 harm the good reputation of. 2 cause to be disbelieved. 3 refuse to believe.
Discreet adj. (-er, -est) 1 a circumspect. B tactful; judicious, prudent. 2 unobtrusive. discreetly adv. Discreetness n. [latin: related to *discern]
Discrepancy n. (pl. -ies) difference; inconsistency. discrepant adj. [latin discrepo be discordant]
Discrete adj. Individually distinct; separate, discontinuous. discreteness n. [latin: related to *discern]
Discretion n. 1 being discreet. 2 prudence; good judgement. 3 freedom or authority to act according to one’s judgement. use one’s discretion act according to one’s own judgement. discretionary adj. [latin: related to *discern]
Discriminate v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By between) make or see a distinction. 2 (usu. Foll. By against or in favour of) treat unfavourably or favourably, esp. On the basis of race, gender, etc. discriminatory adj. [latin discrimino: related to *discern]
Discriminating adj. Showing good judgement or taste.
Discrimination n. 1 unfavourable treatment based on racial, sexual, etc. Prejudice. 2 good taste or judgement.
Discursive adj. Tending to digress, rambling. [latin curro curs-run]
Discus n. (pl. -cuses) heavy thick-centred disc thrown in athletic events. [latin from greek]
Discuss v. 1 talk about (discussed their holidays). 2 talk or write about (a subject) in detail. discussion n. [latin discutio -cuss-disperse]
Disdain —n. Scorn, contempt. —v. 1 regard with disdain. 2 refrain or refuse out of disdain. disdainful adj. Disdainfully adv. [latin: related to de-, deign]
Disease n. 1 unhealthy condition of the body or mind, plants, society, etc. 2 particular kind of disease. diseased adj. [french: related to dis-, ease]
Disembark v. Put or go ashore; get off an aircraft, bus, etc. disembarkation n.
Disembarrass v. 1 (usu. Foll. By of) relieve (of a load etc.). 2 free from embarrassment. disembarrassment n.
Disembodied adj. 1 (of the soul etc.) Freed from the body or concrete form. 2 lacking a body. disembodiment n.
Disembowel v. (-ll-; us -l-) remove the bowels or entrails of. disembowelment n.
Disenchant v. Disillusion. disenchantment n.
Disencumber v. Free from encumbrance.
Disenfranchise v. (also disfranchise) (-sing) 1 deprive of the right to vote or to be represented. 2 deprive of rights as a citizen or of a franchise held. disenfranchisement n.
Disengage —v. (-ging) 1 detach, loosen, release. 2 remove (troops) from battle etc. 3 become detached. 4 (as disengaged adj.) A at leisure. B uncommitted. disengagement n.
Disentangle v. (-ling) free or become free of tangles or complications. disentanglement n.
Disestablish v. 1 deprive (a church) of state support. 2 terminate the establishment of. disestablishment n.
Disfavor (brit. Disfavour) —n. 1 disapproval or dislike. 2 being disliked. —v. Regard or treat with disfavour.
Disfavour (us disfavor) —n. 1 disapproval or dislike. 2 being disliked. —v. Regard or treat with disfavour.
Disfigure v. (-ring) spoil the appearance of. disfigurement n.
Disfranchise var. Of *disenfranchise.
Disgorge v. (-ging) 1 eject from the throat. 2 pour forth. disgorgement n.
Disgrace —n. 1 shame; ignominy. 2 shameful or very bad person or thing (bus service is a disgrace). —v. (-cing) 1 bring shame or discredit on. 2 dismiss from a position of honour or favour. in disgrace out of favour. [latin: related to dis-, grace]
Disgruntled adj. Discontented; sulky. disgruntlement n. [from dis-, grunt]
Disguise —v. (-sing) 1 conceal the identity of; make unrecognizable. 2 conceal (disguised my anger). —n. 1 a costume, make-up, etc., used to disguise. B action, manner, etc., used to deceive. 2 disguised state. 3 practice of disguising. [french: related to *dis-]
Disgust —n. Strong aversion; repugnance. —v. Cause disgust in. disgusting adj. Disgustingly adv. [french or italian: related to dis-, gusto]
Dish —n. 1 a shallow flat-bottomed container for food. B its contents. C particular kind of food or food prepared to a particular recipe (meat dish). 2 (in pl.) Crockery, pans, etc. After a meal (wash the dishes). 3 a dish-shaped object or cavity. B = *satellite dish. 4 colloq. Sexually attractive person. —v. 1 colloq. Outmanoeuvre, frustrate. 2 make dish-shaped. dish out colloq. Distribute. Dish
up 1 put (food) in dishes for serving. 2 colloq. Present as a fact or argument. [old english from latin *discus]
Dishabille var. Of *déshabillé.
Disharmony n. Lack of harmony; discord. disharmonious adj.
Dishcloth n. Cloth for washing dishes.
Dishearten v. Cause to lose courage, hope, or confidence. disheartenment n.
Disheveled adj. (brit. Dishevelled) untidy; ruffled. dishevelment n. [from *dis-, chevel ‘hair’, from latin capillus]
Dishevelled adj. (us disheveled) untidy; ruffled. dishevelment n. [from *dis-, chevel ‘hair’, from latin capillus]
Dishonest adj. Fraudulent or insincere. dishonestly adv. Dishonesty n.
Dishonor (brit. Dishonour) —n. 1 loss of honour or respect; disgrace. 2 thing causing this. —v. 1 disgrace (dishonoured his name). 2 refuse to accept or pay (a cheque etc.).
Dishonour (us dishonor) —n. 1 loss of honour or respect; disgrace. 2 thing causing this. —v. 1 disgrace (dishonoured his name). 2 refuse to accept or pay (a cheque etc.).
Disillusion —v. Free from an illusion or mistaken belief. —n. Disillusioned state. disillusionment n.
Disincentive n. Thing discouraging action, effort, etc.
Disincline v. (-ning) make unwilling or reluctant. disinclination n.
Disinfect v. Cleanse of infection, esp. With disinfectant. disinfection n.
Disinfectant —n. Substance that destroys germs etc. —adj. Disinfecting.
Disinformation n. False information, propaganda.
Disingenuous adj. Insincere, not candid. disingenuously adv.
Disinherit v. (-t-) reject as one’s heir; deprive of the right of inheritance. disinheritance n.
Disintegrate v. (-ting) 1 separate into component parts or fragments, break up. 2 colloq. Break down, esp. Mentally. 3 (of an atomic nucleus) emit particles or divide into smaller nuclei. disintegration n.
Disinter v. (-rr-) dig up (esp. A corpse). disinterment n.
Disinterested adj. 1 impartial. 2 uninterested. disinterest n. Disinterestedly adv.
Usage use of disinterested in sense 2 is common in informal use, but is widely regarded as incorrect. The use of the noun disinterest to mean ‘lack of interest’ is also objected to but it is rarely used in any other sense and the alternative uninterest is rare.
Disinvest v. Reduce or dispose of one’s investment. disinvestment n.
Disjoint v. 1 take apart at the joints. 2 (as disjointed adj.) Incoherent; disconnected. 3 disturb the working of; disrupt.
Disjunction n. Separation.
Disjunctive adj. 1 involving separation. 2 (of a conjunction) expressing an alternative, e.g. Or in is it wet or dry?
Disk var. Of *disc (esp. Us & computing).
Disk drive n. Computing mechanism for rotating a disk and reading or writing data from or to it.
Diskette n. Computing = *floppy n.
Dislike —v. (-king) have an aversion to; not like. —n. 1 feeling of repugnance or not liking. 2 object of this.
Dislocate v. (-ting) 1 disturb the normal connection of (esp. A joint in the body). 2 disrupt. dislocation n.
Dislodge v. (-ging) disturb or move. dislodgement n.
Disloyal adj. Not loyal; unfaithful. disloyally adv. Disloyalty n.
Dismal adj. 1 gloomy; miserable. 2 dreary; sombre. 3 colloq. Feeble, inept (dismal attempt). dismally adv. [medieval latin dies mali unlucky days]
Dismantle v. (-ling) 1 take to pieces; pull down. 2 deprive of defences or equipment.
Dismay —n. Intense disappointment or despair. —v. Fill with dismay. [french from germanic: related to dis-, may]
Dismember v. 1 remove the limbs from. 2 partition or divide up. dismemberment n.
Dismiss v. 1 send away, esp. From one’s presence; disperse. 2 terminate the employment of, esp. Dishonourably; sack. 3 put from one’s mind or emotions. 4 consider not worth talking or thinking about; treat summarily. 5 law refuse further hearing to (a case). 6 cricket put (a batsman or side) out (usu. For a stated score). dismissal n. [latin mitto miss-send]
Dismissive adj. Dismissing rudely or casually; disdainful. dismissively adv. Dismissiveness n.
Dismount v. 1 a alight from a horse, bicycle, etc. B unseat. 2 remove (a thing) from its mounting.
Disobedient adj. Disobeying; rebellious. disobedience n. Disobediently adv.
Disobey v. Refuse or fail to obey.
Disoblige v. (-ging) refuse to help or cooperate with (a person).
Disorder n. 1 lack of order; confusion. 2 public disturbance; riot. 3 ailment or disease. disordered adj.
Disorderly adj. 1 untidy; confused. 2 riotous, unruly. disorderliness n.
Disorganize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 throw into confusion or disorder. 2 (as disorganized adj.) Badly organized; untidy. disorganization n.
Disorient v. = *disorientate.
Disorientate v. (also disorient) (-ting) confuse (a person), esp. As to his or her bearings. disorientation n.
Disown v. Deny or give up any connection with; repudiate.
Disparage v. (-ging) 1 criticize; belittle. 2 bring discredit on. disparagement n. [french: related to *dis-, parage rank]
Disparate adj. Essentially different; not comparable. disparateness n. [latin disparo separate]
Disparity n. (pl. -ies) inequality; difference; incongruity.
Dispassionate adj. Free from emotion; impartial. dispassionately adv.
Dispatch (also despatch) —v. 1 send off to a destination or for a purpose. 2 perform (a task etc.) Promptly; finish off. 3 kill, execute. 4 colloq. Eat quickly. —n. 1 dispatching or being dispatched. 2 a official written message, esp. Military. B news report to a newspaper etc. 3 promptness, efficiency. [italian dispacciare or spanish despachar]
Dispatch-box n. Case for esp. Parliamentary documents.
Dispensary n. (pl. -ies) place where medicines are dispensed.
Dispensation n. 1 dispensing or distributing. 2 exemption from penalty, rule, etc. 3 ordering or management of the world by providence.
Dispense v. (-sing) 1 distribute; deal out. 2 administer. 3 make up and give out (medicine etc.). 4 (foll. By with) do without; make unnecessary. [french from latin pendo pens-weigh]
Dispenser n. 1 person or thing that dispenses e.g. Medicine, good advice. 2 automatic machine dispensing a specific amount.
Disperse v. (-sing) 1 go, send, drive, or scatter widely or in different directions. 2 send to or station at different points. 3 disseminate. 4 chem. Distribute (small particles) in a medium. 5 divide (white light) into its coloured constituents. dispersal n. Dispersive adj. [latin: related to dis-, sparse]
Dispersion n. 1 dispersing or being dispersed. 2 (the dispersion) = *diaspora.
Dispirit v. (esp. As dispiriting, dispirited adjs.) Make despondent, deject.
Displace v. (-cing) 1 move from its place. 2 remove from office. 3 take the place of; oust.
Displaced person n. Refugee in war etc., or from persecution.
Displacement n. 1 displacing or being displaced. 2 amount of fluid displaced by an object floating or immersed in it.
Display —v. 1 exhibit; show. 2 reveal; betray. —n. 1 displaying. 2 a exhibition or show. B thing(s) displayed. 3 ostentation. 4 mating rituals of some birds etc. 5 what is shown on a visual display unit etc. [latin plico fold]
Displease v. (-sing) make upset or angry; annoy. displeasure n.
Disport v. (often refl.) Play, frolic, enjoy oneself. [anglo-french porter carry, from latin]
Disposable —adj. 1 intended to be used once and discarded. 2 able to be disposed of. —n. Disposable article.
Disposable income n. Income after tax and other fixed payments.
Disposal n. Disposing of, e.g. Waste. at one’s disposal available.
Usage disposal is the noun corresponding to the verb dispose of (get rid of, deal with, etc.). Disposition is the noun from dispose (arrange, incline).
Dispose v. (-sing) 1 (usu. Foll. By to, or to + infin.) A make willing; incline (was disposed to agree). B tend (wheel was disposed to buckle). 2 arrange suitably. 3 (as disposed adj.) Have a specified inclination (ill-disposed; well-disposed). 4 determine events (man proposes, god disposes). dispose of 1 a deal with. B get rid of. C finish. D kill. 2 sell. 3 prove (an argument etc.) Incorrect. [french: related to *pose]
Disposition n. 1 natural tendency; temperament. 2 a ordering; arrangement (of parts etc.). B arrangement. 3 (usu. In pl.) Preparations; plans.
Usage see note at disposal.
Dispossess v. 1 (usu. Foll. By of) (esp. As dispossessed adj.) Deprive (a person) of. 2 dislodge; oust. dispossession n.
Disproof n. Refutation.
Disproportion n. Lack of proportion; being out of proportion. disproportional adj. Disproportionally adv.
Disproportionate adj. 1 out of proportion. 2 relatively too large or small etc. disproportionately adv.
Disprove v. (-ving) prove false.
Disputable adj. Open to question; uncertain. disputably adv.
Disputant n. Person in a dispute.
Disputation n. 1 debate, esp. Formal. 2 argument; controversy.
Disputatious adj. Argumentative.
Dispute —v. (-ting) 1 debate, argue. 2 discuss, esp. Heatedly; quarrel. 3 question the truth or validity of (a statement etc.). 4 contend for (disputed territory). 5 resist, oppose. —n. 1 controversy; debate. 2 quarrel. 3 disagreement leading to industrial action. in dispute 1 being argued about. 2 (of a workforce) involved in industrial action. [latin puto reckon]
Disqualify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 debar from a competition or pronounce ineligible as a winner. 2 make or pronounce ineligible, unsuitable, or unqualified (disqualified from driving). disqualification n.
Disquiet —v. Make anxious. —n. Anxiety; uneasiness.
Disquietude n. Disquiet.
Disquisition n. Discursive treatise or discourse. [latin quaero quaesit-seek]
Disrepair n. Poor condition due to lack of repairs.
Disreputable adj. 1 of bad reputation. 2 not respectable in character or appearance. disreputably adv.
Disrepute n. Lack of good reputation; discredit.
Disrespect n. Lack of respect; discourtesy. disrespectful adj. Disrespectfully adv.
Disrobe v. (-bing) literary undress.
Disrupt v. 1 interrupt the continuity of; bring disorder to. 2 break apart. disruption n. Disruptive adj. Disruptively adv. [latin: related to *rupture]
Dissatisfy v. (-ies, -ied) make discontented; fail to satisfy. dissatisfaction n.
Dissect v. 1 cut into pieces, esp. For examination or post mortem. 2 analyse or criticize in detail. dissection n. [latin: related to *section]
Dissemble v. (-ling) 1 be hypocritical or insincere. 2 disguise or conceal (a feeling, intention, etc.). [latin simulo *simulate]
Disseminate v. (-ting) scatter about, spread (esp. Ideas) widely. dissemination n. [latin: related to dis-, semen]
Dissension n. Angry disagreement. [latin: related to *dissent]
Dissent —v. (often foll. By from) 1 disagree, esp. Openly. 2 differ, esp. From the established or official opinion. —n. 1 such difference. 2 expression of this. [latin: related to *dis-, sentio feel]
Dissenter n. 1 person who dissents. 2 (dissenter) protestant dissenting from the church of england.
Dissentient —adj. Disagreeing with the established or official view. —n. Person who dissents.
Dissertation n. Detailed discourse, esp. One submitted towards an academic degree. [latin disserto discuss]
Disservice n. Harmful action, harm.
Dissident —adj. Disagreeing, esp. With the established government, system, etc. —n. Dissident person. dissidence n. [latin: related to *dis-, sedeo sit]
Dissimilar adj. Unlike, not similar. dissimilarity n. (pl. -ies).
Dissimulate v. (-ting) dissemble. dissimulation n. [latin: related to *dissemble]
Dissipation n. 1 dissolute way of life. 2 dissipating or being dissipated.
Dissociate v. (-ting) 1 disconnect or separate. 2 become disconnected. dissociate oneself from declare oneself unconnected with. dissociation n. Dissociative adj. [latin: related to dis-, associate]
Dissoluble adj. That can be disintegrated, loosened, or disconnected.
Dissolute adj. Lax in morals; licentious. [latin: related to *dissolve]
Dissolution n. 1 dissolving or being dissolved, esp. Of a partnership or of parliament for a new election. 2 breaking up, abolition (of an institution). 3 death.
Dissolve v. (-ving) 1 make or become liquid, esp. By immersion or dispersion in a liquid. 2 (cause to) disappear gradually. 3 dismiss (an assembly, esp. Parliament). 4 annul or put an end to (a partnership, marriage, etc.). 5 (often foll. By into) be overcome (by tears, laughter, etc.). [latin: related to *dis-, solvo solut-loosen]
Dissonant adj. 1 harsh-toned; unharmonious. 2 incongruous. dissonance n. [latin: related to *dis-, sono *sound1]
Dissuade v. (-ding) (often foll. By from) discourage (a person); persuade against.
Dissuade v. (-ding) (often foll. By from) discourage (a person); persuade against. dissuasion n. Dissuasive adj. [latin: related to *dis-, suadeo advise]
Dissyllable var. Of *disyllable.
Distaff n. Cleft stick holding wool or flax for spinning by hand. [old english]
Distaff side n. Female branch of a family.
Distance —n. 1 being far off; remoteness. 2 space between two points. 3 distant point or place. 4 aloofness; reserve. 5 remoter field of vision (in the distance). 6 interval of time. —v. (-cing) (often refl.) 1 place or cause to seem far off; be aloof. 2 leave far behind in a race etc. at a distance far off. Keep one’s distance remain aloof. [latin: related to *dis-, sto stand]
Distant adj. 1 far away; at a specified distance (three miles distant). 2 remote in time, relationship, etc. (distant prospect; distant relation). 3 aloof. 4 abstracted (distant stare). 5 faint (distant memory). distantly adv.
Distaste n. (usu. Foll. By for) dislike; aversion. distasteful adj. Distastefully adv. Distastefulness n.
Distemper1 hist —n. Paint using glue or size as a base, for use on walls. —v. Paint with this. [latin, = soak: see *distemper2]
Distemper2 n. Disease of esp. Dogs, with coughing and weakness. [latin: related to *dis-, tempero mingle]
Distend v. Swell out by pressure from within (distended stomach). distensible adj. Distension n. [latin: related to *tend1]
Distich n. Verse couplet. [greek stikhos line]
Distil v. (us distill) (-ll-) 1 purify or extract the essence from (a substance) by vaporizing and condensing it and collecting the resulting liquid. 2 extract the essential meaning of (an idea etc.). 3 make (whisky, essence, etc.) By distilling raw materials. 4 fall or cause to fall in drops. distillation n. [latin: related to *de-, stillo drip]
Distill v. (brit. Distil) (-ll-) 1 purify or extract the essence from (a substance) by vaporizing and condensing it and collecting the resulting liquid. 2 extract the essential meaning of (an idea etc.). 3 make (whisky, essence, etc.) By distilling raw materials. 4 fall or cause to fall in drops. distillation n. [latin: related to *de-, stillo drip]
Distiller n. Person who distils, esp. Alcoholic liquor.
Distillery n. (pl. -ies) place where alcoholic liquor is distilled.
Distinct adj. 1 (often foll. By from) not identical; separate; different. 2 clearly perceptible. 3 unmistakable, decided (distinct advantage). distinctly adv. [latin: related to *distinguish]
Distinction n. 1 discriminating or distinguishing. 2 difference between two
Distinction n. 1 discriminating or distinguishing. 2 difference between two things. 3 thing that differentiates or distinguishes. 4 special consideration or honour (treat with distinction). 5 excellence (person of distinction). 6 title or mark of honour. [latin: related to *distinguish]
Distinctive adj. Distinguishing, characteristic. distinctively adv. Distinctiveness n.
Distingué adj. Distinguished in appearance, manner, etc. [french]
Distinguish v. 1 (often foll. By from, between) differentiate; see or draw distinctions. 2 be a mark or property of; characterize. 3 discover by listening, looking, etc. 4 (usu. Refl.; often foll. By by) make prominent (distinguished himself by winning). distinguishable adj. [latin: related to *dis-, stinguo stinct-extinguish]
Distort v. 1 pull or twist out of shape. 2 misrepresent (facts etc.). 3 transmit (sound etc.) Inaccurately. distortion n. [latin torqueo tort-twist]
Distract v. 1 (often foll. By from) draw away the attention of. 2 bewilder, perplex. 3 (as distracted adj.) Confused, mad, or angry. 4 amuse, esp. To divert from pain etc. [latin: related to *dis-, traho tract-draw]
Distraction n. 1 a distracting or being distracted. B thing that distracts. 2 relaxation; amusement. 3 confusion; frenzy, madness.
Distrain v. (usu. Foll. By upon) impose distraint (on a person, goods, etc.). [latin:
related to *dis-, stringo strict-draw tight]
Distraint n. Seizure of goods to enforce payment.
Distrait adj. (fem. Distraite) inattentive; distraught. [french: related to *distract]
Distraught adj. Distracted with worry, fear, etc.; extremely agitated. [related to *distrait]
Distress —n. 1 anguish or suffering caused by pain, sorrow, worry, etc. 2 poverty. 3 law = distraint. —v. Cause distress to, make unhappy. in distress suffering or in danger. distressful adj. [romanic: related to distrain]
Distressed adj. 1 suffering from distress. 2 impoverished. 3 (of furniture, clothing, etc.) Aged, torn, etc. Artificially.
Distressed area n. Region of high unemployment and poverty.
Distribute v. (-ting) 1 give shares of; deal out. 2 scatter; put at different points. 3 arrange; classify. [latin tribuo -but-assign]
Usage the second pronunciation given, with the stress on the first syllable, is considered incorrect by some people.
considered incorrect by some people.
Usage the second pronunciation given, with the stress on the first syllable, is considered incorrect by some people.
Distribution n. 1 distributing or being distributed. 2 a commercial dispersal of goods etc. B extent to which different classes etc. Share in a nation’s total wealth etc.
Distributive —adj. 1 of or produced by distribution. 2 logic & gram. Referring to each individual of a class, not to the class collectively (e.g. Each, either). —n. Gram. Distributive word.
Distributor n. 1 person or thing that distributes, esp. Goods. 2 device in an internal-combustion engine for passing current to each spark-plug in turn.
District n. 1 (often attrib.) Area regarded as a geographical or administrative unit (the peak district; postal district; wine-growing district). 2 administrative division of a county etc. [latin: related to *distrain]
District attorney n. (in the us) prosecuting officer of a district.
District nurse n. Nurse who makes home visits in an area.
Distrust —n. Lack of trust; suspicion. —v. Have no trust in. distrustful adj.
Distrustfully adv.
Disturb v. 1 break the rest, calm, or quiet of. 2 agitate; worry. 3 move from a settled position (disturbed my papers). 4 (as disturbed adj.) Emotionally or mentally unstable. [latin: related to *dis-, turba tumult]
Disturbance n. 1 disturbing or being disturbed. 2 tumult; uproar; agitation.
Disunion n. Lack of union; separation; dissension.
Disunite v. (-ting) 1 remove the unity from. 2 separate. disunity n.
Disuse —n. Disused state. —v. (-sing) cease to use.
Disyllable n. (also dissyllable) prosody word or metrical foot of two syllables.
disyllabic adj.
Ditch —n. Long narrow excavation esp. For drainage or as a boundary. —v. 1 make or repair ditches (hedging and ditching). 2 slang abandon; discard. dull as ditch-water extremely dull. [old english]
Dither —v. 1 hesitate; be indecisive. 2 tremble; quiver. —n. Colloq. State of agitation or hesitation. ditherer n. Dithery adj. [var. Of didder *dodder1]
Dithyramb n. 1 wild choral hymn in ancient greece. 2 passionate or inflated
poem etc. dithyrambic adj. [latin from greek]
Ditto n. (pl. -s) 1 (in accounts, inventories, etc.) The aforesaid, the same. 2 colloq. (used to avoid repetition) the same (came late today and ditto yesterday). [latin *dictum]
Usage in sense 1, the word ditto is often replaced by ” under the word or sum to be repeated.
Ditto marks n.pl. Inverted commas etc. Representing ‘ditto’.
Ditty n. (pl. -ies) short simple song. [latin: related to *dictate]
Diurnal adj. 1 of the day or daytime. 2 daily. 3 occupying one day. diurnally adv. [latin diurnalis from dies day]
Diva n. (pl. -s) great woman opera singer; prima donna. [italian from latin, = goddess]
Divalent adj. Chem. Having a valency of two.
Divan n. Low couch or bed without a back or ends. [ultimately from persian divan bench]
Dive —v. (-ving) 1 plunge head first into water. 2 a (of an aircraft, person, etc.) Plunge steeply downwards. B (of a submarine) submerge; go deeper. 3 (foll. By into) colloq. A put one’s hand into (a pocket, handbag, etc.). B become enthusiastic about (a subject, meal, etc.). 4 move suddenly (dived into a shop). —n. 1 act of diving; plunge. 2 steep descent or fall. 3 colloq. Disreputable nightclub, bar, etc. [old english]
Dive-bomb v. Bomb (a target) from a diving aircraft. dive-bomber n.
Diver n. 1 person who dives, esp. Working under water. 2 diving bird.
Diverge v. (-ging) 1 a spread out from a central point, become dispersed. B take different courses (their interests diverged). 2 a (often foll. By from) depart from a set course.
Divers adj. Archaic various; several. [latin: related to *diverse]
Diverse adj. Varied. [latin: related to *di-2, verto vers-turn]
Diversify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make diverse; vary. 2 spread (investment) over several enterprises. 3 (often foll. By into) expand one’s range of products. diversification n.
Diversion n. 1 diverting or being diverted. 2 a diverting of attention. B stratagem
for this. 3 recreation, pastime. 4 alternative route when a road is temporarily closed. diversionary adj.
Diversity n. Variety.
Divert v. 1 a turn aside; deflect. B distract (attention). 2 (often as diverting adj.) Entertain; amuse. [latin: related to *diverse]
Divest v. (usu. Foll. By of) 1 unclothe; strip. 2 deprive, rid. [latin: related to *vest]
Divide —v. (-ding) 1 (often foll. By in, into) separate into parts; break up; split. 2 (often foll. By out) distribute; deal; share. 3 a separate (one thing) from another. B classify into parts or groups. 4 cause to disagree. 5 a find how many times (a number) contains or is contained in another (divide 20 by 4; divide 4 into 20). B (of a number) be contained in (a number) without remainder (4 divides into 20). 6 parl. Vote (by members entering either of two lobbies) (the house divided). —n. 1 dividing line. 2 watershed. [latin divido -vis-]
Dividend n. 1 share of profits paid to shareholders or to winners in a football pool etc. 2 number to be divided. 3 benefit from an action. [anglo-french: related to *divide]
Divider n. 1 screen etc. Dividing a room. 2 (in pl.) Measuring-compasses.
Divination n. Supposed supernatural insight into the future etc. [latin: related to *divine]
Divine —adj. (diviner, divinest) 1 a of, from, or like god or a god. B sacred. 2 colloq. Excellent; delightful. —v. (-ning) 1 discover by intuition or guessing. 2 foresee. 3 practise divination. —n. Theologian or clergyman. divinely adv. [latin divinus]
Diviner n. Person who practises divination.
Diving-bell n. Open-bottomed enclosure, supplied with air, for descent into deep water.
Diving-board n. Elevated board for diving from.
Diving-suit n. Watertight suit, usu. With helmet and air-supply, for work under water.
Divining-rod n. = *dowsing-rod.
Divinity n. (pl. -ies) 1 being divine. 2 god; godhead. 3 theology.
Divisible adj. Capable of being divided. divisibility n.
Division n. 1 dividing or being divided. 2 dividing one number by another. 3 disagreement (division of opinion). 4 parl. Separation of members for counting votes. 5 one of two or more parts into which a thing is divided. 6 unit of
votes. 5 one of two or more parts into which a thing is divided. 6 unit of administration, esp. A group of army brigades, regiments, or teams in a sporting league. divisional adj.
Division sign n. Sign (÷) indicating that one quantity is to be divided by another.
Divisive adj. Causing disagreement. divisively adv. Divisiveness n. [latin:
related to *divide]
Divisor n. Number by which another is divided.
Divorce —n. 1 legal dissolution of a marriage. 2 separation (divorce between thought and feeling). —v. (-cing) 1 a (usu. As divorced adj.) (often foll. By from) legally dissolve the marriage of. B separate by divorce. C end one’s marriage with. 2 separate (divorced from reality). [latin: related to *diverse]
Divorcee n. Divorced person.
Divot n. Piece of turf cut out by a blow, esp. By the head of a golf club. [origin unknown]
Divulge v. (-ging) disclose, reveal (a secret etc.). divulgence n. [latin divulgo publish]
Divvy colloq. —n. (pl. -ies) dividend. —v. (-ies, -ied) (often foll. By up) share out. [abbreviation]
out. [abbreviation]
Divvy colloq. —n. (pl. -ies) dividend. —v. (-ies, -ied) (often foll. By up) share out. [abbreviation]
Diwali n. Hindu and jainist festival with illuminations, held between september and november. [sanskrit dipa lamp]
Dixie n. Southern states of the us. [origin uncertain]
Dixie n. Large iron cooking-pot used by campers etc. [hindustani from persian]
Dixieland n. 1 = *dixie. 2 traditional kind of jazz.
Diy abbr. Do-it-yourself.
Dizzy —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 a giddy. B feeling confused. 2 causing giddiness. —v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make dizzy. 2 bewilder. dizzily adv. Dizziness n. [old english]
Dj abbr. 1 dinner-jacket. 2 disc jockey.
Djellaba n. (also jellaba) loose hooded cloak (as) worn by arab men. [arabic]
Dl abbr. Decilitre(s).
D-layer n. Lowest layer of the ionosphere. [d arbitrary]
D.litt. Abbr. Doctor of letters. [latin doctor litterarum]
Dm abbr. Deutschmark.
Dm abbr. Decimetre(s).
D.mus. Abbr. Doctor of music.
Dna abbr. Deoxyribonucleic acid, esp. Carrying genetic information in chromosomes.
D-notice n. Government notice to news editors not to publish certain items for security reasons. [defence, *notice]
Do1 —v. (3 sing. Pres. Does; past did; past part. Done; pres. Part. Doing) 1 perform, carry out, achieve, complete (work etc.) (did his homework; a lot to do). 2 produce, make, provide (doing a painting; we do lunches). 3 grant; impart (does you good; do me a favour). 4 act, behave, proceed (do as i do; would do well to wait). 5 work at (do carpentry; do chemistry). 6 be suitable or acceptable; satisfy (will never do; will do me nicely). 7 deal with; attend to (do one’s hair). 8 fare; get on (did badly in the test). 9 solve; work out (did the sum). 10 a traverse (a certain distance) (did 50 miles today). B travel at a specified speed (was doing eighty). 11 colloq. Act or behave like; play the part of. 12 produce (a play, opera,
etc.) (will do shakespeare). 13 a colloq. Finish (i’ve done in the garden). B (as done adj.) Be finished (day is done). 14 cook, esp. Completely (do it in the oven; potatoes aren’t done). 15 be in progress (what’s doing?). 16 colloq. Visit (did the museums). 17 colloq. A (often as done adj.) Exhaust; tire out. B defeat, kill, ruin. 18 (foll. By into) translate or transform. 19 colloq. Cater for (they do one very well here). 20 slang a rob (did a big bank). B swindle. 21 slang prosecute, convict (done for shoplifting). 22 slang undergo (a term of imprisonment). 23 slang take (an illegal drug). —v.aux. 1 in questions and negative statements or commands (do you understand?; i don’t smoke; don’t be silly). 2 ellipt. Or in place of a verb (you know her better than i do; i wanted to go and i did; tell me, do!). 3 for emphasis (i do want to; do tell me; they did go). 4 in inversion (rarely does it happen). —n. (pl. Dos or do’s) colloq. Elaborate party, operation, etc. be done with see *done. Be nothing to do with 1 be no business of. 2 be unconnected with. Be to do with be concerned or connected with. Do away with colloq. 1 get rid of; abolish. 2 kill. Do down colloq. 1 cheat, swindle. 2 overcome. Do for 1 be satisfactory or sufficient for. 2 colloq. (esp. As done for adj.) Destroy, ruin, kill. 3 colloq. Act as cleaner etc. For. Do in 1 slang a kill. B ruin. 2 colloq. Exhaust, tire out. Do justice to see justice. Do nothing for (or to) colloq. Not flatter or enhance. Do or die persist recklessly. Do out colloq. Clean or redecorate (a room). Do a person out of colloq. Cheat of. Do over 1 slang attack; beat up. 2 colloq. Redecorate, refurbish. Do proud see proud. Dos anddon’ts rules of behaviour. Do something for (or to) colloq. Enhance the appearance or quality of. Do up 1 fasten. 2 colloq. A refurbish, renovate. B adorn, dress up. Do with (prec. By could) would be glad of; would profit by (could do with a rest). Do without manage without; forgo.
Doe abbr. Department of the environment.
Doe n. (pl. Same or -s) female fallow deer, reindeer, hare, or rabbit. [old english]
Doer n. 1 person who does something. 2 person who acts rather than theorizing.
Does see *do1.
Doesn’t contr. Does not.
Doff v. Remove (a hat or clothes). [from do off]
Dog —n. 1 four-legged flesh-eating animal akin to the fox and wolf, and of many breeds. 2 male of this, or of the fox or wolf. 3 colloq. A despicable person. B person of a specified kind (lucky dog). 4 mechanical device for gripping. 5 (in pl.; prec. By the) colloq. Greyhound-racing. —v. (-gg-) follow closely; pursue, track. go to the dogs slang deteriorate, be ruined. Like a dog’s dinner colloq. Smartly or flashily (dressed etc.). Not a dog’s chance no chance at all. [old english]
Dogcart n. Two-wheeled driving-cart with cross seats back to back.
Dog-collar n. 1 collar for a dog. 2 colloq. Clerical collar.
Dog days n.pl. Hottest period of the year.
Doge n. Hist. Chief magistrate of venice or genoa. [italian from latin dux leader]
Dog-eared adj. (of a book etc.) With bent or worn corners.
Dog-eat-dog adj. Colloq. Ruthlessly competitive.
Dog-end n. Slang cigarette-end.
Dogfight n. 1 close combat between fighter aircraft. 2 rough fight.
Dogfish n. (pl. Same or -es) a kind of small shark.
Dogged adj. Tenacious; grimly persistent. doggedly adv. Doggedness n.
Doggerel n. Poor or trivial verse. [apparently from *dog]
Doggo adv. lie doggo slang lie motionless or hidden.
Doggy —adj. 1 of or like a dog. 2 devoted to dogs. —n. (also doggie) (pl. -ies) pet name for a dog.
Doggy bag n. Bag for leftovers given to a customer in a restaurant etc.
Doggy-paddle n. (also dog-paddle) elementary swimming stroke like that of a dog.
Doghouse n. Us & austral. Dog’s kennel. in the doghouse slang in disgrace.
Dog in the manger n. Person who stops others using a thing for which he or she has no use.
Dogma n. 1 principle, tenet, or system of these, esp. Of a church or political party. 2 arrogant declaration of opinion. [greek, = opinion]
Dogmatic adj. Asserting or imposing personal opinions; intolerantly authoritative; arrogant. dogmatically adv.
Dogmatism n. Tendency to be dogmatic. dogmatist n.
Dogmatize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 speak dogmatically. 2 express (a principle etc.) As dogma.
Do-gooder n. Well-meaning but unrealistic or patronizing philanthropist or reformer.
Dog-paddle var. Of *doggy-paddle.
Dog-rose n. Wild hedge-rose.
Dogsbody n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Drudge.
Dog’s breakfast n. (also dog’s dinner) colloq. Mess.
Dog’s life n. Life of misery etc.
Dog-star n. Chief star of the constellation canis major or minor, esp. Sirius.
Dog-tired adj. Tired out.
Dog-tooth n. V-shaped pattern or moulding; chevron.
Dogtrot n. Gentle easy trot.
Dogwatch n. Either of two short watches on a ship (4–6 or 6–8 p.m.).
Dogwood n. Shrub with dark-red branches, greenish-white flowers, and purple berries.
Doh abbr. Department of health.
Doh n. (also do) mus. First note of a major scale. [italian do]
Doily n. (also doyley) (pl. -ies or -eys) small lacey usu. Paper mat used on a plate for cakes etc. [doiley, name of a draper]
Doing pres. Part. Of *do1. —n. 1 a action (famous for his doings). B effort (takes a lot of doing). 2 (in pl.) Slang unspecified things (have we got all the doings?).
Doing-over n. Slang attack, beating-up.
Do-it-yourself —adj. (of work) done or to be done by a householder etc. —n.
Such work.
Dolby n. Propr. Electronic noise-reduction system used esp. In tape-recording to reduce hiss. [name of its inventor]
Doldrums n.pl. (usu. Prec. By the) 1 low spirits. 2 period of inactivity. 3 equatorial ocean region with little or no wind. [perhaps after dull, tantrum]
Dole —n. 1 (usu. Prec. By the) colloq. Unemployment benefit. 2 a charitable distribution. B thing given sparingly or reluctantly. —v. (-ling) (usu. Foll. By out) distribute sparingly. on the dole colloq. Receiving unemployment benefit. [old english]
Doleful adj. 1 mournful, sad. 2 dreary, dismal. dolefully adv. Dolefulness n. [latin doleo grieve]
Doll —n. 1 small model of esp. A baby or child as a child’s toy. 2 colloq. A pretty but silly young woman. B attractive woman. 3 ventriloquist’s dummy. — v. (foll. By up) colloq. Dress smartly. [pet form of dorothy]
Dollar n. Chief monetary unit in the us, australia, etc. [low german daler from german taler]
Dollop —n. Shapeless lump of food etc. —v. (-p-) (usu. Foll. By out) serve in dollops. [perhaps from scandinavian]
Dolly n. (pl. -ies) 1 child’s name for a doll. 2 movable platform for a cine-camera etc. 3 easy catch in cricket.
Dolly-bird n. Colloq. Attractive and stylish young woman.
Dolma n. (pl. -s or dolmades) e. European delicacy of spiced rice or meat etc. Wrapped in vine or cabbage leaves. [modern greek]
Dolman sleeve n. Loose sleeve cut in one piece with a bodice. [turkish]
Dolmen n. Megalithic tomb with a large flat stone laid on upright ones. [french]
Dolomite n. Mineral or rock of calcium magnesium carbonate. [de dolomieu, name of a french geologist]
Dolphin n. Large porpoise-like sea mammal with a slender pointed snout. [greek delphis -in-]
Dolphinarium n. (pl. -s) public aquarium for dolphins.
Dolt n. Stupid person. doltish adj. [apparently related to obsolete dol = *dull]
Dom n. Title of some roman catholic dignitaries, and benedictine and carthusian monks. [latin dominus master]
-dom suffix forming nouns denoting: 1 condition (freedom). 2 rank, domain (earldom; kingdom). 3 class of people (or associated attitudes etc.) Regarded collectively (officialdom). [old english]
Domain n. 1 area under one rule; realm. 2 estate etc. Under one control. 3 sphere of control or influence. [french: related to *demesne]
Dome —n. 1 rounded (usu. Hemispherical) vault forming a roof. 2 dome-shaped thing. —v. (-ming) (usu. As domed adj.) Cover with or shape as a dome. [latin domus house]
domus house]
Domestic —adj. 1 of the home, household, or family affairs. 2 of one’s own country. 3 (of an animal) tamed, not wild. 4 fond of home life. —n. Household servant. domestically adv. [latin domus home]
Domesticate v. (-ting) 1 tame (an animal) to live with humans. 2 accustom to housework etc. domestication n. [medieval latin: related to *domestic]
Domesticity n. 1 being domestic. 2 domestic or home life.
Domestic science n. = *home economics.
Domicile —n. 1 dwelling-place. 2 law a place of permanent residence. B residing. —v. (-ling) (usu. As domiciled adj.) (usu. Foll. By at, in) settle in a place. [latin domus home]
Domiciliary adj. Formal (esp. Of a doctor’s etc. Visit) to, at, or of a person’s home. [medieval latin: related to *domicile]
Dominant —adj. 1 dominating, prevailing. 2 (of an inherited characteristic) appearing in offspring even when the opposite characteristic is also inherited. — n. Mus. Fifth note of the diatonic scale of any key. dominance n. Dominantly adv.
Dominate v. (-ting) 1 command, control. 2 be the most influential or obvious. 3
Dominate v. (-ting) 1 command, control. 2 be the most influential or obvious. 3 (of a high place) overlook. domination n. [latin dominor from dominus lord]
Domineer v. (often as domineering adj.) Behave arrogantly or tyrannically. [french: related to *dominate]
Dominican —adj. Of st dominic or his order. —n. Dominican friar or nun. [latin dominicus dominic]
Dominion n. 1 sovereignty, control. 2 realm; domain. 3 hist. Self-governing territory of the british commonwealth. [latin dominus lord]
Domino n. (pl. -es) 1 any of 28 small oblong pieces marked with 0–6 pips in each half. 2 (in pl.) Game played with these. 3 loose cloak with a mask. [french, probably as *dominion]
Domino effect n. (also domino theory) effect whereby (or theory that) one event precipitates others in causal sequence.
Don1 n. 1 university teacher, esp. A senior member of a college at oxford or cambridge. 2 (don) spanish title prefixed to a forename. [spanish from latin dominus lord]
Don2 v. (-nn-) put on (clothing). [= do on]
Donate v. (-ting) give (money etc.), esp. To charity. [from *donation]
Donation n. 1 donating or being donated. 2 thing, esp. Money, donated. [latin donum gift]
Done adj. 1 completed. 2 cooked. 3 colloq. Socially acceptable (the done thing). 4 (often with in) colloq. Tired out. 5 (esp. As int. In reply to an offer etc.) Accepted. be done with have or be finished with. Done for colloq. In serious trouble. Have done with be rid of; finish dealing with. [past part. Of *do1]
Doner kebab n. Spiced lamb cooked on a spit and served in slices, often with pitta bread. [turkish: related to *kebab]
Donjon n. Great tower or innermost keep of a castle. [archaic spelling of *dungeon]
Don juan n. Seducer of women.
Donkey n. (pl. -s) 1 domestic ass. 2 colloq. Stupid person. [perhaps from duncan:
cf. *neddy]
Donkey jacket n. Thick weatherproof workman’s jacket or fashion garment.
Donkey’s years n.pl. Colloq. Very long time.
Donkey-work n. Laborious part of a job.
Donkey-work n. Laborious part of a job.
Donna n. Title of an italian, spanish, or portuguese lady. [latin domina mistress]
Donnish adj. Like a college don; pedantic.
Donor n. 1 person who donates (e.g. To charity). 2 person who provides blood, semen, or an organ or tissue for medical use.
Donor card n. Official card authorizing the use of organs, carried by a donor.
Don’t —contr. Do not. —n. Prohibition (dos and don’ts).
Donut n. (brit. Doughnut) small fried cake of sweetened dough.
Doodle —v. (-ling) scribble or draw, esp. Absent-mindedly. —n. Such a scribble or drawing. [originally = foolish person]
Doom —n. 1 a grim fate or destiny. B death or ruin. 2 condemnation. —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By to) condemn or destine. 2 (esp. As doomed adj.) Consign to misfortune or destruction. [old english, = *statute]
Doomsday n. Day of the last judgement. till doomsday for ever.
Door n. 1 a esp. Hinged barrier for closing and opening the entrance to a building, room, cupboard, etc. B this as representing a house etc. (lives two doors away). 2 a entrance or exit; doorway. B means of access. close (or open) the door to exclude (or create) an opportunity for. [old english]
Doorbell n. Bell on a door rung by visitors to signal arrival.
Doorkeeper n. = *doorman.
Doorknob n. Knob turned to open a door.
Doorman n. Person on duty at the door to a large building.
Doormat n. 1 mat at an entrance, for wiping shoes. 2 colloq. Submissive person.
Doorpost n. Upright of a door-frame, on which the door is hung.
Doorstep —n. 1 step or area in front of the outer door of a house etc. 2 slang thick slice of bread. —v. Colloq. 1 go from door to door canvassing, selling, etc. 2 call upon or wait on the doorstep for (a person) in order to interview etc. on one’s doorstep very near.
Doorstop n. Device for keeping a door open or to prevent it from striking the wall.
wall.
Door-to-door adj. (of selling etc.) Done at each house in turn.
Doorway n. Opening filled by a door.
Dope —n. 1 a slang narcotic. B drug etc. Given to a horse, athlete, etc., to improve performance. 2 thick liquid used as a lubricant etc. 3 varnish. 4 slang stupid person. 5 slang information. —v.
Dopey adj. (also dopy) (dopier, dopiest) colloq. 1 half asleep or stupefied as if by a drug. 2 stupid. dopily adv. Dopiness n.
Doppelgänger n. Apparition of a living person. [german, = double-goer]
Doppler effect n. Increase (or decrease) in the frequency of sound, light, etc. Waves caused by moving nearer to (or further from) the source. [doppler, name of a physicist]
Dorado n. (pl. Same or -s) sea-fish showing brilliant colours when dying out of water. [spanish, = gilded]
Doric —adj. 1 archit. Of the oldest and simplest of the greek orders. 2 (of a dialect) broad, rustic. —n. Rustic english or esp. Scots. [from doris in greece]
alive but not growing. dormancy n. [latin dormio sleep]
Dormer n. (in full dormer window) projecting upright window in a sloping roof. [french: related to *dormant]
Dormitory n. (pl. -ies) 1 sleeping-room with several beds, esp. In a school or institution. 2 (in full dormitory town etc.) Small commuter town or suburb. [latin: related to *dormer]
Dormobile n. Propr. Motor caravan. [from dormitory, automobile]
Dormouse n. (pl. -mice) small mouselike hibernating rodent. [origin unknown]
Dorsal adj. Of or on the back (dorsal fin). [latin dorsum back]
Dory n. (pl. Same or -ies) any of various edible marine fish, esp. The john dory. [french dorée = gilded]
Dosage n. 1 size of a dose. 2 giving of a dose.
Dose —n. 1 single portion of medicine. 2 experience of something (dose of flu, laughter). 3 amount of radiation received. 4 slang venereal infection. —v. (-sing) treat with or give doses of medicine to. [greek dosis gift]
Do-se-do n. (also do-si-do) (pl. -s) figure in which two dancers pass round each other back to back. [french dos-à-dos, = back to back]
Dosh n. Slang money. [origin unknown]
Doss v. 1 (often foll. By down) slang sleep roughly or in a doss-house. 2 (often foll. By about, around) spend time idly. [probably originally = ‘seat-back cover’: from latin dorsum back]
Dosser n. Slang 1 person who dosses. 2 = *doss-house.
Doss-house n. Cheap lodging-house for vagrants.
Dossier n. File containing information about a person, event, etc. [french]
Dot abbr. Department of transport.
Dot —n. 1 a small spot or mark. B this as part of i or j, or as a decimal point etc. 2 shorter signal of the two in morse code. —v. (-tt-) 1 a mark with dot(s). B place a dot over (a letter). 2 (often foll. By about) scatter like dots. 3 partly cover as with dots (sea dotted with ships). 4 slang hit. dot the i’s and cross the t’s colloq. 1 be minutely accurate. 2 add the final touches to a task etc. On the dot exactly on time. The year dot colloq. Far in the past. [old english]
Dotage n. Feeble-minded senility (in his dotage).
Dotard n. Senile person.
Dote v. (-ting) (foll. By on) be excessively fond of. dotingly adv. [origin uncertain]
Dotted line n. Line of dots on a document etc., esp. For writing a signature on.
Dotterel n. Small migrant plover. [from *dote]
Dottle n. Remnant of unburnt tobacco in a pipe. [from *dot]
Dotty adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. 1 crazy; eccentric. 2 (foll. By about) infatuated with. dottiness n.
Double —adj. 1 consisting of two parts or things; twofold. 2 twice as much or many (double thickness). 3 having twice the usual size, quantity, strength, etc. (double bed). 4 a being double in part. B (of a flower) with two or more circles of petals. 5 ambiguous, deceitful (double meaning; a double life). —adv. 1 at or to twice the amount etc. (counts double). 2 two together (sleep double). —n.
Double act n. Comedy act by a duo.
Double agent n. Spy working for rival countries.
Double-barrelled adj. 1 (of a gun) having two barrels. 2 (of a surname) hyphenated.
Double-bass n. Largest instrument of the violin family.
Double bluff n. Genuine action or statement disguised as a bluff.
Double-book v. Reserve (the same seat, room, etc.) For two people at once.
Double-breasted adj. (of a coat etc.) Overlapping across the body.
Double-check v. Verify twice.
Double chin n. Chin with a fold of loose flesh below it.
Double cream n. Thick cream with a high fat-content.
Double-cross —v. Deceive or betray (a supposed ally). —n. Act of doing this.
double-crosser n.
Double-dealing —n. Deceit, esp. In business. —adj. Practising deceit.
Double-decker n. 1 bus having an upper and lower deck. 2 colloq. Sandwich with two layers of filling.
Double dutch n. Colloq. Gibberish.
Double eagle n. Figure of a two-headed eagle.
Double-edged adj. 1 presenting both a danger and an advantage. 2 (of a knife etc.) Having two cutting-edges.
Double entendre n. Ambiguous phrase open to usu. Indecent interpretation. [obsolete french]
Double entry n. System of bookkeeping with entries debited in one account and credited in another.
Double feature n. Cinema programme with two full-length films.
Double figures n.pl. Numbers from 10 to 99.
Double glazing n. Two layers of glass in a window. Double helix n. Pair of parallel helices with a common axis, esp. In the structure of a dna molecule.
of a dna molecule.
Double-jointed adj. Having joints that allow unusual bending.
Double negative n. Gram. Negative statement containing two negative elements (e.g. He didn’t say nothing).
Usage the double negative is considered incorrect in standard english.
Double-park v. (also absol.) Park (a vehicle) alongside one already parked at the roadside.
Double pneumonia n. Pneumonia affecting both lungs.
Double-quick adj. & adv. Colloq. Very quick or quickly.
Double standard n. Rule or principle not impartially applied.
Doublet n. 1 hist. Man’s short close-fitting jacket. 2 one of a pair of similar things. [french: related to *double]
Double take n. Delayed reaction to a situation etc.
Double-talk n. (usu. Deliberately) ambiguous or misleading speech.
Double-think n. Capacity to accept contrary opinions at the same time.
Double time n. Wages paid at twice the normal rate.
Doubloon n. Hist. Spanish gold coin. [french or spanish: related to *double]
Doubt —n. 1 uncertainty; undecided state of mind. 2 cynicism. 3 uncertain state. 4 lack of full proof or clear indication. —v. 1 feel uncertain or undecided about. 2 hesitate to believe. 3 call in question. in doubt open to question. No doubt certainly; probably; admittedly. Without doubt (or a doubt) certainly. [latin dubito hesitate]
Douche —n. 1 jet of liquid applied to part of the body for cleansing or medicinal purposes. 2 device for producing such a jet. —v. (-ching) 1 treat with a douche.
2 use a douche. [latin: related to *duct]
Dough n. 1 thick mixture of flour etc. And liquid for baking. 2 slang money. doughy adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Doughnut n. (us donut) small fried cake of sweetened dough.
Doughnutting n. The clustering of politicians round a speaker during a televised debate to make him or her appear well supported.
Dowel —n. Cylindrical peg for holding structural components together. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) fasten with a dowel. [low german]
Dowelling n. Rods for cutting into dowels.
Dower n. 1 widow’s share for life of a husband’s estate. 2 archaic dowry. [latin dos dowry]
Dower house n. Smaller house near a big one, as part of a widow’s dower.
Dow-jones index n. (also dow-jones average) a figure indicating the relative price of shares on the new york stock exchange. [dow and jones, names of american economists]
Down1 —adv. 1 into or towards a lower place, esp. To the ground (fall down). 2 in a lower place or position (blinds were down). 3 to or in a place regarded as lower, esp.: a southwards. B away from a major city or a university. 4 a in or into a low or weaker position or condition (hit a man when he’s down; down with a cold). B losing by (three goals down; £5 down). C (of a computer system) out of action. 5 from an earlier to a later time (down to 1600). 6 to a finer or thinner consistency or smaller amount or size (grind down; water down; boil down). 7 cheaper (bread is down; shares are down). 8 into a more settled state (calm down). 9 in writing or recorded form (copy it down; down on tape; down to speak next). 10 paid or dealt with as a deposit or part (£5 down, £20 to pay; three down, six to go). 11 with the current or wind. 12 (of a crossword clue or answer) read vertically (five down). —prep. 1 downwards along, through, or
into. 2 from the top to the bottom of. 3 along (walk down the road). 4 at or in a lower part of (lives down the road). —attrib. Adj. 1 directed downwards (a down draught). 2 from a capital or centre (down train; down platform). —v. Colloq. 1 knock or bring down. 2 swallow. —n. 1 act of putting down. 2 reverse of fortune (ups and downs). 3 colloq.
Down3 n. 1 open rolling land. 2 (in pl.) Chalk uplands, esp. In s. England. [old english]
Down-and-out n. Destitute person. down and out predic. Adj.
Downbeat —n. Mus. Accented beat, usu. The first of the bar. —adj. 1 pessimistic, gloomy. 2 relaxed.
Down’s syndrome n. Congenital disorder with mental retardation and physical abnormalities. [down, name of a physician]
Downstage adj. & adv. Nearer the front of a theatre stage.
Downstairs —adv. 1 down the stairs. 2 to or on a lower floor. —attrib. Adj.
Situated downstairs. —n. Lower floor.
Downstream adv. & adj. In the direction in which a stream etc. Flows.
Down-to-earth adj. Practical, realistic.
Downtown esp. Us —attrib. Adj. Of the lower or more central part of a town or city. —n. Downtown area. —adv. In or into the downtown area.
Downtrodden adj. Oppressed; badly treated.
Downturn n. Decline, esp. In economic activity.
Down under adv. Colloq. In the antipodes, esp. Australia.
Downward —adv. (also downwards) towards what is lower, inferior, less important, or later. —adj. Moving or extending downwards.
Downwind adj. & adv. In the direction in which the wind is blowing.
Downy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of, like, or covered with down. 2 soft and fluffy.
Dowry n. (pl. -ies) property or money brought by a bride to her husband. [anglo-french, = french douaire *dower]
Dowse1 v. (-sing) search for underground water or minerals by holding a stick or rod which dips abruptly when over the right spot. dowser n. [origin unknown]
Dowse2 var. Of *douse.
Dowsing-rod n. Rod for dowsing.
Doxology n. (pl. -ies) liturgical hymn etc. Of praise to god. doxological adj. [greek doxa glory]
Doyen n. (fem. Doyenne) senior member of a group. [french: related to *dean1]
Doyley var. Of *doily.
Doz. Abbr. Dozen.
Doze —v. (-zing) sleep lightly; be half asleep. —n. Short light sleep. doze off fall lightly asleep. [origin unknown]
Dozen n. 1 (prec. By a or a number) (pl. Dozen) twelve (a dozen eggs; two dozen eggs). 2 set of twelve (sold in dozens). 3 (in pl.; usu. Foll. By of) colloq. Very many (dozens of errors). talk nineteen to the dozen talk incessantly. [latin duodecim twelve]
Drab adj. (drabber, drabbest) 1 dull, uninteresting. 2 of a dull brownish colour. drably adv. Drabness n. [obsolete drap cloth]
Drachm n. Weight formerly used by apothecaries, = 1/8 ounce. [latin from greek]
Drachma n. (pl. -s) 1 chief monetary unit of greece. 2 silver coin of ancient greece. [greek drakhme]
Draconian adj. (of laws) very harsh, cruel. [drakon, name of an athenian lawgiver]
Draft —n. 1 preliminary written version of a speech, document, etc., or outline of a scheme. 2 a written order for payment of money by a bank. B drawing of money by this. 3 a detachment from a larger group. B selection of this. 4 us conscription. 5 us = *draught. —v. 1 prepare a draft of (a document, scheme, etc.). 2 select for a special duty or purpose. 3 us conscript. [phonetic spelling of *draught]
Draftsman n. 1 person who drafts documents. 2 = *draughtsman 1. [phonetic spelling of *draughtsman]
Drafty adj. (brit. Draughty) (-ier, -iest) (of a room etc.) Letting in sharp currents of air. draughtiness n.
Drag —v. (-gg-) 1 pull along with effort. 2 a trail or allow to trail along the ground. B (often foll. By on) (of time, a meeting, etc.) Go or pass slowly or tediously. 3 a use a grapnel. B search the bottom of (a river etc.) With grapnels, nets, etc. 4 (often foll. By to) colloq. Take (an esp. Unwilling person) with one. 5 (foll. By on, at) draw on (a cigarette etc.). —n. 1 a obstruction to progress. B retarding force or motion. 2 colloq. Boring or tiresome person, duty, etc. 3 a lure before hounds as a substitute for a fox. B hunt using this. 4 apparatus for dredging. 5 = *drag-net. 6 slang inhalation. 7 slang women’s clothes worn by men. drag one’s feet be deliberately slow or reluctant to act. Drag in introduce (an irrelevant subject). Drag out protract. Drag up colloq. Introduce or revive (an unwelcome subject). [old english or old norse]
Draggle v. (-ling) 1 make dirty, wet, or limp by trailing. 2 hang trailing. [from *drag]
Drag-net n. 1 net drawn through a river or across the ground to trap fish or game.
2 systematic hunt for criminals etc.
Dragon n. 1 mythical usu. Winged monster like a reptile, able to breathe fire. 2 fierce woman. [greek, = serpent]
Dragonfly n. Large insect with a long body and two pairs of transparent wings.
Dragoon —n. 1 cavalryman. 2 fierce fellow. —v. (foll. By into) coerce or bully into. [french dragon: related to *dragon]
Drag queen n. Slang derog. Male homosexual transvestite.
Drain —v. 1 draw off liquid from. 2 draw off (liquid). 3 flow or trickle away. 4 dry or become dry as liquid flows away. 5 exhaust of strength or resources. 6 a drink to the dregs. B empty (a glass etc.) By drinking the contents. —n. 1 a channel, conduit, or pipe carrying off liquid, sewage, etc. B tube for drawing off discharge etc. 2 constant outflow or expenditure. down the drain colloq. Lost, wasted. [old english: related to *dry]
Drainage n. 1 draining. 2 system of drains. 3 what is drained off.
Draining-board n. Sloping grooved surface beside a sink for draining washed dishes.
Drainpipe n. 1 pipe for carrying off water etc. 2 (attrib.) (of trousers) very narrow. 3 (in pl.) Very narrow trousers.
Drake n. Male duck. [origin uncertain]
Dralon n. Propr. 1 synthetic acrylic fibre. 2 fabric made from this. [invented word, after *nylon]
Dram n. 1 small drink of spirits, esp. Whisky. 2 = drachm. [latin drama: related to drachm]
Drama n. 1 play for stage or broadcasting. 2 art of writing, acting, or presenting plays. 3 dramatic event or quality (the drama of the situation). [latin from greek drao do]
Dramatic adj. 1 of drama. 2 sudden and exciting or unexpected. 3 vividly striking. 4 (of a gesture etc.) Theatrical. dramatically adv. [greek: related to *drama]
Dramatics n.pl. (often treated as sing.) 1 performance of plays. 2 exaggerated behaviour.
Dramatis personae n.pl. 1 characters in a play. 2 list of these. [latin, = persons of the drama]
Dramatist n. Writer of dramas.
Dramatize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 turn (a novel etc.) Into a play. 2 make a dramatic scene of. 3 behave dramatically. dramatization n.
Drank past of *drink.
Drape —v. (-ping) 1 hang or cover loosely, adorn with cloth etc. 2 arrange (hangings etc.) Esp. In folds. —n. (in pl.) Us curtains. [latin drappus cloth]
Draper n. Dealer in textile fabrics.
Drapery n. (pl. -ies) 1 clothing or hangings arranged in folds. 2 draper’s trade or fabrics.
Drastic adj. Far-reaching in effect; severe. drastically adv. [greek drastikos:
related to *drama]
Drat colloq. —v. (-tt-) (usu. As int.) Curse (drat the thing!). —int. Expressing anger or annoyance. dratted adj. [(go)d rot]
Draught n. (us draft) 1 current of air in a room or chimney etc. 2 pulling, traction. 3 depth of water needed to float a ship. 4 drawing of liquor from a cask etc. 5 a single act of drinking or inhaling. B amount drunk thus. 6 (in pl.) Gamefor two with 12 pieces each on a draughtboard. 7 a drawing in of a fishing-net. B fish so caught. feel the draught colloq. Suffer from esp. Financial hardship. [related to *draw]
Draught beer n. Beer from the cask, not bottled or canned.
Draughtboard n. = *chessboard.
Draught-horse n. Horse for heavy work.
Draughtsman n. 1 person who makes drawings, plans, or sketches. 2 piece in draughts. draughtsmanship n.
Draughty adj. (us drafty) (-ier, -iest) (of a room etc.) Letting in sharp currents of air. draughtiness n.
Draw —v. (past drew; past part. Drawn) 1 pull or cause to move towards or after one. 2 pull (a thing) up, over, or across. 3 pull (curtains etc.) Open or shut. 4 take (a person) aside. 5 attract; bring; take in (drew a deep breath; felt drawn to her; drew my attention; drew a crowd). 6 (foll. By at, on) inhale from (a cigarette, pipe, etc.). 7 (also absol.) Take out; remove (a tooth, gun, cork, card, etc.). 8 obtain or take from a source (draw a salary; draw inspiration; drew £100 out). 9 a (also absol.) Make (a line or mark). B produce (a picture) thus. C represent (something) thus. 10 (also absol.) Finish (a contest or game) with equal scores. 11 proceed (drew near the bridge; draw to a close; drew level). 12 infer (a conclusion).
Drawback n. Disadvantage.
Drawbridge n. Hinged retractable bridge, esp. Over a moat.
Drawer n. 1 person or thing that draws, esp. A cheque etc. 2 also lidless boxlike storage compartment, sliding in and out of a table etc. (chest of drawers). 3 (in pl.) Knickers, underpants.
Drawing n. 1 art of representing by line with a pencil etc. 2 picture etc. Made thus.
Drawing-board n. Board on which paper is fixed for drawing on.
Drawing-pin n. Flat-headed pin for fastening paper etc. To a surface.
Drawing-room n. 1 room in a private house for sitting or entertaining in. 2 (attrib.) Restrained, polite (drawing-room manners). [earlier withdrawing-room]
Drawl —v. Speak with drawn-out vowel sounds. —n. Drawling utterance or way of speaking. [low german or dutch]
Drawn adj. Looking strained and tense.
Drawstring n. String or cord threaded through a waistband, bag opening, etc.
Dray n. Low cart without sides for heavy loads, esp. Beer-barrels. [related to *draw]
Dread —v. Fear greatly, esp. In advance. —n. Great fear or apprehension. —adj. 1 dreaded. 2 archaic awe-inspiring, dreadful. [old english]
Dreadful adj. 1 terrible. 2 colloq. Very annoying, very bad. dreadfully adv.
Dreadlocks n.pl. Rastafarian hairstyle with hair hanging in tight braids on all sides.
Dream —n. 1 series of scenes or feelings in the mind of a sleeping person. 2 day-dream or fantasy. 3 ideal, aspiration. 4 beautiful or ideal person or thing. — v. (past and past part. Dreamt or dreamed) 1 experience a dream. 2 imagine as in a dream. 3 (with neg.) Consider possible (never dreamt that he would come; would not dream of it). 4 (foll. By away) waste (time). 5 be inactive or unpractical. dream up imagine, invent. Like a dream colloq. Easily, effortlessly. dreamer n. [old english]
Dreamboat n. Colloq. Sexually attractive or ideal person.
Dreamland n. Ideal or imaginary land.
Dreamy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 given to day-dreaming or fantasy. 2 dreamlike; vague.
Dredge1 —n. Apparatus used to scoop up oysters etc., or to clear mud etc., from a river or sea bed. —v. (-ging) 1 (often foll. By up) a bring up or clear (mud etc.) With a dredge. B bring up (something forgotten) (dredged it all up). 2 clean with or use a dredge. [origin uncertain]
Dredge2 v. (-ging) sprinkle with flour, sugar, etc. [earlier = sweetmeat, from french]
Dredger1 n. 1 boat with a dredge. 2 dredge.
Dredger2 n. Container with a perforated lid, for sprinkling flour, sugar, etc.
Dregs n.pl. 1 sediment; grounds, lees. 2 = *scum n. 2 (dregs of humanity). [old norse]
Drench —v. 1 wet thoroughly. 2 force (an animal) to take medicine. —n. Dose of medicine for an animal. [old english]
Dress —v. 1 a (also absol.) Put clothes on. B have and wear clothes (dresses well). 2 put on evening dress. 3 arrange or adorn (hair, a shop window, etc.). 4 treat (a wound) esp. With a dressing. 5 a prepare (poultry, crab, etc.) For cooking or eating. B add dressing to (a salad etc.). 6 apply manure to. 7 finish the surface of (fabric, leather, stone, etc.). 8 correct the alignment of (troops). 9 make (an artificial fly) for fishing. —n. 1 woman’s garment of a bodice and skirt. 2 clothing, esp. A whole outfit. 3 formal or ceremonial costume. 4 external covering; outward form. dress down colloq. 1 reprimand or scold. 2 dress informally. Dress up 1 put on special clothes. 2 make (a thing) more attractive or interesting. [french dresser, ultimately related to *direct]
Dressage n. Training of a horse in obedience and deportment; display of this. [french]
Dress circle n. First gallery in a theatre.
Dress coat n. Man’s swallow-tailed evening coat.
Dresser1 n. Kitchen sideboard with shelves for plates etc. [french dresser prepare]
Dresser2 n. 1 person who helps to dress actors or actresses. 2 surgeon’s assistant in operations. 3 person who dresses in a specified way (snappy dresser).
Dressing n. 1 putting one’s clothes on. 2 a sauce, esp. Of oil and vinegar etc., for salads (french dressing). B sauce or stuffing etc. For food. 3 bandage, ointment, etc., for a wound. 4 size or stiffening used to coat fabrics. 5 compost etc. Spread over land.
Dressing-down n. Colloq. Scolding.
Dressing-gown n. Loose robe worn when one is not fully dressed.
Dressing-room n. Room for changing one’s clothes, esp. In a theatre, or attached to a bedroom.
Dressing-table n. Table with a flat top, mirror, and drawers, used while applying make-up etc.
Dressmaker n. Person who makes women’s clothes, esp. For a living.
dressmaking n.
Dress rehearsal n. Final rehearsal in full costume.
Dress-shield n. Waterproof material in the armpit of a dress to protect it from sweat.
Dress-shirt n. Man’s shirt worn with evening dress, usu. White with concealed buttons or studs.
Dressy adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. (of clothes or a person) smart, elaborate, elegant.
dressiness n.
Drew past of *draw.
Drey n. Squirrel’s nest. [origin unknown]
Dribble —v. (-ling) 1 allow saliva to flow from the mouth. 2 flow or allow to flow in drops. 3 (also absol.) Esp. Football & hockey move (the ball) forward with slight touches of the feet or stick. —n. 1 act of dribbling. 2 dribbling flow.
with slight touches of the feet or stick. —n. 1 act of dribbling. 2 dribbling flow. [obsolete drib = *drip]
Driblet n. Small quantity.
Dribs and drabs n.pl. Colloq. Small scattered amounts.
Dried past and past part. Of *dry.
Drier1 compar. Of *dry.
Drier2 n. (also dryer) device for drying hair, laundry, etc.
Driest superl. Of *dry.
Drift —n. 1 a slow movement or variation. B this caused by a current. 2 intention, meaning, etc. Of what is said etc. 3 mass of snow etc. Heaped up by the wind. 4 esp. Derog. State of inaction. 5 slow deviation of a ship, aircraft, etc., from its course. 6 fragments of rock heaped up (glacial drift). 7 s.afr. Ford. —v.
1 be carried by or as if by a current of air or water. 2 progress casually or aimlessly (drifted into teaching). 3 pile or be piled into drifts. 4 (of a current) carry, cause to drift. [old norse and germanic trift movement of cattle] Drifter n. 1 aimless person. 2 boat used for drift-net fishing.
Drift-net n. Net for sea fishing, allowed to drift.
Driftwood n. Wood floating on moving water or washed ashore.
Drill1 —n. 1 tool or machine for boring holes, sinking wells, etc. 2 instruction in military exercises. 3 routine procedure in an emergency (fire-drill). 4 thorough training, esp. By repetition. 5 colloq. Recognized procedure (what’s the drill?). —v. 1 a make a hole in or through with a drill. B make (a hole) with a drill. 2 train or be trained by drill. [dutch]
Drill2 —n. 1 machine for making furrows, sowing, and covering seed. 2 small furrow. 3 row of seeds sown by a drill. —v. Plant in drills. [origin unknown]
Drill3 n. Coarse twilled cotton or linen fabric. [latin trilix having three threads]
Drill4 n. W. African baboon related to the mandrill. [probably native]
Drily adv. (also dryly) in a dry manner.
Drink —v. (past drank; past part. Drunk) 1 a (also absol.) Swallow (liquid). B swallow the contents of (a vessel). 2 take alcohol, esp. To excess. 3 (of a plant, sponge, etc.) Absorb (moisture). 4 bring (oneself etc.) To a specified condition by drinking. 5 wish (a person good health etc.) By drinking (drank his health).
—n. 1 a liquid for drinking. B draught or specified amount of this. 2 a alcoholic liquor. B portion, glass, etc. Of this. C excessive use of alcohol (took to drink). 3
(the drink) colloq. The sea. drink in listen eagerly to. Drink to toast; wish success to. Drink up (also absol.) Drink all or the remainder of. drinkable adj. Drinker n.
Drink-driver n. Person who drives with excess alcohol in the blood. drink-driving n.
Drip —v. (-pp-) 1 fall or let fall in drops. 2 (often foll. By with) be so wet as to shed drops. —n. 1 a liquid falling in drops (steady drip of rain). B drop of liquid. C sound of dripping. 2 colloq. Dull or ineffectual person. 3 = *drip-feed. be dripping with be full of or covered with. [danish: cf. *drop]
Drip-dry —v. Dry or leave to dry crease-free when hung up. —adj. Able to be drip-dried.
Drip-feed —v. Feed intravenously in drops. —n. 1 feeding thus. 2 apparatus for doing this.
Drive —v. (-ving; past drove; past part. Driven) 1 urge forward, esp. Forcibly. 2 a compel (was driven to complain). B force into a specified state (drove him mad). C (often refl.) Urge to overwork. 3 a operate and direct (a vehicle, locomotive, etc.). B convey or be conveyed in a vehicle. C be competent to drive (a vehicle) (does he drive?). D travel in a private vehicle. 4 (of wind etc.) Carry along, propel, esp. Rapidly (driven snow; driving rain). 5 a (often foll. By into)
force (a stake, nail, etc.) Into place by blows. B bore (a tunnel etc.). 6 effect or conclude forcibly (drove a hard bargain; drove his point home). 7 (of power) operate (machinery). 8 (usu. Foll. By at) work hard; dash, rush. 9 hit (a ball) forcibly. —n. 1 journey or excursion in a vehicle. 2 a (esp. Scenic) street or road. B private road through a garden to a house. 3 a motivation and energy. B inner urge (sex-drive). 4 forcible stroke of a bat etc. 5 organized effort (membership drive). 6 a transmission of power to machinery, wheels, etc. B position of the steering-wheel in a vehicle (left-hand drive). C computing = *disk drive. 7 organized whist, bingo, etc. Competition. drive at seek, intend, or mean (what is he driving at?). [old english]
Drive-in —attrib. Adj. (of a bank, cinema, etc.) Used while sitting in one’s car.
—n. Such a bank, cinema, etc.
Drivel —n. Silly talk; nonsense. —v. (-ll-; us -l-, -ling) 1 talk drivel. 2 run at the mouth or nose. [old english]
Driven past part. Of *drive.
Drive-on adj. (of a ship) on to which vehicles may be driven.
Driver n. 1 person who drives a vehicle. 2 golf-club for driving from a tee.
Driveway n. = *drive n. 2b.
Driving-licence n. Licence permitting one to drive a vehicle.
Driving test n. Official test of competence to drive.
Driving-wheel n. Wheel communicating motive power in machinery.
Drizzle —n. Very fine rain. —v. (-ling) (of rain) fall in very fine drops. drizzly adj. [old english]
Droll adj. Quaintly amusing; strange, odd. drollery n. (pl. -ies). Drolly adv. [french]
Dromedary n. (pl. -ies) one-humped (esp. Arabian) camel bred for riding. [greek dromas -ados runner]
Drone —n. 1 non-working male of the honey-bee. 2 idler. 3 deep humming sound. 4 monotonous speaking tone. 5 bass-pipe of bagpipes or its continuous note. —v. (-ning) 1 make a deep humming sound. 2 speak or utter monotonously. [old english]
Drool v. 1 slobber, dribble. 2 (often foll. By over) admire extravagantly. [from *drivel]
Droop —v. 1 bend or hang down, esp. From weariness; flag. 2 (of the eyes) look downwards. —n. 1 drooping attitude. 2 loss of spirit. droopy adj. [old norse: related to *drop]
Drop —n. 1 a globule of liquid that hangs, falls, or adheres to a surface. B very small amount of liquid (just a drop left). C glass etc. Of alcohol. 2 a abrupt fall or slope. B amount of this (drop of fifteen feet). C act of dropping. D fall in prices, temperature, etc. E deterioration (drop in status). 3 drop-shaped thing, esp. A pendant or sweet. 4 curtain or scenery let down on to a stage. 5 (in pl.) Liquid medicine used in drops (eye drops). 6 minute quantity. 7 slang hiding-place for stolen goods etc. 8 slang bribe. —v. (-pp-) 1 fall or let fall in drops, shed (tears, blood). 2 fall or allow to fall; let go. 3 a sink down from exhaustion or injury. B die. C fall naturally (drop asleep; drop into the habit). 4 a (cause to) cease or lapse; abandon. B colloq. Cease to associate with or discuss. 5 set down (a passenger etc.) (drop me here). 6 utter or be uttered casually (dropped a hint). 7 send casually (drop a line). 8 a fall or allow to fall in direction, amount, condition, degree, pitch, etc. (voice dropped; wind dropped; we dropped the price). B (of a person) jump down lightly; let oneself fall. C allow (trousers etc.) To fall to the ground. 9 omit (a letter) in speech (drop one’s h’s). 10 (as dropped adj.) In a lower position than usual (dropped handlebars; dropped waist). 11 give birth to (esp. A lamb). 12 lose (a game, point, etc.). 13 deliver by parachute etc. 14 football send (a ball), or score (a goal), by a drop-kick. 15 colloq. Dismiss or omit (dropped from the team). at the drop of a hat promptly, instantly. Drop back (or behind) fall back; get left behind. Drop a brick colloq. Make an indiscreet or embarrassing remark. Drop a curtsy curtsy. Drop in (or by) colloq. Visit casually. Drop off 1 fall asleep. 2 drop (a passenger). Drop out colloq. Cease to participate. droplet n. [old english]
Drop-curtain n. Painted curtain lowered on to a stage.
Drop-kick n. Football kick as the ball touches the ground having been dropped.
Drop-out n. Colloq. Person who has dropped out of conventional society, a course of study, etc.
Dropper n. Device for releasing liquid in drops.
Droppings n.pl. 1 dung of animals or birds. 2 thing that falls or has fallen in drops.
Drop scone n. Scone made by dropping a spoonful of mixture into the pan etc.
Drop-shot n. (in tennis) shot dropping abruptly over the net.
Dropsy n. = oedema. dropsical adj. [earlier hydropsy from greek hudrops:
related to hydro-]
Drosophila n. Fruit fly used in genetic research. [greek, = dew-loving]
Dross n. 1 rubbish. 2 a scum from melted metals. B impurities. [old english]
Drought n. Prolonged absence of rain. [old english]
Drove1 past of *drive.
Drove2 n. 1 a moving crowd. B (in pl.) Colloq. Great number (people arrived in droves). 2 herd or flock driven or moving together. [old english: related to *drive]
Drover n. Herder of cattle.
Drown v. 1 kill or die by submersion in liquid. 2 submerge; flood; drench. 3 deaden (grief etc.) By drinking. 4 (often foll. By out) overpower (sound) with louder sound. [probably old english]
Drowse v. (-sing) be lightly asleep. [from *drowsy]
Drowsy adj. (-ier, -iest) very sleepy, almost asleep. drowsily adv. Drowsiness n. [probably old english]
Drub v. (-bb-) 1 beat, thrash. 2 defeat thoroughly. drubbing n. [arabic daraba beat]
Drudge —n. Person who does dull, laborious, or menial work. —v. (-ging) work laboriously, toil. drudgery n. [origin uncertain]
Drug —n. 1 medicinal substance. 2 (esp. Addictive) narcotic, hallucinogen, or stimulant. —v. (-gg-) 1 add a drug to (food or drink). 2 a give a drug to. B stupefy. [french]
Drugget n. Coarse woven fabric used for floor coverings etc. [french]
Druggist n. Pharmacist. [related to *drug]
Drugstore n. Us combined chemist’s shop and café.
Drugstore n. Us combined chemist’s shop and café.
Druid n. 1 priest of an ancient celtic religion. 2 member of a modern druidic order, esp. The gorsedd. druidic adj. Druidism n. [latin from celtic]
Drum —n. 1 hollow esp. Cylindrical percussion instrument covered at the end(s) with plastic etc. 2 (often in pl.) Percussion section of an orchestra etc. 3 sound made by a drum. 4 thing resembling a drum, esp. A container, etc. 5 segment of a pillar. 6 eardrum. —v. (-mm-) 1 play a drum. 2 beat or tap continuously with the fingers etc. 3 (of a bird or insect) make a loud noise with the wings. drum into drive (a lesson or facts) into (a person) by persistence. Drum out dismiss with ignominy. Drum up summon or get by vigorous effort (drum up support). [low german]
Drumbeat n. Stroke or sound of a stroke on a drum.
Drum brake n. Brake in which brake shoes on a vehicle press against the brake drum on a wheel.
Drumhead n. Part of a drum that is hit.
Drum kit n. Set of drums in a band etc.
Drum machine n. Electronic device that simulates percussion.
Drum major n. Leader of a marching band.
Drum major n. Leader of a marching band.
Drum majorette n. Female baton-twirling member of a parading group.
Drummer n. Player of drums.
Drumstick n. 1 stick for beating drums. 2 lower leg of a dressed fowl.
Drunk —adj. 1 lacking control from drinking alcohol. 2 (often foll. By with) overcome with joy, success, power, etc. —n. Person who is drunk, esp. Habitually. [past part. Of *drink]
Drunkard n. Person who is habitually drunk.
Drunken adj. (usu. Attrib.) 1 = *drunk 1. 2 caused by or involving drunkenness (drunken brawl). 3 often drunk. drunkenly adv. Drunkenness n.
Drupe n. Fleshy stone-fruit, e.g. The olive and plum. [latin from greek]
Dry —adj. (drier; driest) 1 free from moisture, esp.: a with moisture having evaporated, drained away, etc. (clothes are not dry yet). B (of eyes) free from tears. C (of a climate etc.) With insufficient rain; not rainy (dry spell). D (of a river, well, etc.) Dried up. E using or producing no moisture (dry shampoo; dry cough). F (of a shave) with an electric razor. 2 (of wine) not sweet (dry sherry). 3 a plain, unelaborated (dry facts). B uninteresting (dry book). 4 (of a sense of
humour) subtle, ironic, understated. 5 prohibiting the sale of alcohol (a dry state). 6 (of bread) without butter etc. 7 (of provisions etc.) Solid, not liquid. 8 impassive. 9 (of a cow) not yielding milk. 10 colloq. Thirsty (feel dry). —v. (dries, dried) 1 make or become dry. 2 (usu. As dried adj.) Preserve (food etc.) By removing moisture. 3 (often foll. By up) colloq. Forget one’s lines. —n. (pl. Dries) 1 act of drying. 2 dry ginger ale. 3 dry place (come into the dry). dry out 1 make or become fully dry. 2 treat or be treated for alcoholism. Dry up 1 make or become utterly dry. 2 dry dishes. 3 colloq. (esp. In imper.) Cease talking. 4 become unproductive. 5 (of supplies) run out. dryness n. [old english]
Dryad n. Wood nymph. [greek drus tree]
Dry battery n. (also dry cell) electric battery or cell in which electrolyte is absorbed in a solid.
Dry-clean v. Clean (clothes etc.) With solvents without water. dry-cleaner n.
Dry dock n. Dock that can be pumped dry for building or repairing ships.
Dryer var. Of *drier2.
Dry-fly attrib. Adj. (of fishing) with a floating artificial fly.
Dry ice n. Solid carbon dioxide used as a refrigerant.
Dry land n. Land as distinct from sea etc.
Dryly var. Of *drily.
Dry measure n. Measure for dry goods.
Dry rot n. Decayed state of unventilated wood; fungi causing this.
Dry run n. Colloq. Rehearsal.
Dry-shod adj. & adv. Without wetting one’s shoes.
Drystone attrib. Adj. (of a wall etc.) Built without mortar.
Dsc abbr. Distinguished service cross.
D.sc. Abbr. Doctor of science.
Dsm abbr. Distinguished service medal.
Dso abbr. Distinguished service order.
Dss abbr. Department of social security (formerly dhss).
Dt abbr. (also dt’s) delirium tremens.
Dti abbr. Department of trade and industry.
Dual —adj. 1 in two parts; twofold. 2 double (dual ownership). —n. Gram. Dual number or form. duality n. [latin duo two]
Dual carriageway n. Road with a dividing strip between traffic flowing in opposite directions.
Dual control n. Two linked sets of controls, enabling operation by either of two persons.
Dub1 v. (-bb-) 1 make (a person) a knight by touching his shoulders with a sword. 2 give (a person) a name, nickname, etc. 3 smear (leather) with grease. [french]
Dub2 v. (-bb-) 1 provide (a film etc.) With an, esp. Translated, alternative soundtrack. 2 add (sound effects or music) to a film or broadcast. 3 transfer or make a copy of (recorded sound or images). [abbreviation of *double]
Dubbin n. (also dubbing) thick grease for softening and waterproofing leather. [see *dub1 3]
Dubiety n. Literary doubt. [latin: related to *dubious]
Ducal adj. Of or like a duke. [french: related to *duke]
Ducat n. Gold coin, formerly current in most of europe. [medieval latin ducatus *duchy]
Duchess n. 1 duke’s wife or widow. 2 woman holding the rank of duke. [medieval latin ducissa: related to *duke]
Duchesse potatoes n.pl. Mashed potatoes mixed with egg, baked or fried, and served as small cakes or used as piping. [french]
Duchy n. (pl. -ies) territory of a duke or duchess; royal dukedom of cornwall or lancaster. [medieval latin ducatus: related to *duke]
Duck1 —n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 a swimming-bird, esp. The domesticated form of the mallard or wild duck. B female of this. C its flesh as food. 2 score of 0 in cricket. 3 (also ducks) colloq. (esp. As a form of address) dear. —v. 1 bob down, esp. To avoid being seen or hit. 2 a dip one’s head briefly under water. B plunge (a person) briefly in water. 3 colloq. Dodge (a task etc.). like water off a duck’s back colloq. Producing no effect. [old english]
Duck2 n. 1 strong linen or cotton fabric. 2 (in pl.) Trousers made of this. [dutch]
Duckbill n. (also duck-billed platypus) = *platypus.
Duckboard n. (usu. In pl.) Path of wooden slats over muddy ground, in a trench, etc.
Duckling n. Young duck.
Ducks and drakes n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Game of making a flat stone skim the surface of water. play ducks and drakes with colloq. Squander.
Duckweed n. Any of various plants growing on the surface of still water.
Ducky n. (pl. -ies) colloq. (esp. As a form of address) dear.
Duct —n. Channel or tube for conveying a fluid, cable, bodily secretions, etc. (tear ducts). —v. Convey through a duct. [latin ductus from duco duct-lead]
Ductile adj. 1 (of metal) capable of being drawn into wire; pliable. 2 easily moulded. 3 docile. ductility n. [latin: related to *duct]
Ductless gland n. Gland secreting directly into the bloodstream.
Dud slang —n. 1 useless or broken thing. 2 counterfeit article. 3 (in pl.) Clothes, rags. —adj. Useless, defective. [origin unknown]
Dude n. Slang 1 fellow. 2 us dandy. 3 us city-dweller staying on a ranch. [german dial. Dude fool]
Dudgeon n. Resentment, indignation. in high dudgeon very angry. [origin unknown]
Due —adj. 1 owing or payable. 2 (often foll. By to) merited; appropriate. 3 (foll. By to) that ought to be given or ascribed to (a person, cause, etc.) (first place is due to milton; difficulty due to ignorance). 4 (often foll.
Usage the use of due to to mean ‘because of’ as in the example given is regarded as unacceptable by some people and could be avoided by substituting his lateness was due to an accident. Alternatively, owing to could be used.
Duel —n. 1 armed contest between two people, usu. To the death. 2 two-sided contest. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) fight a duel. duellist n. [latin duellum war]
Duenna n. Older woman acting as a chaperon to girls, esp. In spain. [spanish from latin domina *don1]
Duet n. Musical composition for two performers. duettist n. [latin duo two]
Duff2 v. duff up slang beat; thrash. [perhaps from *duffer]
Duffer n. Colloq. Inefficient or stupid person; dunce. [origin uncertain]
Duffle n. (also duffel) heavy woollen cloth. [duffel in belgium]
Duffle bag n. Cylindrical canvas bag closed by a drawstring.
Duffle-coat n. Hooded overcoat of duffle, fastened with toggles.
Dug1 past and past part. Of *dig.
Dug2 n. Udder, teat. [origin unknown]
Dugong n. (pl. Same or -s) asian sea-mammal. [malay]
Dugout n. 1 a roofed shelter, esp. For troops in trenches. B underground shelter.
2 canoe made from a tree-trunk.
Duke n. 1 person holding the highest hereditary title of the nobility. 2 sovereign prince ruling a duchy or small state. dukedom n. [latin dux leader]
Dulcet adj. Sweet-sounding. [latin dulcis sweet]
Dulcimer n. Metal stringed instrument struck with two hand-held hammers. [latin: related to *dulcet, melos song]
Dull —adj. 1 tedious; not interesting. 2 (of the weather) overcast. 3 (of colour, light, sound, etc.) Not bright, vivid, or clear. 4 (of a pain) indistinct; not acute (a dull ache). 5 slow-witted; stupid. 6 (of a knife-edge etc.) Blunt. 7 a (of trade etc.) Sluggish, slow. B listless; depressed. 8 (of the ears, eyes, etc.) Lacking keenness. —v. Make or become dull. dullness n. Dully adv. [low german or dutch]
Dullard n. Stupid person.
Duly adv. 1 in due time or manner. 2 rightly, properly.
Dumb adj. 1 a unable to speak. B (of an animal) naturally dumb. 2 silenced by surprise, shyness, etc. 3 taciturn, reticent (dumb insolence). 4 suffered or done in silence (dumb agony). 5 colloq. Stupid; ignorant. 6 disenfranchised; inarticulate (dumb masses). 7 (of a computer terminal etc.) Able to transmit or receive but unable to process data. 8 giving no sound. [old english]
Dumb-bell n. 1 short bar with a weight at each end, for muscle-building etc. 2
slang stupid person, esp. A woman.
Dumbfound v. Nonplus, make speechless with surprise. [from dumb, confound]
Dumbo n. (pl. -s) slang stupid person. [from dumb, -o]
Dumb show n. Gestures; mime.
Dumbstruck adj. Speechless with surprise.
Dumb waiter n. Small hand-operated lift for conveying food from kitchen to dining-room.
Dumdum n. (in full dumdum bullet) soft-nosed bullet that expands on impact. [dum-dum in india]
Dummy —n. (pl. -ies) 1 model of a human figure, esp. As used to display clothes or by a ventriloquist or as a target. 2 (often attrib.) Imitation object used to replace a real or normal one. 3 baby’s rubber or plastic teat. 4 colloq. Stupid person. 5 figurehead. 6 imaginary player in bridge etc., whose cards are exposed and played by a partner. —attrib. Adj.
Dummy run n. Trial attempt; rehearsal.
Dump —n. 1 place or heap for depositing rubbish. 2 colloq. Unpleasant or
dreary place. 3 temporary store of ammunition etc. —v. 1 put down firmly or clumsily. 2 deposit as rubbish. 3 colloq. Abandon or get rid of. 4 sell (excess goods) to a foreign market at a low price. 5 copy (the contents of a computer memory etc.) As a diagnostic aid or for security. dump on esp. Us criticize or abuse; get the better of. [origin uncertain]
Dumpling n. 1 ball of dough boiled in stew or containing apple etc. 2 small fat person. [dump small round object]
Dumps n.pl. (usu. In down in the dumps) colloq. Low spirits. [low german or dutch: related to *damp]
Dump truck n. Truck that tilts or opens at the back for unloading.
Dumpy adj. (-ier, -iest) short and stout. dumpily adv. Dumpiness n. [related to *dumpling]
Dun —adj. Greyish-brown. —n. 1 dun colour. 2 dun horse. [old english]
Dunce n. Person slow at learning; dullard. [duns scotus, name of a philosopher]
Dunce’s cap n. Paper cone worn by a dunce.
Dunderhead n. Stupid person. [origin unknown]
Dune n. Drift of sand etc. Formed by the wind. [dutch: related to *down3]
Dung —n. Excrement of animals; manure. —v. Apply dung to (land). [old english]
Dungaree n. 1 coarse cotton cloth. 2 (in pl.) Overalls or trousers of this. [hindi]
Dung-beetle n. Beetle whose larvae develop in dung.
Dungeon n. Underground prison cell. [earlier donjon keep of a castle; ultimately from latin dominus lord]
Dunghill n. Heap of dung or refuse.
Dunk v. 1 dip (food) into liquid before eating. 2 immerse. [german tunken dip]
Dunlin n. Red-backed sandpiper. [probably from *dun]
Dunnock n. Hedge sparrow. [apparently from *dun]
Duo n. (pl. -s) 1 pair of performers. 2 duet. [italian from latin, = two]
Duodecimal adj. 1 of twelfths or twelve. 2 in or by twelves. [latin duodecim twelve]
Duodenum n. (pl. -s) first part of the small intestine immediately below the stomach. duodenal adj. [medieval latin: related to *duodecimal]
Duologue n. Dialogue between two people. [from duo, monologue]
Dupe —n. Victim of deception. —v. (-ping) deceive, trick. [french]
Duple adj. Of two parts. [latin duplus]
Duple time n. Mus. Rhythm with two beats to the bar.
Duplex —n. (often attrib.) Esp. Us 1 flat on two floors. 2 house subdivided for two families; semi-detached house. —adj. 1 of two parts. 2 computing (of a circuit) allowing simultaneous two-way transmission of signals. [latin, = double]
Duplicate —adj. 1 identical. 2 a having two identical parts. B doubled. 3 (of card-games) with the same hands played by different players. —n. 1 identical thing, esp. A copy. 2 copy of a letter etc. —v. (-ting) 1 multiply by two; double. 2 make or be an exact copy of. 3 repeat (an action etc.), esp. Unnecessarily. in duplicate in two exact copies. duplication n. [latin: related to *duplex]
Duplicator n. Machine for making multiple copies of a text etc.
Duplicity n. Double-dealing; deceitfulness. duplicitous adj. [latin: related to *duplex]
Durable —adj. 1 lasting; hard-wearing. 2 (of goods) with a relatively long useful life. —n. (in pl.) Durable goods. durability n. [latin durus hard]
Dura mater n. Tough outermost membrane enveloping the brain and spinal cord. [medieval latin = hard mother, translation of arabic]
Duration n. 1 time taken by an event. 2 specified length of time (duration of a minute). for the duration 1 until the end of an event. 2 for a very long time. [medieval latin: related to *durable]
Duress n. 1 compulsion, esp. Illegal use of threats or violence (under duress). 2 imprisonment. [latin durus hard]
Durex n. Propr. Condom. [origin uncertain]
During prep. Throughout or at some point in. [latin: related to *durable]
Dust —n. 1 finely powdered earth or other material etc. (pollen dust). 2 dead person’s remains. 3 confusion, turmoil. —v. 1 wipe the dust from (furniture etc.). 2 a sprinkle with powder, sugar, etc. B sprinkle (sugar, powder, etc.). dust down 1 dust the clothes of. 2 colloq. Reprimand. 3 = dust off. Dust off 1 remove the dust from. 2 use again after a long period. When the dust settles when things quieten down. [old english]
Dustbin n. Container for household refuse.
Dust bowl n. Desert made by drought or erosion.
Dustcart n. Vehicle collecting household refuse.
Dust cover n. 1 = dust-sheet. 2 = dust-jacket.
Duster n. Cloth for dusting furniture etc.
Dust-jacket n. Paper cover on a hardback book.
Dustman n. Person employed to collect household refuse.
Dustpan n. Pan into which dust is brushed from the floor.
Dust-sheet n. Protective cloth over furniture.
Dust-up n. Colloq. Fight, disturbance.
Dusty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 full of or covered with dust. 2 (of a colour) dull or muted. not so dusty slang fairly good. dustily adv. Dustiness n.
Dusty answer n. Colloq. Curt refusal.
Dutch —adj. Of the netherlands or its people or language. —n. 1 the dutch language. 2 (prec. By the; treated as pl.) The people of the netherlands. go dutch share expenses on an outing etc. [dutch]
Dutch n. Slang wife. [abbreviation of *duchess]
Dutch auction n. One in which the price is progressively reduced.
Dutch barn n. Roof for hay etc., set on poles.
Dutch cap n. Dome-shaped contraceptive device fitting over the cervix.
Dutch courage n. Courage induced by alcohol.
Dutch elm disease n. Fungus disease of elms.
Dutchman n. (fem. Dutchwoman) person of dutch birth or nationality.
Dutch oven n. 1 metal box with the open side facing a fire. 2 covered cooking-pot for braising etc.
Dutch treat n. Party, outing, etc., at which people pay for themselves.
Duty n. (pl. -ies) 1 a moral or legal obligation; responsibility. B binding force of what is right. 2 tax on certain goods, imports, etc. 3 job or function arising from a business or office (playground duty). 4 deference; respect due to a superior. do duty for serve as or pass for (something else). On (or off) duty working (or not
working). [anglo-french: related to *due]
Duty-bound adj. Obliged by duty.
Duty-free adj. (of goods) on which duty is not payable.
Duty-free shop n. Shop at an airport etc. Selling duty-free goods.
Duvet n. Thick soft quilt used instead of sheets and blankets. [french]
Dwarf —n. (pl. -s or dwarves) 1 person, animal, or plant much below normal size. 2 small mythological being with magical powers. 3 small usu. Dense star. —v. 1 stunt in growth. 2 make seem small. dwarfish adj. [old english]
Usage in sense 1, with regard to people, the term person of restricted growth is now often preferred.
Dwell v. (past and past part. Dwelt or dwelled) live, reside. dwell on (or upon) think, write, or speak at length on. dweller n. [old english, = lead astray]
Dwelling n. House, residence.
Dwindle v. (-ling) 1 become gradually less or smaller. 2 lose importance. [old english]
Dy symb. Dysprosium.
Dye —n. 1 substance used to change the colour of hair, fabric, etc. 2 colour so produced. —v. (dyeing, dyed) 1 colour with dye. 2 dye a specified colour (dyed it yellow). dyer n. [old english]
Dyed-in-the-wool adj. (usu. Attrib.) Out and out; unchangeable.
Dying attrib. Adj. Of, or at the time of, death (dying words).
Dyke1 (also dike) —n. 1 embankment built to prevent flooding. 2 low wall of turf or stone. —v. (-king) provide or protect with dyke(s). [related to *ditch]
Dyke2 n. (also dike) slang lesbian. [origin unknown]
Dynamic adj. 1 energetic; active. 2 physics a of motive force. B of force in actual operation. 3 of dynamics. dynamically adv. [greek dunamis power]
Dynamics n.pl. 1 (usu. Treated as sing.) A mathematical study of motion and the forces causing it. B branch of any science concerned with forces or changes. 2 motive forces in any sphere. 3 mus. Variation in loudness.
Dynamism n. Energy; dynamic power.
Dynamite —n. 1 high explosive mixture containing nitroglycerine. 2 potentially dangerous person etc. —v. (-ting) charge or blow up with dynamite.
Dynamo n. (pl. -s) 1 machine converting mechanical into electrical energy, esp. By rotating coils of copper wire in a magnetic field. 2 colloq. Energetic person. [abbreviation of dynamo-electric machine]
Dynamometer n. Instrument measuring energy expended. [greek: related to *dynamic]
Dynast n. 1 ruler. 2 member of a dynasty. [latin from greek]
Dynasty n. (pl. -ies) 1 line of hereditary rulers. 2 succession of leaders in any field. dynastic adj. [latin from greek]
Dyne n. Physics force required to give a mass of one gram an acceleration of one centimetre per second per second. [greek dunamis force]
Dys-prefix bad, difficult. [greek]
Dysentery n. Inflammation of the intestines, causing severe diarrhoea. [greek entera bowels]
Dysfunction n. Abnormality or impairment of functioning.
Dysfunction n. Abnormality or impairment of functioning.
Dyslexia n. Abnormal difficulty in reading and spelling. dyslectic adj. & n. Dyslexic adj. & n. [greek lexis speech]
Dysmenorrhoea n. Painful or difficult menstruation.
Dyspepsia n. Indigestion. dyspeptic adj. & n. [greek peptos digested]
Dysphasia n. Lack of coordination in speech, owing to brain damage. [greek dusphatos hard to utter]
Dysprosium n. Metallic element of the lanthanide series. [greek dusprositos hard to get at]
Dystrophy n. Defective nutrition. [greek -trophe nourishment]
E
E1 n. (also e) (pl. Es or e’s) 1 fifth letter of the alphabet. 2 mus. Third note of the diatonic scale of c major.
E2 abbr. (also e.) 1 east, eastern. 2 see *enumber.
E-prefix see *ex-1 before some consonants.
Each —adj. Every one of two or more persons or things, regarded separately (five in each class). —pron. Each person or thing (each of us). [old english]
Each other pron. One another.
Each way adj. (of a bet) backing a horse etc. To win or to come second or third.
Eager adj. Keen, enthusiastic (eager to learn; eager for news). eagerly adv. Eagerness n. [latin acer keen]
Eager beaver n. Colloq. Very diligent person.
Eagle n. 1 a large bird of prey with keen vision and powerful flight. B this as a symbol, esp. Of the us. 2 score of two strokes under par at any hole in golf. [latin
symbol, esp. Of the us. 2 score of two strokes under par at any hole in golf. [latin aquila]
Eagle eye n. Keen sight, watchfulness. eagle-eyed adj.
Eaglet n. Young eagle.
E. & o. E. Abbr. Errors and omissions excepted.
Ear1 n. 1 organ of hearing, esp. Its external part. 2 faculty for discriminating sounds (an ear for music). 3 attention, esp. Sympathetic (give ear to; have a person’s ear). all ears listening attentively. Have (or keep) an ear to the ground be alert to rumours or trends. Up to one’s ears (often foll. By in) colloq. Deeply involved or occupied. [old english]
Ear2 n. Seed-bearing head of a cereal plant. [old english]
Earache n. Pain in the inner ear.
Eardrum n. Membrane of the middle ear.
Earful n. (pl. -s) colloq. 1 prolonged amount of talking. 2 strong reprimand.
Earl n. British nobleman ranking between marquis and viscount. earldom n. [old english]
Earl marshal n. President of the college of heralds, with ceremonial duties.
Early —adj. & adv. (-ier, -iest) 1 before the due, usual, or expected time. 2 a not far on in the day or night, or in time (early evening; at the earliest opportunity). B prompt (early payment appreciated). 3 not far on in a period, development, or process of evolution; being the first stage (early english architecture; early spring). 4 forward in flowering, ripening, etc. (early peaches). —n. (pl. -ies) (usu. In pl.) Early fruit or vegetable. earliness n. [old english: related to *ere]
Early bird n. Colloq. Person who arrives, gets up, etc. Early.
Early days n.pl. Too soon to expect results etc.
Early on adv. At an early stage.
Earmark —v. Set aside for a special purpose. —n. Identifying mark.
Earn v. 1 bring in as income or interest. 2 be entitled to or obtain as the reward for work or merit. earner n. [old english]
Earnest adj. Intensely serious. in earnest serious, seriously, with determination. earnestly adv. Earnestness n. [old english]
Earnings n.pl. Money earned.
Earnings n.pl. Money earned.
Earphone n. Device applied to the ear to receive a radio etc. Communication.
Earpiece n. Part of a telephone etc. Applied to the ear.
Ear-piercing —adj. Shrill. —n. Piercing of the ears for wearing earrings.
Earplug n. Piece of wax etc. Placed in the ear to protect against water, noise, etc.
Earring n. Jewellery worn on the ear.
Earshot n. Hearing-range (within earshot).
Ear-splitting adj. Excessively loud.
Earth —n. 1 a (also earth) the planet on which we live. B land and sea, as distinct from sky. 2 a the ground (fell to earth). B soil, mould. 3 relig. This world, as distinct from heaven or hell. 4 connection to the earth as the completion of an electrical circuit. 5 hole of a fox etc. 6 (prec. By the) colloq. Huge sum; everything (cost the earth; want the earth). —v. 1 cover (plant-roots) with earth. 2 connect (an electrical circuit) to the earth. come back (or down) to earth return to realities. Gone to earth in hiding. On earth colloq. Existing anywhere; emphatically (the happiest man on earth; looked like nothing on earth; what on earth have you done?). Run to earth find after a long search.
Earthbound adj. 1 attached to the earth or earthly things. 2 moving towards the earth.
Earthen adj. Made of earth or baked clay.
Earthenware n. Pottery made of fired clay.
Earthling n. Inhabitant of the earth, esp. In science fiction.
Earthly adj. 1 of the earth or human life on it; terrestrial. 2 (usu. With neg.) Colloq. Remotely possible (is no earthly use; there wasn’t an earthly reason). not an earthly colloq. No chance or idea whatever.
Earth mother n. Sensual and maternal woman.
Earthquake n. Convulsion of the earth’s surface as a result of faults in strata or volcanic action.
Earth sciences n.pl. Those concerned with the earth or part of it.
Earthwork n. Artificial bank of earth in fortification or road-building etc.
Earthworm n. Common worm living in the ground.
Earthy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of or like earth or soil. 2 coarse, crude (earthy humour).
earthiness n.
Ear-trumpet n. Trumpet-shaped device formerly used as a hearing-aid.
Earwig n. Small insect with pincers at its rear end. [from *ear1, because they were once thought to enter the head through the ear]
Ease —n. 1 facility, effortlessness. 2 a freedom from pain or trouble. B freedom from constraint. —v. (-sing) 1 relieve from pain or anxiety. 2 (often foll. By off, up) a become less burdensome or severe. B begin to take it easy. C slow down; moderate one’s behaviour etc. 3 a relax; slacken; make a less tight fit. B move or be moved carefully into place (eased it into position). at ease 1 free from anxiety or constraint. 2 mil. In a relaxed attitude, with the feet apart. [latin: related to *adjacent]
Easel n. Stand for an artist’s work, a blackboard, etc. [dutch ezel ass]
Easement n. Legal right of way or similar right over another’s land. [french:
related to *ease]
Easily adv. 1 without difficulty. 2 by far (easily the best). 3 very probably (it could easily snow).
East —n. 1 a point of the horizon where the sun rises at the equinoxes. B compass point corresponding to this. C direction in which this lies. 2 (usu. The east) a countries to the east of europe. B states of eastern europe. 3 eastern part of a country, town, etc. —adj. 1 towards, at, near, or facing the east. 2 from the east (east wind). —adv. 1 towards, at, or near the east. 2 (foll. By of) further east than. to the east (often foll. By of) in an easterly direction. [old english]
Eastbound adj. Travelling or leading eastwards.
East end n. Part of london east of the city. east ender n.
Easter n. Festival (held on a variable sunday in march or april) commemorating christ’s resurrection. [old english]
Easter egg n. Artificial usu. Chocolate egg given at easter.
Easterly —adj. & adv. 1 in an eastern position or direction. 2 (of a wind) from the east. —n. (pl. -ies) such a wind.
Eastern adj. Of or in the east. easternmost adj.
Eastern church n. Orthodox church.
Easterner n. Native or inhabitant of the east.
East-north-east n. Point or direction midway between east and north-east.
East-south-east n. Point or direction midway between east and south-east.
Eastward —adj. & adv. (also eastwards) towards the east. —n. Eastward direction or region.
Easy —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 not difficult; not requiring great effort. 2 free from pain, trouble, or anxiety. 3 free from constraint; relaxed and pleasant. 4 compliant. —adv. With ease; in an effortless or relaxed manner. —int. Go or move carefully. easy on the eye (or ear etc.) Colloq. Pleasant to look at (or listen to etc.). Go easy (foll. By with, on) be sparing or cautious. I’m easy colloq. I have no preference. Take it easy 1 proceed gently. 2 relax; work less. easiness n. [french: related to *ease]
Easy chair n. Large comfortable armchair.
Easygoing adj. Placid and tolerant.
Easy street n. Colloq. Affluence.
Eat —v. (past ate; past part. Eaten) 1 a take into the mouth, chew, and swallow (food). B consume food; take a meal. C devour (eaten by a lion). 2 (foll. By away, at, into) a destroy gradually, esp. By corrosion, disease, etc. B begin to consume or diminish (resources etc.). 3 colloq. Trouble, vex (what’s eating you?). —n. (in pl.) Colloq. Food. eat one’s heart out suffer from excessive longing or envy. Eat out have a meal away from home, esp. In a restaurant. Eat up 1 eat completely.
Eatable —adj. Fit to be eaten. —n. (usu. In pl.) Food.
Eater n. 1 person who eats (a big eater). 2 eating apple etc.
Eating apple etc. N. Apple etc. Suitable for eating raw.
Eau-de-cologne n. Toilet water orig. From cologne. [french, = water of cologne]
Eaves n.pl. Underside of a projecting roof. [old english]
Eavesdrop v. (-pp-) listen to a private conversation. eavesdropper n.
Ebb —n. Movement of the tide out to sea. —v. (often foll. By away) 1 flow out to sea; recede. 2 decline (life was ebbing away). [old english]
Ebonite n. Vulcanite. [from *ebony]
Ebony —n. Heavy hard dark wood of a tropical tree. —adj. 1 made of ebony. 2
Ebony —n. Heavy hard dark wood of a tropical tree. —adj. 1 made of ebony. 2 black like ebony. [greek ebenos ebony tree]
Ebullient adj. Exuberant. ebullience n. Ebulliency n. Ebulliently adv. [latin:
related to *boil1]
Ec abbr. 1 east central. 2 european community.
Eccentric —adj. 1 odd or capricious in behaviour or appearance. 2 (also excentric) a not placed, not having its axis placed, centrally. B (often foll. By to) (of a circle) not concentric (to another). C (of an orbit) not circular. —n. 1 eccentric person. 2 disc at the end of a shaft for changing rotatory into backward-and-forward motion. eccentrically adv. Eccentricity n. [greek: related to *centre]
Eccles cake n. Round cake of pastry filled with currants etc. [eccles in n. England]
Echelon n. 1 level in an organization, in society, etc.; those occupying it (often in
pl.: upper echelons). 2 wedge-shaped formation of troops, aircraft, etc. [french, = ladder, from latin scala]
Echidna n. Australian egg-laying spiny mammal. [greek, = viper]
Echinoderm n. (usu. Spiny) sea animal of the group including the starfish and sea urchin. [greek ekhinos sea-urchin, derma skin]
Echo —n. (pl. -es) 1 a repetition of a sound by the reflection of sound waves. B sound so produced. 2 reflected radio or radar beam. 3 close imitation or imitator. 4 circumstance or event reminiscent of an earlier one. —v. (-es, -ed) 1 a (of a place) resound with an echo. B (of a sound) be repeated; resound. 2 repeat (a sound) thus. 3 a repeat (another’s words). B imitate the opinions etc. Of. [latin from greek]
Echo chamber n. Enclosure with sound-reflecting walls.
Echoic adj. (of a word) onomatopoeic.
Echolocation n. Location of objects by reflected sound.
Echo-sounder n. Depth-sounding device using timed echoes. Echt adj. Genuine. [german]
Éclair n. Small elongated iced cake of choux pastry filled with cream. [french, = lightning]
Eclampsia n. Convulsive condition occurring esp. In pregnant women. [ultimately from greek]
Éclat n. 1 brilliant display. 2 social distinction; conspicuous success. [french]
Eclectic —adj. Selecting ideas, style, etc., from various sources. —n. Eclectic person or philosopher. eclectically adv. Eclecticism n. [greek eklego pick out]
Eclipse —n. 1 obscuring of light from one heavenly body by another. 2 loss of light, importance, or prominence. —v. (-sing) 1 (of a heavenly body) cause the eclipse of (another). 2 intercept (light). 3 outshine, surpass. [greek ekleipsis]
Ecliptic n. Sun’s apparent path among the stars during the year.
Eclogue n. Short pastoral poem. [greek: related to *eclectic]
Eco-comb. Form ecology, ecological (ecoclimate).
Ecology n. 1 the study of the relations of organisms to one another and to their surroundings. 2 the study of the interaction of people with their environment. ecological adj. Ecologically adv. Ecologist n. [greek oikos house]
Economic adj. 1 of economics. 2 profitable (not economic to run buses on a sunday). 3 connected with trade and industry (economic geography). economically adv. [greek: related to *economy]
Economics n.pl. (as sing.) 1 science of the production and distribution of wealth.
2 application of this to a particular subject (the economics of publishing).
Economist n. Expert on or student of economics.
Economize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 be economical; make economies; reduce expenditure. 2 (foll. By on) use sparingly.
Economy n. (pl. -ies) 1 a community’s system of wealth creation. B particular kind of this (a capitalist economy). C administration or condition of this. 2 a careful management of (esp. Financial) resources; frugality. B instance of this (made many economies). 3 sparing or careful use (economy of language). [greek oikonomia household management]
Economy class n. Cheapest class of air travel.
Economy-size adj. (of goods) consisting of a larger quantity for a proportionally lower cost.
Ecosystem n. Biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Ecstasy n. (pl. -ies) 1 overwhelming joy or rapture. 2 slang type of hallucinogenic drug. ecstatic adj. Ecstatically adv. [greek ekstasis standing outside oneself]
Ect abbr. Electroconvulsive therapy.
Ecto-comb. Form outside. [greek ektos]
Ectomorph n. Person with a lean body. [greek morphe form]
-ectomy comb. Form denoting the surgical removal of part of the body (appendectomy). [greek ektome excision]
Ectoplasm n. Supposed viscous substance exuding from the body of a spiritualistic medium during a trance. [from *ecto-, *plasma]
Ecu n. (also ecu) (pl. -s) european currency unit. [abbreviation]
Ecumenical adj. 1 of or representing the whole christian world. 2 seeking worldwide christian unity. ecumenically adv. Ecumenism n. [greek oikoumenikos of the inhabited earth]
oikoumenikos of the inhabited earth]
Eczema n. Inflammation of the skin, with itching and discharge. [latin from greek]
-ed1 suffix forming adjectives: 1 from nouns, meaning ‘having, wearing, etc.’ (talented; trousered). 2 from phrases of adjective and noun (good-humoured). [old english]
-ed2 suffix forming: 1 past tense and past participle of weak verbs (needed). 2 participial adjectives (escaped prisoner). [old english]
Edam n. Round dutch cheese with a red rind. [edam in holland]
Eddy —n. (pl. -ies) 1 circular movement of water causing a small whirlpool. 2 movement of wind, smoke, etc. Resembling this. —v. (-ies, -ied) whirl round in eddies. [old english ed-again, back]
Edelweiss n. Alpine plant with white flowers. [german, = noble-white]
Edema n. (brit. Oedema) accumulation of excess fluid in body tissues, causing swelling. [greek oideo swell]
Eden n. Place or state of great happiness, with reference to the abode of adam and eve at the creation. [hebrew, originally = delight]
Edentate —adj. Having no or few teeth. —n. Such a mammal. [latin dens dent-tooth]
Edge —n. 1 boundary-line or margin of an area or surface. 2 narrow surface of a thin object. 3 meeting-line of surfaces. 4 a sharpened side of a blade. B sharpness. 5 brink of a precipice. 6 edge-like thing, esp. The crest of a ridge. 7 effectiveness, incisiveness; excitement. —v. (-ging) 1 advance, esp. Gradually or furtively. 2 a provide with an edge or border. B form a border to. 3 sharpen (a tool etc.). have the edge on (or over) have a slight advantage over. On edge tense and irritable. Set a person’s teeth on edge (of taste or sound) cause an unpleasant nervous sensation. Take the edge off make less intense. [old english]
Edgeways adv. (also edgewise) with edge uppermost or foremost. get a word in edgeways contribute to a conversation when the dominant speaker pauses.
Edging n. Thing forming an edge or border.
Edgy adj. (-ier, -iest) irritable; anxious. edgily adv. Edginess n.
Edible adj. Fit to be eaten. edibility n. [latin edo eat]
Edict n. Order proclaimed by authority. [latin edico proclaim]
Edifice n. Building, esp. An imposing one. [latin aedis dwelling]
Edify v. (-ies, -ied) improve morally or intellectually. edification n. [latin aedifico build]
Edit v. (-t-) 1 assemble, prepare, or modify (written material for publication). 2 be editor of (a newspaper etc.). 3 take extracts from and collate (a film etc.) To form a unified sequence. 4 a prepare (data) for processing by a computer. B alter (a text entered in a word processor etc.). 5 a reword in order to correct, or to alter the emphasis. B (foll. By out) remove (a part) from a text etc. [latin edo edit-give out]
Edition n. 1 edited or published form of a book etc. 2 copies of a book, newspaper, etc. Issued at one time. 3 instance of a regular broadcast. 4 person or thing similar to another (a miniature edition of her mother).
Editor n. 1 person who edits. 2 person who directs the preparation of a newspaper or broadcast news programme or a particular section of one (sports editor). 3 person who selects or commissions material for publication. 4 computer program for entering and modifying textual data. editorship n.
Editorial —adj. 1 of editing or editors. 2 written or approved by an editor. —n.
Article giving a newspaper’s views on a current topic. editorially adv.
Edp abbr. Electronic data processing.
Educate v. (-ting) 1 give intellectual, moral, and social instruction to. 2 provide
education for. educable adj. Educability n. Educative adj. Educator n. [latin educo -are rear]
Educated adj. 1 having had an (esp. Good) education. 2 resulting from this (educated accent). 3 based on experience or study (educated guess).
Education n. 1 systematic instruction. 2 particular kind of or stage in education (a classical education; further education). 3 development of character or mental powers. educational adj. Educationally adv.
Educationist n. (also educationalist) expert in educational methods.
Educe v. (-cing) literary bring out or develop from latency. eduction n. [latin educo -ere draw out]
Edwardian —adj. Of or characteristic of the reign of edward vii (1901–10). —n.
Person of this period.
-ee suffix forming nouns denoting: 1 person affected by the verbal action (employee; payee). 2 person concerned with or described as (absentee; refugee). 3 object of smaller size (bootee). [french -é in past part.]
Eec abbr. European economic community.
Usage ec is the more correct term.
Eeg abbr. Electroencephalogram.
Eel n. Snakelike fish. [old english]
-eer suffix forming: 1 nouns meaning ‘person concerned with’ (auctioneer). 2 verbs meaning ‘be concerned with’ (electioneer). [french -ier from latin -arius]
Eerie adj. (eerier, eeriest) gloomy and strange; weird (eerie silence). eerily adv. Eeriness n. [old english]
Ef-see *ex-1.
Efface v. (-cing) 1 rub or wipe out (a mark, recollection, etc.). 2 surpass, eclipse. 3 refl. (usu. As self-effacing adj.) Treat oneself as unimportant. effacement n. [french: related to *face]
Effect —n. 1 result or consequence of an action etc. 2 efficacy (had little effect). 3 impression produced on a spectator, hearer, etc. (lights gave a pretty effect; said it just for effect). 4 (in pl.) Property. 5 (in pl.) Lighting, sound, etc., giving realism to a play, film, etc. 6 physical phenomenon (doppler effect; greenhouse effect). —v. Bring about (a change, cure, etc.). bring (or carry) into effect accomplish. Give effect to make operative. In effect for practical purposes. Take effect become operative. To the effect that the gist being that. To that effect having that result or implication. With effect from coming into operation at (a stated time). [latin: related to *fact]
Usage effect should not be confused with affect which, as a verb, has more
meanings and is more common, but which does not exist as a noun.
Effective adj. 1 producing the intended result. 2 impressive, striking. 3 actual, existing. 4 operative. effectively adv. Effectiveness n.
Effeminate adj. (of a man) womanish in appearance or manner. effeminacy n. Effeminately adv. [latin femina woman]
Effervesce v. (-cing) 1 give off bubbles of gas. 2 be lively. effervescence n. Effervescent adj. [latin: related to *fervent]
Effete adj. Feeble, lanquid; effeminate. effeteness n. [latin]
Efficacious adj. Producing the desired effect. efficacy n. [latin efficax: related to *efficient]
Efficient adj. 1 productive with minimum waste or effort. 2 (of a person) capable; acting effectively. efficiency n. Efficiently adv. [latin facio make]
Effigy n. (pl. -ies) sculpture or model of a person. burn in effigy burn a model of a person. [latin effigies from fingo fashion]
Effloresce v. (-cing) 1 burst into flower. 2 a (of a substance) turn to a fine powder on exposure to air. B (of salts) come to the surface and crystallize. C (of a surface) become covered with salt particles. efflorescence n. Efflorescent adj. [latin flos flor- *flower]
Effluence n. 1 flowing out of light, electricity, etc. 2 that which flows out. [latin fluo flux-flow]
Effluent —adj. Flowing out. —n. 1 sewage or industrial waste discharged into a river etc. 2 stream or lake flowing from a larger body of water.
Effluvium n. (pl. -via) unpleasant or noxious outflow. [latin: related to *effluence]
Effort n. 1 use of physical or mental energy. 2 determined attempt. 3 force exerted. 4 colloq. Something accomplished. [latin fortis strong]
Effortless adj. Easily done, requiring no effort. effortlessly adv. Effortlessness n.
Effrontery n. (pl. -ies) impudent audacity. [latin frons front-forehead]
Effulgent adj. Literary radiant. effulgence n. [latin fulgeo shine]
Effuse v. (-sing) 1 pour forth (liquid, light, etc.). 2 give out (ideas etc.). [latin fundo fus-pour]
Effusion n. 1 outpouring. 2 derog. Unrestrained flow of words. [latin: related to *effuse]
Effusive adj. Gushing, demonstrative. effusively adv. Effusiveness n.
Efl abbr. English as a foreign language.
Eft n. Newt. [old english]
Efta n. (also efta) european free trade association. [abbreviation]
E.g. Abbr. For example. [latin exempli gratia]
Egalitarian —adj. Of or advocating equal rights for all. —n. Egalitarian person. egalitarianism n. [french égal *equal]
Egg1 n. 1 a body produced by females of birds, insects, etc. And capable of developing into a new individual. B egg of the domestic hen, used for food. 2 biol. Ovum. 3 colloq. Person or thing of a specified kind (good egg). with egg on one’s face colloq.
Egg2 v. (foll. By on) urge. [old norse: related to *edge]
Eggcup n. Cup for holding a boiled egg.
Eggcup n. Cup for holding a boiled egg.
Egg-flip n. (also egg-nog) drink of alcoholic spirit with beaten egg, milk, etc.
Egghead n. Colloq. Intellectual; expert.
Eggplant n. = *aubergine.
Eggshell —n. Shell of an egg. —adj. 1 (of china) thin and fragile. 2 (of paint) with a slight gloss.
Egg-white n. White part round the yolk of an egg.
Eglantine n. Sweetbrier. [latin acus needle]
Ego n. (pl. -s) 1 the self; the part of the mind that reacts to reality and has a sense of individuality. 2 self-esteem; self-conceit. [latin, = i]
Egocentric adj. Self-centred.
Egoism n. 1 self-interest as the moral basis of behaviour. 2 systematic selfishness. 3 = *egotism. egoist n. Egoistic adj. Egoistical adj. Egoistically adv.
Usage the senses of egoism and egotism overlap, but egoism alone is used as a term in philosophy and psychology to mean self-interest (often contrasted with altruism).
Egotism n. 1 self-conceit. 2 selfishness. egotist n. Egotistic adj. Egotistical adj.
Egotistically adv.
Usage see note at egoism.
Ego-trip n. Colloq. Activity to boost one’s own self-esteem or self-conceit.
Egress n. Formal 1 exit. 2 right of going out. [latin egredior -gress-walk out]
Egret n. A kind of heron with long white feathers. [french aigrette]
Egyptian —adj. Of egypt. —n. 1 native of egypt. 2 language of the ancient egyptians.
Egyptology n. The study of the language, history, and culture of ancient egypt.
egyptologist n.
Eh int. Colloq. 1 expressing enquiry or surprise. 2 inviting assent. 3 asking for
Eh int. Colloq. 1 expressing enquiry or surprise. 2 inviting assent. 3 asking for repetition or explanation. [instinctive exclamation]
Eider n. Any of various large northern ducks. [icelandic]
Eiderdown n. Quilt stuffed with soft material, esp. Down.
Eight adj. & n. 1 one more than seven. 2 symbol for this (8, viii, viii). 3 size etc. Denoted by eight. 4 eight-oared rowing-boat or its crew. 5 eight o’clock. [old english]
Eighteen adj. & n. 1 one more than seventeen. 2 symbol for this (18, xviii, xviii). 3 size etc. Denoted by eighteen. 4 (18) (of films) suitable only for persons of 18 years and over. eighteenth adj. & n. [old english]
Eightfold adj. & adv. 1 eight times as much or as many. 2 consisting of eight parts.
Eighth adj. & n. 1 next after seventh. 2 one of eight equal parts of a thing.
eighthly adv.
Eightsome n. (in full eightsome reel) lively scottish dance for eight people.
Eighty adj. & n. (pl. -ies) 1 eight times ten. 2 symbol for this (80, lxxx, lxxx). 3 (in pl.) Numbers from 80 to 89, esp. The years of a century or of a person’s life. eightieth adj. & n. [old english]
Einsteinium n. Artificial radioactive metallic element. [einstein, name of a physicist]
Eisteddfod n. Congress of welsh poets and musicians; festival for musical competitions etc. [welsh]
Either —adj. & pron. 1 one or the other of two (either of you can go; you may have either book). 2 each of two (houses on either side of the road). —adv. & conj. 1 as one possibility (is either right or wrong). 2 as one choice or alternative; which way you will (either come in or go out). 3 (with neg.) A any more than the other (if you do not go, i shall not either). B moreover (there is no time to lose, either). [old english]
Ejaculate v. (-ting) (also absol.) 1 exclaim. 2 emit (semen) in orgasm. ejaculation n. Ejaculatory adj. [latin ejaculor dart out]
Eject v. 1 expel, compel to leave. 2 (of a pilot etc.) Cause oneself to be propelled from an aircraft as an emergency measure. 3 cause to be removed, drop out, or pop up automatically from a gun, cassette-player, etc. 4 dispossess (a tenant). 5 emit, send out. ejection n. [latin ejicio eject-throw out]
Ejector n. Device for ejecting.
Ejector seat n. Device in an aircraft for the emergency ejection of a pilot etc.
Eke v. (eking) eke out 1 supplement (income etc.). 2 make (a living) or support
(an existence) with difficulty. [old english]
Elaborate —adj. 1 minutely worked out. 2 complicated. —v. (-ting) work out or explain in detail. elaborately adv. Elaborateness n. Elaboration n. [latin: related to *labour]
Élan n. Vivacity, dash. [french]
Eland n. (pl. Same or -s) large african antelope. [dutch]
Elastic —adj. 1 able to resume its normal bulk or shape after contraction, dilation, or distortion. 2 springy. 3 flexible, adaptable. —n. Elastic cord or fabric, usu. Woven with strips of rubber. elastically adv. Elasticity n. [greek elastikos propulsive]
Elasticated adj. (of fabric) made elastic by weaving with rubber thread.
Elastic band n. = *rubber band.
Elastomer n. Natural or synthetic rubber or rubber-like plastic. [from *elastic, after isomer]
Elate v. (-ting) (esp. As elated adj.) Make delighted or proud. elatedly adv. Elation n. [latin effero elat-raise]
Elbow —n. 1 a joint between the forearm and the upper arm. B part of a sleeve covering the elbow. 2 elbow-shaped bend etc. —v. (foll. By in, out, aside, etc.) 1 jostle or thrust (a person or oneself). 2 make (one’s way) thus. give a person the elbow colloq. Dismiss or reject a person. [old english: related to ell, bow1]
Elbow-grease n. Colloq. Vigorous polishing; hard work.
Elbow-room n. Sufficient room to move or work in.
Elder1 —attrib. Adj. (of persons, esp. When related) senior; of greater age. —n. 1 older of two persons (is my elder by ten years). 2 (in pl.) Persons of greater age or venerable because of age. 3 official in the early christian church and some modern churches. [old english: related to *old]
Elder2 n. Tree with white flowers and dark berries. [old english]
Elderberry n. (pl. -ies) berry of the elder tree.
Elderly adj. Rather old; past middle age.
Elder statesman n. Influential experienced older person, esp. A politician.
Eldest adj. First-born; oldest surviving.
Eldorado n. (pl. -s) 1 imaginary land of great wealth. 2 place of abundance or opportunity. [spanish el dorado the gilded]
Elecampane n. Plant with bitter aromatic leaves and roots. [latin enula this plant, campana of the fields]
Elect —v. (usu. Foll. By to + infin.) 1 choose. 2 choose by voting. —adj. 1 chosen. 2 select, choice. 3 (after the noun) chosen but not yet in office (president elect). [latin eligo elect-pick out]
Election n. 1 electing or being elected. 2 occasion of this.
Electioneer v. Take part in an election campaign.
Elective adj. 1 chosen by or derived from election. 2 (of a body) having the power to elect. 3 optional, not urgently necessary.
Elector n. 1 person who has the right to vote in an election. 2 (elector) hist. (in the holy roman empire) any of the german princes entitled to elect the emperor. electoral adj.
Electorate n. 1 body of all electors. 2 hist. Office or territories of a german
Electorate n. 1 body of all electors. 2 hist. Office or territories of a german elector.
Electric —adj. 1 of, worked by, or charged with electricity; producing or capable of generating electricity. 2 causing or charged with excitement. —n. (in pl.) Colloq. Electrical equipment. [greek elektron amber]
Electrical adj. Of electricity. electrically adv.
Electric blanket n. Blanket heated by an internal electric element.
Electric chair n. Electrified chair used for capital punishment.
Electric eel n. Eel-like fish able to give an electric shock.
Electric eye n. Colloq. Photoelectric cell operating a relay when a beam of light is broken.
Electric fire n. Electrically operated portable domestic heater.
Electric guitar n. Guitar with a solid body and built-in pick-up rather than a soundbox.
Electrician n. Person who installs or maintains electrical equipment for a living.
Electricity n. 1 form of energy occurring in elementary particles (electrons, protons, etc.) And hence in larger bodies containing them. 2 science of electricity. 3 supply of electricity. 4 excitement.
Electric shock n. Effect of a sudden discharge of electricity through the body of a person etc.
Electrify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 charge with electricity. 2 convert to the use of electric power. 3 cause sudden excitement (news was electrifying). electrification n.
Electro-comb. Form of, by, or caused by electricity.
Electrocardiogram n. Record traced by an electrocardiograph. [german: related to *electro-]
Electrocardiograph n. Instrument recording the electric currents generated by a heartbeat.
Electroconvulsive adj. (of therapy) using convulsive response to electric shocks.
Electrocute v. (-ting) kill by electric shock. electrocution n. [from *electro-, after execute]
Electrode n. Conductor through which electricity enters or leaves an electrolyte, gas, vacuum, etc. [from *electric, greek hodos way]
Electrodynamics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) The study of electricity in motion.
electrodynamic adj.
Electroencephalogram n. Record traced by an electroencephalograph. [german:
related to *electro-]
Electroencephalograph n. Instrument that records the electrical activity of the brain.
Electrolyse v. (us -yze) (-sing, us -zing) subject to or treat by electrolysis.
Electrolysis n. 1 chemical decomposition by electric action. 2 destruction of tumours, hair-roots, etc., by this process. electrolytic adj.
Electrolyte n. 1 solution able to conduct electricity, esp. In an electric cell or battery. 2 substance that can dissolve to produce this.
Electrolyze v. (brit. -yse) (-zing, brit. -sing) subject to or treat by electrolysis.
Electromagnet n. Soft metal core made into a magnet by passing an electric current through a coil surrounding it.
Electromagnetic adj. Having both electrical and magnetic properties.
electromagnetically adv.
Electromagnetism n. 1 magnetic forces produced by electricity. 2 the study of these.
Electromotive adj. Producing or tending to produce an electric current.
Electromotive force n. Force set up in an electric circuit by a difference in potential.
Electron n. Stable elementary particle with a charge of negative electricity, found in all atoms and acting as the primary carrier of electricity in solids.
Electronic adj. 1 a produced by or involving the flow of electrons. B of electrons or electronics. 2 (of music) produced by electronic means and usu. Recorded on tape. electronically adv.
Electronic mail n. The sending of messages by a computer system; such messages.
Electronics n.pl. (treated as sing.) Science of the movement of electrons in a vacuum, gas, semiconductor, etc., esp. In devices in which the flow is controlled and utilized.
Electronic tagging n. The attaching of electronic markers to people or goods, enabling them to be tracked down.
Electron lens n. Device for focusing a stream of electrons by means of electric or magnetic fields.
Electron microscope n. Microscope with high magnification and resolution, using electron beams instead of light.
Electronvolt n. A unit of energy, the amount gained by an electron when accelerated through a potential difference of one volt.
Electroplate —v. (-ting) coat with a thin layer of chromium, silver, etc., by electrolysis. —n. Electroplated articles.
Electroscope n. Instrument for detecting and measuring electricity, esp. As an indication of the ionization of air by radioactivity. electroscopic adj.
Electro-shock attrib. Adj. (of therapy) by means of electric shocks.
Electrostatics n.pl. (treated as sing.) The study of electricity at rest.
Electrotechnology n. Science of the application of electricity in technology.
Electrotherapy n. Treatment of diseases by use of electricity.
Elegant adj. 1 tasteful, refined, graceful. 2 ingeniously simple. elegance n. Elegantly adv. [latin: related to *elect]
Elegiac —adj. 1 used for elegies. 2 mournful. —n. (in pl.) Elegiac verses.
elegiacally adv.
Elegy n. (pl. -ies) 1 sorrowful poem or song, esp. For the dead. 2 poem in elegiac metre. [latin from greek]
Element n. 1 component part; contributing factor. 2 any of the substances that cannot be resolved by chemical means into simpler substances. 3 a any of the four substances (earth, water, air, and fire) in ancient and medieval philosophy. B a being’s natural abode or environment. 4 electr. Wire that heats up in an electric heater, kettle, etc. 5 (in pl.) Atmospheric agencies, esp. Wind and storm. 6 (in pl.) Rudiments of learning or of an art etc. 7 (in pl.) Bread and wine of the eucharist. in one’s element in one’s preferred situation, doing what one does well and enjoys. [french from latin]
Elemental adj. 1 of or like the elements or the forces of nature; powerful. 2 essential, basic.
Elementary adj. 1 dealing with the simplest facts of a subject. 2 unanalysable.
Elementary particle n. Physics subatomic particle, esp. One not known to consist of simpler ones.
Elephant n. (pl. Same or -s) largest living land animal, with a trunk and ivory tusks. [greek elephas]
Elephantiasis n. Skin disease causing gross enlargement of limbs etc.
Elephantine adj. 1 of elephants. 2 a huge. B clumsy.
Elevate v. (-ting) 1 raise, lift up. 2 exalt in rank etc. 3 (usu. As elevated adj.) Raise morally or intellectually. [latin levo lift]
Elevation n. 1 a elevating or being elevated. B angle with the horizontal. C height above sea level etc. D high position. 2 drawing or diagram showing one side of a building.
Elevator n. 1 us lift. 2 movable part of a tailplane for changing an aircraft’s altitude. 3 hoisting machine.
Eleven adj. & n. 1 one more than ten. 2 symbol for this (11, xi, xi). 3 size etc. Denoted by eleven. 4 team of eleven players at cricket, football, etc. 5 eleven o’clock. [old english]
Elevenfold adj. & adv. 1 eleven times as much or as many. 2 consisting of eleven parts.
Eleven-plus n. Esp. Hist. Examination taken at age 11–12 to determine the type of secondary school a child would enter.
Elevenses n. Colloq. Light refreshment taken at about 11 a.m.
Eleventh adj. & n. 1 next after tenth. 2 each of eleven equal parts of a thing.
eleventh hour last possible moment.
Elf n. (pl. Elves) mythological being, esp. One that is small and mischievous. elfish adj. Elvish adj. [old english]
Elfin adj. Of elves; elflike.
Elicit v. (-t-) draw out (facts, a response, etc.), esp. With difficulty. [latin elicio]
Elide v. (-ding) omit (a vowel or syllable) in pronunciation. [latin elido elis-crush out]
Eligible adj. 1 (often foll. By for) fit or entitled to be chosen (eligible for a rebate). 2 desirable or suitable, esp. For marriage. eligibility n. [latin: related to *elect]
Electroplate —v. (-ting) coat with a thin layer of chromium, silver, etc., by electrolysis. —n. Electroplated articles.
electrolysis. —n. Electroplated articles.
Electroscope n. Instrument for detecting and measuring electricity, esp. As an indication of the ionization of air by radioactivity. electroscopic adj.
Electro-shock attrib. Adj. (of therapy) by means of electric shocks.
Electrostatics n.pl. (treated as sing.) The study of electricity at rest.
Electrotechnology n. Science of the application of electricity in technology.
Electrotherapy n. Treatment of diseases by use of electricity.
Elegant adj. 1 tasteful, refined, graceful. 2 ingeniously simple. elegance n. Elegantly adv. [latin: related to *elect]
Elegiac —adj. 1 used for elegies. 2 mournful. —n. (in pl.) Elegiac verses.
elegiacally adv.
Elegy n. (pl. -ies) 1 sorrowful poem or song, esp. For the dead. 2 poem in elegiac metre. [latin from greek]
Element n. 1 component part; contributing factor. 2 any of the substances that
cannot be resolved by chemical means into simpler substances. 3 a any of the four substances (earth, water, air, and fire) in ancient and medieval philosophy. B a being’s natural abode or environment. 4 electr. Wire that heats up in an electric heater, kettle, etc. 5 (in pl.) Atmospheric agencies, esp. Wind and storm. 6 (in pl.) Rudiments of learning or of an art etc. 7 (in pl.) Bread and wine of the eucharist. in one’s element in one’s preferred situation, doing what one does well and enjoys. [french from latin]
Elemental adj. 1 of or like the elements or the forces of nature; powerful. 2 essential, basic.
Elementary adj. 1 dealing with the simplest facts of a subject. 2 unanalysable.
Elementary particle n. Physics subatomic particle, esp. One not known to consist of simpler ones.
Elephant n. (pl. Same or -s) largest living land animal, with a trunk and ivory tusks. [greek elephas]
Elephantiasis n. Skin disease causing gross enlargement of limbs etc.
Elephantine adj. 1 of elephants. 2 a huge. B clumsy.
Elevate v. (-ting) 1 raise, lift up. 2 exalt in rank etc. 3 (usu. As elevated adj.) Raise morally or intellectually. [latin levo lift]
Elevation n. 1 a elevating or being elevated. B angle with the horizontal. C height above sea level etc. D high position. 2 drawing or diagram showing one side of a building.
Elevator n. 1 us lift. 2 movable part of a tailplane for changing an aircraft’s altitude. 3 hoisting machine.
Eleven adj. & n. 1 one more than ten. 2 symbol for this (11, xi, xi). 3 size etc. Denoted by eleven. 4 team of eleven players at cricket, football, etc. 5 eleven o’clock. [old english]
Elevenfold adj. & adv. 1 eleven times as much or as many. 2 consisting of eleven parts.
Eleven-plus n. Esp. Hist. Examination taken at age 11–12 to determine the type of secondary school a child would enter.
Elevenses n. Colloq. Light refreshment taken at about 11 a.m.
Eleventh adj. & n. 1 next after tenth. 2 each of eleven equal parts of a thing.
eleventh hour last possible moment.
Elf n. (pl. Elves) mythological being, esp. One that is small and mischievous. elfish adj. Elvish adj. [old english]
Elfin adj. Of elves; elflike.
Elicit v. (-t-) draw out (facts, a response, etc.), esp. With difficulty. [latin elicio]
Elide v. (-ding) omit (a vowel or syllable) in pronunciation. [latin elido elis-crush out]
Eligible adj. 1 (often foll. By for) fit or entitled to be chosen (eligible for a rebate). 2 desirable or suitable, esp. For marriage. eligibility n. [latin: related to *elect]
Eliminate v. (-ting) 1 remove, get rid of. 2 exclude from consideration. 3 exclude from a further stage of a competition through defeat etc. elimination n. Eliminator n. [latin limen limin-threshold] (-ting) 1 remove, get rid of. 2 exclude from consideration. 3 exclude from a further stage of a competition through defeat etc. elimination n. Eliminator n. [latin limen limin-threshold]
Elision n. Omission of a vowel or syllable in pronunciation (e.g. In we’ll). [latin:
related to *elide]
Élite n. 1 (prec. By the) the best (of a group). 2 select group or class. 3 a size of letters in typewriting (12 per inch). [french: related to *elect]
Élitism n. Recourse to or advocacy of leadership or dominance by a select group.
élitist n. & adj.
Elixir n. 1 a alchemist’s preparation supposedly able to change metals into gold
or (in full elixir of life) to prolong life indefinitely. B remedy for all ills. 2
or (in full elixir of life) to prolong life indefinitely. B remedy for all ills. 2 aromatic medicinal drug. [latin from arabic]
Elizabethan —adj. Of the time of queen elizabeth i or ii. —n. Person of this time.
Elk n. (pl. Same or -s) large deer of northern parts of europe, n. America, and asia. [old english]
Ell n. Hist. Measure = 45 in. [old english, = forearm]
Ellipse n. Regular oval, resulting when a cone is cut obliquely by a plane. [greek elleipsis deficit]
Ellipsis n. (pl. Ellipses) 1 omission of words needed to complete a construction or sense. 2 set of three dots etc. Indicating omission.
Ellipsoid n. Solid of which all the plane sections through one axis are circles and all the other plane sections are ellipses.
Elliptic adj. (also elliptical) of or in the form of an ellipse. elliptically adv.
Elm n. 1 tree with rough serrated leaves. 2 its wood. [old english]
Elocution n. Art of clear and expressive speech. [latin loquor speak]
Elongate v. (-ting) lengthen, extend. elongation n. [latin longus long]
Elope v. (-ping) run away to marry secretly. elopement n. [anglo-french]
Eloquence n. Fluent and effective use of language. [latin loquor speak]
Eloquent adj. 1 having eloquence. 2 (often foll. By of) expressive. eloquently adv.
Else adv. 1 (prec. By indefinite or interrog. Pron.) Besides (someone else; nowhere else; who else?). 2 instead (what else could i say?). 3 otherwise; if not (run, (or) else you will be late). or else see *or1. [old english]
Elsewhere adv. In or to some other place.
Elucidate v. (-ting) throw light on; explain. elucidation n. Elucidatory adj. [latin:
related to *lucid]
Elude v. (-ding) 1 escape adroitly from (danger, pursuit, etc.). 2 avoid compliance with (a law etc.) Or fulfilment of (an obligation). 3 baffle (a person or memory etc.). elusion n. [latin ludo play]
Elusive adj. 1 difficult to find or catch. 2 difficult to remember. 3 avoiding the point raised. elusiveness n.
Elver n. Young eel. [from *eel, *fare]
Elves pl. Of *elf.
Elvish see *elf.
Elysium n. 1 (also elysian fields) (in greek mythology) abode of the blessed after death. 2 place of ideal happiness. elysian adj. [latin from greek]
Em n. Printing unit of measurement equal to the width of an m. [name of the letter m]
Em-1 ,2 see *en-1,2.
‘Em pron. Colloq. Them.
Emaciate v. (-ting) (esp. As emaciated adj.) Make abnormally thin or feeble. emaciation n. [latin macies leanness]
Email n. (also e-mail) = *electronic mail.
Emanate v. (-ting) (usu. Foll. By from) issue or originate (from a source). emanation n. [latin mano flow]
Emancipate v. (-ting) 1 free from social or political restraint. 2 (usu. As emancipated adj.) Free from the inhibitions of moral or social conventions. 3 free from slavery. emancipation n. Emancipatory adj. [latin, = free from possession, from manus hand, capio take]
Emasculate —v. (-ting) 1 deprive of force or vigour. 2 castrate. —adj. 1 deprived of force. 2 castrated. 3 effeminate. emasculation n. [latin: related to *male]
Embalm v. 1 preserve (a corpse) from decay. 2 preserve from oblivion. 3 make fragrant. embalmment n. [french: related to *balm]
Embankment n. Bank constructed to keep back water or carry a road, railway, etc.
Embargo —n. (pl. -es) 1 order forbidding foreign ships to enter, or any ships to leave, a country’s ports. 2 official suspension of an activity. —v. (-es, -ed) place under embargo. [spanish: related to *bar1]
Embark v. 1 (often foll. By for) put or go on board a ship or aircraft (to a destination). 2 (foll. By on, in) begin an enterprise. embarkation n. (in sense 1). [french: related to *barque]
Embarrass v. 1 make (a person) feel awkward or ashamed. 2 (as embarrassed
adj.) Encumbered with debts. 3 encumber. embarrassment n. [italian imbarrare bar in]
Embassy n. (pl. -ies) 1 a residence or offices of an ambassador. B ambassador and staff. 2 deputation to a foreign government. [french: related to *ambassador]
Embattled adj. 1 prepared or arrayed for battle. 2 fortified with battlements. 3 under heavy attack or in trying circumstances.
Embed v. (also imbed) (-dd-) (esp. As embedded adj.) Fix firmly in a surrounding mass.
Embellish v. 1 beautify, adorn. 2 enhance with fictitious additions. embellishment n. [french bel, *beau]
Ember n. (usu. In pl.) Small piece of glowing coal etc. In a dying fire. [old english]
Ember days n.pl. Days of fasting and prayer in the christian church, associated with ordinations. [old english]
Embezzle v. (-ling) divert (money etc.) Fraudulently to one’s own use. embezzlement n. Embezzler n. [anglo-french]
Embitter v. Arouse bitter feelings in. embitterment n.
Emblazon v. 1 portray or adorn conspicuously. 2 adorn (a heraldic shield).
emblazonment n.
Emblem n. 1 symbol. 2 (foll. By of) type, embodiment (the very emblem of courage). 3 heraldic or representative device. emblematic adj. [greek, = insertion]
Embody v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make (an idea etc.) Actual or discernible. 2 (of a thing) be a tangible expression of. 3 include, comprise. embodiment n.
Embolden v. Make bold; encourage.
Embolism n. Obstruction of an artery by a clot, air-bubble, etc. [latin from greek]
Embolus n. (pl. -li) object causing an embolism.
Emboss v. Carve or decorate with a design in relief. embossment n. [related to *boss2]
Embouchure n. Way of applying the mouth to the mouthpiece of a musical instrument. [french: related to *en-1, bouche mouth]
Embrace —v. (-cing) 1 a hold closely in the arms. B (absol., of two people)
Embrace —v. (-cing) 1 a hold closely in the arms. B (absol., of two people) embrace each other. 2 clasp, enclose. 3 accept eagerly (an offer etc.). 4 adopt (a cause, idea, etc.). 5 include, comprise. 6 take in with the eye or mind. —n. Act of embracing, clasp. embraceable adj. [latin: related to *brace]
Embrasure n. 1 bevelling of a wall at the sides of a window etc. 2 opening in a parapet for a gun etc. embrasured adj. [french embraser splay]
Embrocation n. Liquid for rubbing on the body to relieve muscular pain. [greek embrokhe lotion]
Embroider v. 1 decorate (cloth etc.) With needlework. 2 embellish (a narrative). embroiderer n. [anglo-french from germanic]
Embroidery n. (pl. -ies) 1 art of embroidering. 2 embroidered work. 3 inessential ornament. 4 fictitious additions (to a story etc.).
Embroil v. (often foll. By with) involve (a person etc.) In a conflict or difficulties. embroilment n. [french brouiller mix]
Embryo n. (pl. -s) 1 a unborn or unhatched offspring. B human offspring in the first eight weeks from conception. 2 rudimentary plant in a seed. 3 thing in a rudimentary stage. 4 (attrib.) Undeveloped, immature. in embryo undeveloped. embryonic adj. [greek bruo grow]
Embryology n. The study of embryos.
Emend v. Edit (a text etc.) To make corrections. emendation n. [latin menda fault]
Emerald green adj. & n. (as adj. Often hyphenated) bright green.
Emerald isle n. Ireland.
Emerge v. (-ging) 1 come up or out into view. 2 (of facts etc.) Become known, be revealed. 3 become recognized or prominent. 4 (of a question, difficulty, etc.) Become apparent. emergence n. Emergent adj. [latin: related to *merge]
Emergency n. (pl. -ies) 1 sudden state of danger etc., requiring immediate action. 2 a condition requiring immediate treatment. B patient with this. 3 (attrib.) For use in an emergency. [medieval latin: related to *emerge]
Emeritus adj. Retired but retaining one’s title as an honour (emeritus professor). [latin mereor earn]
Emery n. Coarse corundum for polishing metal etc. [greek smeris polishing powder]
Emigrant —n. Person who emigrates. —adj. Emigrating.
Emigrate v. (-ting) leave one’s own country to settle in another. emigration n. [latin: related to *migrate]
Émigré n. Emigrant, esp. A political exile. [french]
Eminence n. 1 distinction; recognized superiority. 2 piece of rising ground. 3 title used in addressing or referring to a cardinal (your eminence; his eminence). [latin: related to *eminent]
Éminence grise n. (pl. Éminences grises pronunc. Same) person who exercises power or influence without holding office. [french, = grey cardinal (orig. Of richelieu’s secretary)]
Eminent adj. Distinguished, notable, outstanding. [latin emineo jut out]
Emir n. (also amir) title of various muslim rulers. [french from arabic ‘amir]
Emirate n. Rank, domain, or reign of an emir.
Emissary n. (pl. -ies) person sent on a diplomatic mission. [latin: related to *emit]
Emit v. (-tt-) give or send out (heat, light, a smell, sound, etc.); discharge. emission n. [latin emitto emiss-]
Emollient —adj. That softens or soothes the skin, feelings, etc. —n. Emollient substance. [latin mollis soft]
Emolument n. Fee from employment, salary. [latin]
Emote v. (-ting) show excessive emotion.
Emotion n. 1 strong instinctive feeling such as love or fear. 2 emotional intensity or sensibility (spoke with emotion). [french: related to *motion]
Emotional adj. 1 of or expressing emotions. 2 especially liable to emotion. 3 arousing emotion. emotionalism n. Emotionally adv.
Usage see note at emotive.
Emotive adj. 1 arousing emotion. 2 of emotion. [latin: related to *motion]
Usage although the senses of emotive and emotional overlap, emotive is more common in the sense ‘arousing emotion’, as in an emotive issue, and is not used at all in sense 2 of emotional.
Empanel v. (also impanel) (-ll-; us -l-) enter (a jury) on a panel.
Empathize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) (usu. Foll. By with) exercise empathy.
Empathy n. Ability to identify with a person or object. empathetic adj. [as *pathos]
Emperor n. Sovereign of an empire. [latin impero command]
Emperor penguin n. Largest known penguin.
Emphasis n. (pl. Emphases) 1 importance or prominence attached to a thing (emphasis on economy). 2 stress laid on a word or syllable to make the meaning clear or show importance. 3 vigour or intensity of expression, feeling, etc. [latin from greek]
Emphasize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) put emphasis on, stress.
Emphatic adj. 1 forcibly expressive. 2 of words: a bearing the stress. B used to give emphasis. emphatically adv.
Emphysema n. Disease of the lungs causing breathlessness. [greek emphusao puff up]
Empire n. 1 large group of states or countries under a single authority. 2 supreme dominion. 3 large commercial organization etc. Owned or directed by one person. 4 (the empire) hist. The british empire. [latin imperium dominion]
Empire-building n. Purposeful accumulation of territory, authority, etc.
Empirical adj. (also empiric) based on observation, experience, or experiment, not on theory. empirically adv. Empiricism n. Empiricist n. [greek empeiria experience]
Emplacement n. 1 putting in position. 2 platform for guns. [french: related to *place]
Employ —v. 1 use the services of (a person) in return for payment. 2 use (a thing, time, energy, etc.) To good effect. 3 keep (a person) occupied. —n. (in phr. In the employ of) employed by. employable adj. Employer n. [latin implicor be involved]
Employee n. Person employed for wages.
Employment n. 1 employing or being employed. 2 person’s trade or profession.
Employment office n. (formerly employment exchange) state-run employment agency.
Emporium n. (pl. -s or -ria) 1 large shop or store. 2 centre of commerce, market. [greek emporos merchant]
Empower v. Give authority to.
Empress n. 1 wife or widow of an emperor. 2 woman emperor. [french: related to *emperor]
Empty —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 containing nothing. 2 (of a house etc.) Unoccupied or unfurnished. 3 (of a vehicle etc.) Without passengers etc. 4 a hollow, insincere (empty threats). B without purpose (an empty existence). C vacuous (an empty head). 5 colloq. Hungry. —v. (-ies, -ied) 1 remove the contents of. 2 (often foll. By into) transfer (contents). 3 become empty. 4 (of a river) discharge itself. —n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Empty bottle etc. emptiness n. [old english]
Empty-handed adj. (usu. Predic.) 1 bringing or taking nothing. 2 having achieved nothing.
Empty-headed adj. Foolish; lacking sense.
Empyrean —n. The highest heaven, as the sphere of fire or abode of god. —adj. Of the empyrean. empyreal adj. [greek pur fire]
Ems abbr. European monetary system.
Emu abbr. Economic and monetary union; european monetary union.
Emu n. (pl. -s) large flightless australian bird. [portuguese]
Emulate v. (-ting) 1 try to equal or excel. 2 imitate. emulation n. Emulative adj. Emulator n. [latin aemulus rival]
Emulsify v. (-ies, -ied) convert into an emulsion. emulsification n. Emulsifier n.
Emulsion n. 1 fine dispersion of one liquid in another, esp. As paint, medicine, etc. 2 mixture of a silver compound in gelatin etc. For coating photographic plateor film. 3 emulsion paint. [latin mulgeo milk]
Emulsion paint n. Water-thinned paint.
En n. Printing unit of measurement equal to half an em. [name of the letter n]
En-1 prefix (also em-before b, p) forming verbs, = *in-2: 1 from nouns, meaning ‘put into or on’ (engulf; entrust; embed). 2 from nouns or adjectives, meaning ‘bring into the condition of’ (enslave); often with the suffix -en (enlighten). 3 from verbs: a in the sense ‘in, into, on’ (enfold). B as an intensifier (entangle). [french en-, latin in-]
-en suffix forming verbs: 1 from adjectives, usu. Meaning ‘make or become so or more so’ (deepen; moisten). 2 from nouns (happen; strengthen). [old english]
Enable v. (-ling) 1 (foll. By to + infin.) Give (a person etc.) The means or authority. 2 make possible. 3 esp. Computing make (a device) operational; switch on.
Enact v. 1 a ordain, decree. B make (a bill etc.) Law. 2 play (a part on stage or in life). enactive adj.
Enactment n. 1 law enacted. 2 process of enacting.
Enamel —n. 1 glasslike opaque ornamental or preservative coating on metal etc. 2 a smooth hard coating. B a kind of hard gloss paint. C cosmetic simulating this, esp. Nail varnish. 3 hard coating of a tooth. 4 painting done in enamel. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) inlay, coat, or portray with enamel.
Enamor v. (brit. Enamour) (usu. In passive; foll. By of) inspire with love or delight. [french amour love]
Enamour v. (us enamor) (usu. In passive; foll. By of) inspire with love or delight. [french amour love]
En bloc adv. In a block; all at the same time. [french]
Encamp v. Settle in a (esp. Military) camp. encampment n.
Encapsulate v. (-ting) 1 enclose in or as in a capsule. 2 express briefly, summarize. encapsulation n. [related to *capsule]
Encase v. (-sing) enclose in or as in a case. encasement n.
Encaustic —adj. (of painting etc.) Using pigments mixed with hot wax, which are burned in as an inlay. —n. 1 art of encaustic painting. 2 product of this. [greek: related to *caustic]
-ence suffix forming nouns expressing: 1 a quality or state or an instance of this (patience; an impertinence). 2 an action (reference). [french -ence, latin -erie]
Encephalitis n. Inflammation of the brain. [greek egkephalos brain]
Enchanter n. (fem. Enchantress) person who enchants, esp. By using magic.
Encircle v. (-ling) 1 surround. 2 form a circle round. encirclement n.
Enclave n. Territory of one state surrounded by that of another. [latin clavis key]
Enclose v. (-sing) 1 a surround with a wall, fence, etc. B shut in. 2 put in a receptacle (esp. In an envelope with a letter). 3 (usu. As enclosed adj.) Seclude (a religious community) from the outside world. [latin: related to *include]
Enclosure n. 1 act of enclosing. 2 enclosed space or area, esp. At a sporting event. 3 thing enclosed with a letter. [french: related to *enclose]
Encode v. (-ding) put into code.
Encomium n. (pl. -s) formal or high-flown praise. [greek komos revelry]
Encompass v. 1 contain; include. 2 surround.
Encore —n. 1 audience’s demand for the repetition of an item, or for a further item. 2 such an item. —v. (-ring) 1 call for the repetition of (an item). 2 call back (a performer) for this. —int. Again, once more. [french, = once again]
Encounter —v. 1 meet unexpectedly. 2 meet as an adversary. —n. Meeting by chance or in conflict. [latin contra against]
Encourage v. (-ging) 1 give courage or confidence to. 2 urge. 3 promote. encouragement n. [french: related to *en-1]
Encroach v. 1 (foll. By on, upon) intrude on another’s territory etc. 2 advance gradually beyond due limits. encroachment n. [french croc *crook]
Encrust v. 1 cover with or form a crust. 2 coat with a hard casing or deposit, sometimes for decoration. [french: related to *en-1]
Encumber v. 1 be a burden to. 2 hamper. [french from romanic]
Encumbrance n. 1 burden. 2 impediment.
-ency suffix forming nouns denoting quality or state (efficiency; fluency; presidency). [latin -entia]
Encyclical —adj. For wide circulation. —n. Papal encyclical letter. [greek:
related to *cycle]
Encyclopedia n. (also -paedia) book, often in a number of volumes, giving information on many subjects, or on many aspects of one subject. [greek egkuklios all-round, paideia education]
Encyclopedic adj. (also -paedic) (of knowledge or information) comprehensive.
End —n. 1 a extreme limit. B extremity (to the ends of the earth). 2 extreme part or surface of a thing (strip of wood with a nail in one end). 3 a finish (no end to his misery). B latter part. C death, destruction (met an untimely end). D result. 4 goal (will do anything to achieve his ends). 5 remnant (cigarette-end). 6 (prec.
Endanger v. Place in danger.
Endangered species n. Species in danger of extinction.
Endear v. (usu. Foll. By to) make dear. endearing adj.
Endearment n. 1 an expression of affection. 2 liking, affection.
Endeavor (brit. Endeavour) —v. (foll. By to + infin.) Try earnestly. —n. Earnest attempt. [from *en-1, french devoir owe]
Endeavour (us endeavor) —v. (foll. By to + infin.) Try earnestly. —n. Earnest attempt. [from *en-1, french devoir owe]
Endemic adj. (often foll. By to) regularly or only found among a particular people or in a particular region. endemically adv. [greek en-in, demos the people]
Ending n. 1 end or final part, esp. Of a story. 2 inflected final part of a word.
Endive n. Curly-leaved plant used in salads. [greek entubon]
Endless adj. 1 infinite; without end. 2 continual (endless complaints). 3 colloq. Innumerable. 4 (of a belt, chain, etc.) Having the ends joined for continuous action over wheels etc. endlessly adv. [old english: related to *end]
Endmost adj. Nearest the end.
Endo-comb. Form internal. [greek endon within]
Endocrine adj. (of a gland) secreting directly into the blood. [greek krino sift]
Endogenous adj. Growing or originating from within.
Endometrium n. Membrane lining the womb. [greek metra womb]
Endomorph n. Person with a soft round body. [greek morphe form]
Endorse v. (also indorse) (-sing) 1 approve. 2 sign or write on (a document), esp. Sign the back of (a cheque). 3 enter details of a conviction for an offence on (a driving-licence). endorsement n. [latin dorsum back]
Endoscope n. Instrument for viewing internal parts of the body.
Endow v. 1 bequeath or give a permanent income to (a person, institution, etc.). 2 (esp. As endowed adj.) Provide with talent, ability, etc. [anglo-french: related to *dower]
Endowment n. 1 endowing. 2 endowed income. 3 (attrib.) Denoting forms of life insurance with payment of a fixed sum on a specified date, or on the death of the insured person if earlier.
Endowment mortgage n. Mortgage linked to endowment insurance.
Endpaper n. Either of the blank leaves of paper at the beginning and end of a book.
End-product n. Final product of manufacture etc.
Endue v. (also indue) (-dues, -dued, -duing) (foll. By with) provide (a person) with (qualities etc.). [latin induo put on clothes]
Endurance n. 1 power of enduring. 2 ability to withstand prolonged strain. [french: related to *endure]
Endure v. (-ring) 1 undergo (a difficulty etc.). 2 tolerate. 3 last. endurable adj. [latin durus hard]
Endways adv. (also endwise) 1 with end uppermost or foremost. 2 end to end.
Enema n. 1 introduction of fluid etc. Into the rectum, esp. To flush out its contents. 2 fluid etc. Used for this. [greek hiemi send]
Enemy n. (pl. -ies) 1 person actively hostile to another. 2 a (often attrib.) Hostile nation or army. B member of this. 3 adversary or opponent (enemy of progress). [latin: related to *in-2, amicus friend]
Energetic adj. Full of energy, vigorous. energetically adv. [greek: related to *energy]
Energize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 give energy to. 2 provide (a device) with energy for operation.
Energy n. (pl. -ies) 1 capacity for activity, force, vigour. 2 capacity of matter or radiation to do work. [greek ergon work]
Enervate v. (-ting) deprive of vigour or vitality. enervation n. [latin: related to *nerve]
En famille adv. In or with one’s family. [french, = in family]
Enfant terrible n. (pl. Enfants terribles pronunc. Same) indiscreet or unruly person. [french, = terrible child]
Enfeeble v. (-ling) make feeble. enfeeblement n.
Enfilade —n. Gunfire directed along a line from end to end. —v. (-ding) direct an enfilade at. [french: related to *file1]
Enfold v. 1 (usu. Foll. By in, with) wrap; envelop. 2 clasp, embrace.
Enforce v. (-cing) 1 compel observance of (a law etc.). 2 (foll. By on) impose (an action or one’s will, etc.) On. enforceable adj. Enforcement n. Enforcer n. [latin: related to *force1]
Enfranchise v. (-sing) 1 give (a person) the right to vote. 2 give (a town) municipal rights, esp. Representation in parliament. 3 hist. Free (a slave etc.). enfranchisement n. [french: related to *frank]
Engage v. (-ging) 1 employ or hire (a person). 2 a (usu. In passive) occupy (are you engaged tomorrow?). B hold fast (a person’s attention). 3 (usu. In passive) bind by a promise, esp. Of marriage. 4 arrange beforehand to occupy (a room, seat, etc.). 5 a interlock (parts of a gear etc.). B (of a gear etc.) Become interlocked. 6 a come into battle with. B bring (troops) into battle with. C come into battle with (an enemy etc.). 7 take part (engage in politics). 8 (foll. By that + clause or to + infin.) Undertake. [french: related to *gage1]
Engaged adj. 1 pledged to marry. 2 (of a person) occupied, busy. 3 (of a telephone line, toilet, etc.) In use.
Engagement n. 1 engaging or being engaged. 2 appointment with another person.
Engender v. Give rise to; produce (a feeling etc.). [related to *genus]
Engine n. 1 mechanical contrivance of parts working together, esp. As a source of power (steam engine). 2 a railway locomotive. B = *fire-engine. [latin ingenium device]
Engineer —n. 1 person skilled in a branch of engineering. 2 person who makes or is in charge of engines etc. (ship’s engineer). 3 person who designs and constructs military works; soldier so trained. 4 contriver. —v. 1 contrive, bring about. 2 act as an engineer. 3 construct or manage as an engineer. [medieval
latin: related to *engine]
Engineering n. Application of science to the design, building, and use of machines etc. (civil engineering).
English —adj. Of england or its people or language. —n. 1 language of england, now used in the uk, us, and most commonwealth countries. 2 (prec. By the; treated as pl.) The people of england. [old english]
Englishman n. (fem. Englishwoman) person who is english by birth or descent.
Engraft v. (also ingraft) 1 bot. (usu. Foll. By into, on) graft. 2 implant. 3 (usu.
Foll. By into) incorporate.
Engrave v. (-ving) 1 (often foll. By on) carve (a text or design) on a hard surface. 2 inscribe (a surface) thus. 3 (often foll. By on) impress deeply (on a person’s memory). engraver n. [from *grave3]
Engraving n. Print made from an engraved plate.
Engross v. 1 absorb the attention of; occupy fully. 2 write out in larger letters or in legal form. engrossment n. [anglo-french: related to *en-1]
Engulf v. Flow over and swamp; overwhelm. engulfment n.
Enhance v. (-cing) intensify (qualities, powers, etc.); improve (something already good). enhancement n. [anglo-french from latin altus high]
Enigma n. 1 puzzling thing or person. 2 riddle or paradox. enigmatic adj. Enigmatically adv. [latin from greek]
Enjoin v. 1 command or order. 2 (often foll. By on) impose (an action). 3 (usu. Foll. By from) law prohibit by injunction (from doing a thing). [latin injungo attach]
Enjoy v. 1 take pleasure in. 2 have the use or benefit of. 3 experience (enjoy good health). enjoy oneself experience pleasure. enjoyment n. [french]
Enjoyable adj. Pleasant. enjoyably adv.
Enkephalin n. Either of two morphine-like peptides in the brain thought to control levels of pain. [greek egkephalos brain]
Enkindle v. (-ling) cause to flare up, arouse.
Enlarge v. (-ging) 1 make or become larger or wider. 2 (often foll. By on, upon) describe in greater detail. 3 reproduce a photograph on a larger scale. enlargement n. [french: related to *large]
Enlarger n. Apparatus for enlarging photographs.
Enlighten v. 1 (often foll. By on) inform (about a subject). 2 (as enlightened adj.) Progressive.
Enlightenment n. 1 enlightening or being enlightened. 2 (the enlightenment) 18th-c. Philosophy of reason and individualism.
Enlist v. 1 enrol in the armed services. 2 secure as a means of help or support.
enlistment n.
Enliven v. Make lively or cheerful; brighten (a picture etc.); inspirit. enlivenment n.
En masse adv. All together. [french]
Enmesh v. Entangle in or as in a net.
Enmity n. (pl. -ies) 1 state of being an enemy. 2 hostility. [romanic: related to *enemy]
Ennoble v. (-ling) 1 make noble. 2 make (a person) a noble. ennoblement n. [french: related to *en-1]
Ennui n. Mental weariness from idleness or lack of interest; boredom. [french:
related to *annoy]
Enormity n. (pl. -ies) 1 monstrous wickedness; monstrous crime. 2 serious error. 3 great size. [latin enormitas]
Usage sense 3 is commonly found, but is regarded as incorrect by some people.
Enormous adj. Extremely large. enormously adv. [latin enormis: related to *norm]
Enough —adj. As much or as many as required (enough apples). —n. Sufficient amount or quantity (we have enough). —adv. 1 adequately (warm enough). 2 fairly (sings well enough). 3 quite (you know well enough what i mean). have had enough of want no more of; be satiated with or tired of. Sure enough as expected. [old english]
En passant adv. In passing; casually (mentioned it en passant). [french, = in passing]
Enprint n. Standard-sized photograph. [enlarged print]
Enquire v. (-ring) 1 seek information; ask; ask a question. 2 = *inquire. 3 (foll. By after, for) ask about (a person, a person’s health, etc.). enquirer n. [latin quaero quaesit-seek]
Enquiry n. (pl. -ies) 1 act of asking or seeking information. 2 = *inquiry.
Enrage v. (-ging) make furious. [french: related to *en-1]
Enrapture v. (-ring) delight intensely.
Enrich v. 1 make rich or richer. 2 make more nutritive. 3 increase the strength, wealth, value, or contents of. enrichment n. [french: related to *en-1]
Enrol v. (us enroll) (-ll-) 1 enlist. 2 a write the name of (a person) on a list. B incorporate as a member. C enrol oneself, esp. For a course of study. enrolment n. [french: related to *en-1]
Enroll v. (brit. Enrol) (-ll-) 1 enlist. 2 a write the name of (a person) on a list. B incorporate as a member. C enrol oneself, esp. For a course of study. enrolment n. [french: related to *en-1]
En route adv. On the way. [french]
Ensconce v. (-cing) (usu. Refl. Or in passive) establish or settle comfortably. [from sconce small fortification]
Ensemble n. 1 a thing viewed as the sum of its parts. B general effect of this. 2 set of clothes worn together. 3 group of performers working together. 4 mus. Concerted passage for an ensemble. [latin simul at the same time]
Enshrine v. (-ning) 1 enclose in a shrine. 2 protect, make inviolable.
enshrinement n.
Enshroud v. Literary 1 cover with or as with a shroud. 2 obscure.
Ensign n. 1 banner or flag, esp. The military or naval flag of a nation. 2 standard-bearer. 3 a hist. Lowest commissioned infantry officer. B us lowest commissioned naval officer. [french: related to *insignia]
Enslave v. (-ving) make (a person) a slave. enslavement n.
Ensnare v. (-ring) catch in or as in a snare. ensnarement n.
Ensue v. (-sues, -sued, -suing) happen later or as a result. [latin sequor follow]
En suite —adv. Forming a single unit (bedroom with bathroom en suite). —adj. 1 forming a single unit (en suite bathroom). 2 with a bathroom attached (seven en suite bedrooms). [french, = in sequence]
Ensure v. (-ring) 1 make certain. 2 (usu. Foll. By against) make safe (ensure against risks). ensurer n. [anglo-french: related to *assure]
against risks). ensurer n. [anglo-french: related to *assure]
Ent abbr. Ear, nose, and throat.
-ent suffix 1 forming adjectives denoting attribution of an action (consequent) or state (existent). 2 forming agent nouns (president). [latin -ent-present participial stem of verbs]
Entablature n. Upper part of a classical building supported by columns including an architrave, frieze, and cornice. [italian: related to *table]
Entail —v. 1 necessitate or involve unavoidably (entails much effort). 2 law bequeath (an estate) to a specified line of beneficiaries so that it cannot be sold or given away. —n. Law 1 entailed estate. 2 succession to such an estate. [related to *tail2]
Entangle v. (-ling) 1 catch or hold fast in a snare, tangle, etc. 2 involve in difficulties. 3 complicate. entanglement n.
Entente n. Friendly understanding between states. [french]
Entente cordiale n. Entente, esp. Between britain and france from 1904.
Enter v. 1 go or come in or into. 2 come on stage (also as a direction: enter macbeth). 3 penetrate (bullet entered his arm). 4 write (name, details, etc.) In a
list, book, etc. 5 register, record the name of as a competitor (entered for the long jump). 6 a become a member of (a society or profession). B enrol in a school etc. 7 make known; present for consideration (enter a protest). 8 record formally (before a court of law etc.). 9 (foll. By into) a engage in (conversation etc.). B subscribe to; bind oneself by (an agreement, contract, etc.). C form part of (a calculation, plan, etc.). D sympathize with (feelings). 10 (foll. By on, upon) a begin; begin to deal with. B assume the functions of (an office) or possession of (property). [latin intra within]
Enteric adj. Of the intestines. enteritis n. [greek enteron intestine]
Entry n. (pl. -ies) 1 a going or coming in. B liberty to do this. 2 place of entrance; door, gate, etc. 3 passage between buildings. 4 a item entered in a diary, list, etc. B recording of this. 5 a person or thing competing in a race etc. B list of competitors. [romanic: related to *enter]
Entryphone n. Propr. Intercom at the entrance of a building or flat for callers to identify themselves.
Entwine v. (-ning) twine round, interweave.
Enumber n. E plus a number, the ec designation for food additives.
Enumerate v. (-ting) 1 specify (items). 2 count. enumeration n. Enumerative adj. [latin: related to *number]
Enumerator n. Person employed in census-taking.
Enunciate v. (-ting) 1 pronounce (words) clearly. 2 express in definite terms. enunciation n. [latin nuntio announce]
Enuresis n. Involuntary urination. [greek enoureo urinate in]
Envelop v. (-p-) 1 wrap up or cover completely. 2 completely surround. envelopment n. [french]
Envelope n. 1 folded paper container for a letter etc. 2 wrapper, covering. 3 gas container of a balloon or airship.
Enviable adj. Likely to excite envy, desirable. enviably adv.
Envious adj. Feeling or showing envy. enviously adv. [anglo-french: related to *envy]
Environment n. 1 surroundings, esp. As affecting lives. 2 circumstances of living. 3 computing overall structure within which a user, computer, or program operates. environmental adj. Environmentally adv. [french environ surroundings]
Environmentalist n. Person concerned with the protection of the natural environment. environmentalism n.
Environs n.pl. District round a town etc.
Envisage v. (-ging) 1 have a mental picture of (a thing not yet existing). 2 imagine as possible or desirable. [french: related to *visage]
Envoy n. 1 messenger or representative. 2 (in full envoy extraordinary) diplomatic agent ranking below ambassador. [french envoyer send, from latin via way]
Envy —n. (pl. -ies) 1 discontent aroused by another’s better fortune etc. 2 object of this feeling. —v. (-ies, -ied) feel envy of (a person etc.). [latin invidia, from video see]
Enwrap v. (-pp-) (often foll. By in) literary wrap, enfold.
Enzyme n. Protein catalyst of a specific biochemical reaction. [greek enzumos leavened]
Eocene geol. —adj. Of the second epoch of the tertiary period. —n. This epoch. [greek eos dawn, kainos new]
Eolian harp n. (brit. Aeolian) stringed instrument or toy sounding when the wind passes through it. [latin aeolus wind-god, from greek]
Eolithic adj. Of the period preceding the palaeolithic age. [greek eos dawn, lithos
stone]
Eon var. Of *aeon.
Ep abbr. Extended-play (gramophone record).
Epaulet n. (brit. Epaulette) ornamental shoulder-piece on a coat etc., esp. On a uniform. [french épaule shoulder]
Epaulette n. (us epaulet) ornamental shoulder-piece on a coat etc., esp. On a uniform. [french épaule shoulder]
Épée n. Sharp-pointed sword, used (with the end blunted) in fencing. [french:
related to *spathe]
Ephedrine n. Alkaloid drug used to relieve asthma, etc. [ephedra, genus of plants yielding it]
Ephemera n.pl. Things of only short-lived relevance. [latin: related to *ephemeral]
Ephemeral adj. Lasting or of use for only a short time; transitory. [greek: related to *epi-, hemera day]
Epi-prefix 1 upon. 2 above. 3 in addition. [greek]
Epic —n. 1 long poem narrating the adventures or deeds of one or more heroic or legendary figures. 2 book or film based on an epic narrative. —adj. 1 of or like an epic. 2 grand, heroic. [greek epos song]
Epicene —adj. 1 of, for, denoting, or used by both sexes. 2 having characteristics of both sexes or of neither sex. —n. Epicene person. [greek koinos common]
Epicenter n. (brit. Epicentre) 1 point at which an earthquake reaches the earth’s surface. 2 central point of a difficulty. [greek: related to *centre]
Epicentre n. (us epicenter) 1 point at which an earthquake reaches the earth’s surface. 2 central point of a difficulty. [greek: related to *centre]
Epicure n. Person with refined tastes, esp. In food and drink. epicurism n. [medieval latin: related to *epicurean]
Epicurean —n. 1 disciple or student of the greek philosopher epicurus. 2 (epicurean) devotee of (esp. Sensual) enjoyment. —adj. 1 of epicurus or his ideas. 2 (epicurean) characteristic of an epicurean. epicureanism n. [latin from greek]
Epidemic —n. Widespread occurrence of a disease in a community at a particular time. —adj. In the nature of an epidemic. [greek epi against, demos the people]
Epidemiology n. The study of epidemic diseases and their control.
epidemiologist n.
Epidermis n. Outer layer of the skin. epidermal adj. [greek derma skin]
Epidiascope n. Optical projector capable of giving images of both opaque and transparent objects. [from epi-, dia-, *-scope]
Epidural —adj. (of an anaesthetic) introduced into the space around the dura mater of the spinal cord. —n. Epidural anaesthetic. [from epi-, dura mater]
Epiglottis n. Flap of cartilage at the root of the tongue, depressed during swallowing to cover the windpipe. epiglottal adj. [greek glotta tongue]
Epigram n. 1 short poem with a witty ending. 2 pointed saying. epigrammatic adj. [greek: related to *-gram]
Epigraph n. Inscription. [greek: related to *-graph]
Epilepsy n. Nervous disorder with convulsions and often loss of consciousness. [greek lambano take]
Epileptic —adj. Of epilepsy. —n. Person with epilepsy. [french: related to *epilepsy]
Epilogue n. 1 short piece ending a literary work. 2 speech addressed to the audience by an actor at the end of a play. [greek logos speech]
Epiphany n. (pl. -ies) 1 (epiphany) a manifestation of christ to the magi. B festival of this on 6 january. 2 manifestation of a god or demigod. [greek phaino show]
Episcopacy n. (pl. -ies) 1 government by bishops. 2 (prec. By the) the bishops.
Episcopal adj. 1 of a bishop or bishops. 2 (of a church) governed by bishops. episcopally adv. [church latin: related to *bishop]
Episcopalian —adj. 1 of episcopacy. 2 of an episcopal church or (episcopalian) the episcopal church. —n. 1 adherent of episcopacy. 2 (episcopalian) member of the episcopal church. episcopalianism n.
Episcopate n. 1 the office or tenure of a bishop. 2 (prec. By the) the bishops collectively. [church latin: related to *bishop]
Episiotomy n. (pl. -ies) surgical cut made at the vaginal opening during childbirth, to aid delivery. [greek epision pubic region]
Episode n. 1 event or group of events as part of a sequence. 2 each of the parts of a serial story or broadcast. 3 incident or set of incidents in a narrative. [greek eisodos entry]
Episodic adj. 1 consisting of separate episodes. 2 irregular, sporadic. episodically adv.
Epistemology n. Philosophy of knowledge. epistemological adj. [greek episteme knowledge]
Epistle n. 1 joc. Letter. 2 (epistle) any of the apostles’ letters in the new testament. 3 poem etc. In the form of a letter. [greek epistole from stello send]
Epistolary adj. Of or in the form of a letter or letters. [latin: related to *epistle]
Epitaph n. Words written in memory of a dead person, esp. As a tomb inscription. [greek taphos tomb]
Epithelium n. (pl. -s or -lia) tissue forming the outer layer of the body and lining many hollow structures. epithelial adj. [greek thele teat]
Epithet n. 1 adjective etc. Expressing a quality or attribute. 2 this as a term of abuse. [greek tithemi place]
Epitome n. 1 person or thing embodying a quality etc. 2 thing representing another in miniature. [greek temno cut]
Epitomize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make or be a perfect example of (a quality etc.).
Epns abbr. Electroplated nickel silver.
Epoch n. 1 period of history etc. Marked by notable events. 2 beginning of an era. 3 geol. Division of a period, corresponding to a set of strata. epochal adj. [greek, = pause]
Epoch-making adj. Remarkable; very important.
Eponym n. 1 word, place-name, etc., derived from a person’s name. 2 person whose name is used in this way. eponymous adj. [greek onoma name]
Epos abbr. Electronic point-of-sale (equipment recording stock, sales, etc. In shops).
Epoxy adj. Relating to or derived from a compound with one oxygen atom and two carbon atoms bonded in a triangle. [from epi-, oxygen]
Epoxy resin n. Synthetic thermosetting resin.
Epsilon n. Fifth letter of the greek alphabet (e, e). [greek]
Epsom salts n. Magnesium sulphate used as a purgative etc. [epsom in s. England]
Equable adj. 1 not varying. 2 moderate (equable climate). 3 (of a person) not easily disturbed. equably adv. [related to *equal]
Equal —adj. 1 (often foll. By to, with) the same in quantity, quality, size, degree, level, etc. 2 evenly balanced (an equal contest). 3 having the same rights or status (human beings are essentially equal). 4 uniform in application or effect. — n. Person or thing equal to another, esp. In rank or quality. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 be equal to. 2 achieve something that is equal to. be equal to have the ability or resources for. [latin aequalis]
Equality n. Being equal. [latin: related to *equal]
Equalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make or become equal. 2 reach one’s opponent’s score. equalization n.
Equalizer n. (also -iser) equalizing score or goal etc.
Equally adv. 1 in an equal manner (treated them equally). 2 to an equal degree (equally important).
Usage in sense 2, construction with as (e.g. Equally as important) is often found, but is considered incorrect by some people.
Equal opportunity n. (often in pl.) Opportunity to compete on equal terms, regardless of sex, race, etc.
Equanimity n. Composure, evenness of temper, esp. In adversity. [latin aequus even, animus mind]
Equate v. (-ting) 1 (usu. Foll. By to, with) regard as equal or equivalent. 2 (foll. By with) be equal or equivalent to. equatable adj. [latin aequo aequat-: related to *equal]
Equation n. 1 equating or making equal; being equal. 2 statement that two mathematical expressions are equal (indicated by the sign =). 3 formula indicating a chemical reaction by means of symbols.
Equator n. 1 imaginary line round the earth or other body, equidistant from the poles. 2 = celestial equator. [medieval latin: related to equate]
Equatorial adj. Of or near the equator.
Equerry n. (pl. -ies) officer attending the british royal family. [french esquierie stable]
Equestrian —adj. 1 of horse-riding. 2 on horseback. —n. Rider or performer on horseback. equestrianism n. [latin equestris from equus horse] Equi-comb. Form equal. [latin: related to *equal]
Equiangular adj. Having equal angles.
Equidistant adj. At equal distances.
Equilateral adj. Having all its sides equal in length.
Equilibrium n. (pl. -ria or -s) 1 state of physical balance. 2 state of composure. [latin libra balance]
Equine adj. Of or like a horse. [latin equus horse]
Equinoctial —adj. Happening at or near the time of an equinox. —n. (in full equinoctial line) = *celestial equator. [latin: related to *equinox]
Equinox n. Time or date (twice each year) at which the sun crosses the celestial equator, when day and night are of equal length. [latin nox noctis night]
Enterprise n. 1 undertaking, esp. A challenging one. 2 readiness to engage in such undertakings. 3 business firm or venture. [latin prehendo grasp]
Entertainment n. 1 entertaining or being entertained. 2 thing that entertains; performance.
Enthral v. (us enthrall) (-ll-) captivate, please greatly. enthralment n. [from en-1, thrall]
Enthrall v. (brit. Enthral) (-ll-) captivate, please greatly. enthralment n. [from en-1, thrall]
Enthrone v. (-ning) place on a throne, esp. Ceremonially. enthronement n.
Enthuse v. (-sing) colloq. Be or make enthusiastic.
Enthusiasm n. 1 (often foll. By for, about) strong interest or admiration, great eagerness. 2 object of enthusiasm. [greek entheos inspired by a god]
Enthusiast n. Person full of enthusiasm. [church latin: related to *enthusiasm]
Enthusiastic adj. Having enthusiasm. enthusiastically adv.
Entice v. (-cing) attract by the offer of pleasure or reward. enticement n. Enticing adj. Enticingly adv. [french enticier probably from romanic]
Entire adj. 1 whole, complete. 2 unbroken. 3 unqualified, absolute. 4 in one piece; continuous. [latin: related to *integer]
Entirely adv. 1 wholly. 2 solely.
Entirety n. (pl. -ies) 1 completeness. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) sum total. in its entirety in its complete form.
Entitle v. (-ling) 1 (usu. Foll. By to) give (a person) a just claim or right. 2 give a title to. entitlement n. [latin: related to *title]
Entity n. (pl. -ies) 1 thing with distinct existence. 2 thing’s existence in itself. [latin ens ent-being]
Entomb v. 1 place in a tomb. 2 serve as a tomb for. entombment n. [french:
related to *tomb]
Entomology n. The study of insects. entomological adj. Entomologist n. [greek entomon insect]
Entourage n. People attending an important person. [french]
Entourage n. People attending an important person. [french]
Entr’acte n. 1 interval between acts of a play. 2 music or dance performed during this. [french]
Entrails n.pl. 1 bowels, intestines. 2 innermost parts of a thing. [latin inter among]
Entrance1 n. 1 place for entering. 2 going or coming in. 3 right of admission. 4 coming of an actor on stage. 5 (in full entrance fee) admission fee. [french: related to *enter]
Entrance2 v. (-cing) 1 enchant, delight. 2 put into a trance. entrancement n.
Entrancing adj. Entrancingly adv.
Entrant n. Person who enters (an examination, profession, etc.). [french: related to *enter]
Entrap v. (-pp-) 1 catch in or as in a trap. 2 beguile. entrapment n. [related to *en-1]
Entreat v. Ask earnestly, beg. [related to *en-1]
Entreaty n. (pl. -ies) earnest request.
Entrecôte n. Boned steak off the sirloin. [french, = between-rib]
Entrée n. 1 dish served between the fish and meat courses. 2 us main dish. 3 right of admission. [french]
Entrench v. 1 a establish firmly (in a position, office, etc.). B (as entrenched adj.) (of an attitude etc.) Not easily modified. 2 surround with a trench as a fortification. entrenchment n.
Entrepôt n. Warehouse for goods in transit. [french]
Entrepreneur n. 1 person who undertakes a commercial venture. 2 contractor acting as an intermediary. entrepreneurial adj. Entrepreneurialism n. (also entrepreneurism). [french: related to *enterprise]
Entropy n. 1 physics measure of the disorganization or degradation of the universe, resulting in a decrease in available energy. 2 physics measure of the unavailability of a system’s thermal energy for conversion into mechanical work. [greek: related to *en-2, trope transformation]
Entrust v. (also intrust) 1 (foll. By to) give (a person or thing) into the care of a person. 2 (foll. By with) assign responsibility for (a person or thing) to (a person) (entrusted him with my camera).
Equip v. (-pp-) supply with what is needed. [old norse skipa to man a ship]
Equipage n. 1 archaic a requisites. B outfit. 2 hist. Carriage and horses with attendants. [french: related to *equip]
Equipment n. 1 necessary articles, clothing, etc. 2 equipping or being equipped. [french: related to *equip]
Equipoise n. 1 equilibrium. 2 counterbalancing thing.
Equitable adj. 1 fair, just. 2 law valid in equity as distinct from law. equitably adv. [french: related to *equity]
Equitation n. Horsemanship; horse-riding. [latin equito ride a horse]
Equity n. (pl. -ies) 1 fairness. 2 principles of justice used to correct or supplement the law. 3 a value of the shares issued by a company. B (in pl.) Stocks and shares not bearing fixed interest. [latin aequitas: related to *equal]
Equivalent —adj. 1 (often foll. By to) equal in value, amount, importance, etc. 2 corresponding. 3 having the same meaning or result. —n. Equivalent thing, amount, etc. equivalence n. [latin: related to *value]
Equivocal adj. 1 of double or doubtful meaning. 2 of uncertain nature. 3 (of a person etc.) Questionable. equivocally adv. [latin voco call]
Equivocate v. (-ting) use ambiguity to conceal the truth. equivocation n.
Equivocator n. [latin: related to *equivocal]
Er abbr. Queen elizabeth. [latin elizabetha regina]
Er symb. Erbium.
Er int. Expressing hesitation. [imitative]
-er1 suffix forming nouns from nouns, adjectives, and verbs, denoting: 1 person, animal, or thing that does (cobbler; poker). 2 person or thing that is (foreigner; four-wheeler). 3 person concerned with (hatter; geographer). 4 person from (villager; sixth-former). [old english]
-er2 suffix forming the comparative of adjectives (wider) and adverbs (faster). [old english]
-er3 suffix used in a slang distortion of the word (rugger). [probably an extension of *-er1]
Era n. 1 system of chronology reckoning from a noteworthy event (christian era). 2 large period, esp. Regarded historically. 3 date at which an era begins. 4 major division of geological time. [latin, = number (pl. Of aes money)]
Eradicate v. (-ting) root out; destroy completely. eradicable adj. Eradication n. Eradicator n. [latin radix -icis root]
Erase v. (-sing) 1 rub out; obliterate. 2 remove all traces of. 3 remove recorded material from (magnetic tape or disk). [latin rado ras-scrape]
Eraser n. Thing that erases, esp. A piece of rubber etc. For removing pencil etc.
Marks.
Erasure n. 1 erasing. 2 erased word etc.
Erbium n. Metallic element of the lanthanide series. [ytterby in sweden]
Ere prep. & conj. Poet. Or archaic before (of time) (ere noon; ere they come). [old english]
Erect —adj. 1 upright, vertical. 2 (of the penis etc.) Enlarged and rigid, esp. In sexual excitement. 3 (of hair) bristling. —v. 1 set up; build. 2 establish. erection n. Erectly adv. Erectness n. [latin erigere erect-set up]
Erectile adj. That can become erect (esp. Of body tissue in sexual excitement). [french: related to *erect]
Erg n. Unit of work or energy. [greek ergon work]
Ergo adv. Therefore. [latin]
Ergonomics n. The study of the relationship between people and their working environment. ergonomic adj. [greek ergon work]
Ergot n. Disease of rye etc. Caused by a fungus. [french]
Erin n. Poet. Ireland. [irish]
Erm abbr. Exchange rate mechanism.
Ermine n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 stoat, esp. When white in winter. 2 its white fur, used to trim robes etc. [french]
Ernie n. Device for drawing prizewinning numbers of premium bonds. [electronic random number indicator equipment]
Erode v. (-ding) wear away, destroy gradually. erosion n. Erosive adj. [latin rodo ros-gnaw]
Erogenous adj. (of a part of the body) particularly sensitive to sexual stimulation. [greek (as *erotic), *-genous]
Erotic adj. Of or causing sexual love, esp. Tending to arouse sexual desire or excitement. erotically adv. [greek eros sexual love]
Erotica n.pl. Erotic literature or art.
Eroticism n. 1 erotic character. 2 use of or response to erotic images or stimulation.
Err v. 1 be mistaken or incorrect. 2 do wrong; sin. [latin erro stray]
Errand n. 1 short journey, esp. On another’s behalf, to take a message, collect goods, etc. 2 object of such a journey. [old english]
Errand of mercy n. Journey to relieve suffering etc.
Errant adj. 1 erring. 2 literary or archaic travelling in search of adventure (knight errant). errantry n. (in sense 2). [from *err: sense 2 ultimately from latin iter journey]
Erratic adj. 1 inconsistent in conduct, opinions, etc. 2 uncertain in movement. erratically adv. [latin: related to *err]
Erratum n. (pl. Errata) error in printing or writing. [latin: related to *err] Erroneous adj. Incorrect. erroneously adv. [latin: related to *err]
Error n. 1 mistake. 2 condition of being morally wrong (led into error). 3 degree of inaccuracy in a calculation etc. (2% error). [latin: related to *err]
Ersatz adj. & n. Substitute, imitation. [german]
Erse —adj. Irish or highland gaelic. —n. The gaelic language. [early scots form of *irish]
Erstwhile —adj. Former, previous. —adv. Archaic formerly. [related to *ere]
Eructation n. Formal belching. [latin ructo belch]
Erudite adj. Learned. erudition n. [latin eruditus instructed: related to *rude]
Erupt v. 1 break out suddenly or dramatically. 2 (of a volcano) eject lava etc. 3 (of a rash etc.) Appear on the skin. eruption n. Eruptive adj. [latin erumpo erupt-break out]
-ery suffix (also -ry) forming nouns denoting: 1 class or kind (greenery; machinery; citizenry). 2 employment; state or condition (dentistry; slavery). 3 place of work or cultivation or breeding (brewery; rookery). 4 behaviour (mimicry). 5 often derog. All that has to do with (popery). [french -erie]
Erysipelas n. Disease causing fever and a deep red inflammation of the skin. [latin from greek]
Erythrocyte n. Red blood cell. [greek eruthros red, *-cyte]
Es symb. Einsteinium.
Escalate v. (-ting) 1 increase or develop (usu. Rapidly) by stages. 2 make or become more intense. escalation n. [from *escalator]
Escalator n. Moving staircase consisting of a circulating belt forming steps. [latin scala ladder]
Escalope n. Thin slice of boneless meat, esp. Veal. [french, originally = shell]
Escapade n. Piece of reckless behaviour. [french from provençal or spanish:
related to *escape]
Escape —v. (-ping) 1 (often foll. By from) get free of restriction or control. 2 (of gas etc.) Leak. 3 succeed in avoiding punishment etc. 4 get free of (a person, grasp, etc.). 5 avoid (a commitment, danger, etc.). 6 elude the notice or memory of (nothing escapes you; name escaped me). 7 (of words etc.) Issue unawares from (a person etc.). —n. 1 act or instance of escaping. 2 means of escaping (often attrib.: escape hatch). 3 leakage of gas etc. 4 temporary relief from unpleasant reality. [latin cappa cloak]
Escape clause n. Law clause specifying conditions under which a contracting party is free from an obligation.
Escapee n. Person who has escaped.
Escapement n. Part of a clock etc. That connects and regulates the motive power. [french: related to *escape]
Escape velocity n. Minimum velocity needed to escape from the gravitational field of a body.
Escapism n. Pursuit of distraction and relief from reality. escapist n. & adj.
Escapology n. Techniques of escaping from confinement, esp. As entertainment.
escapologist n.
Escarpment n. Long steep slope at the edge of a plateau etc. [french from italian:
related to *scarp]
Eschatology n. Theology of death and final destiny. eschatological adj. [greek eskhatos last]
Escheat hist. —n. 1 reversion of property to the state etc. In the absence of legal heirs. 2 property so affected. —v. 1 hand over (property) as an escheat. 2 confiscate. 3 revert by escheat. [latin cado fall]
Eschew v. Formal avoid; abstain from. eschewal n. [germanic: related to *shy1]
Escort —n. 1 one or more persons, vehicles, etc., accompanying a person, vehicle, etc., for protection or as a mark of status. 2 person accompanying a person of the opposite sex socially. —v. Act as an escort to. [french from italian]
Escritoire n. Writing-desk with drawers etc. [french from latin scriptorium writing-room]
Escudo n. (pl. -s) chief monetary unit of portugal. [spanish and portuguese from latin scutum shield]
Escutcheon n. Shield or emblem bearing a coat of arms. [latin scutum shield]
Eskimo —n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 member of a people inhabiting n. Canada, alaska, greenland, and e. Siberia. 2 language of this people. —adj. Of eskimos or their language. [algonquian]
Usage the eskimos of n. America prefer the name inuit.
Esn abbr. Educationally subnormal.
Esophagus n. (brit. Oesophagus) (pl. -gi or -guses) passage from the mouth to the stomach; gullet. [greek]
Esoteric adj. Intelligible only to those with special knowledge. esoterically adv.
Esoteric adj. Intelligible only to those with special knowledge. esoterically adv. [greek eso within]
Esp abbr. Extrasensory perception.
Espadrille n. Light canvas shoe with a plaited fibre sole. [provençal: related to *esparto]
Espalier n. 1 lattice-work along which the branches of a tree or shrub are trained. 2 tree or shrub so trained. [french from italian]
Esparto n. (pl. -s) (in full esparto grass) coarse grass of spain and n. Africa, used to make good-quality paper etc. [greek sparton rope]
Especial adj. Notable. [latin: related to *special]
Especially adv. 1 in particular. 2 much more than in other cases. 3 particularly.
Esperanto n. An artificial language designed for universal use. [latin spero hope]
Espionage n. Spying or use of spies. [french: related to *spy]
Esplanade n. 1 long open level area for walking on, esp. Beside the sea. 2 level space separating a fortress from a town. [latin planus level]
Espousal n. 1 (foll. By of) espousing of (a cause etc.). 2 archaic marriage, betrothal.
Espouse v. (-sing) 1 adopt or support (a cause, doctrine, etc.). 2 archaic a (usu. Of a man) marry. B (usu. Foll. By to) give (a woman) in marriage. [latin spondeo betroth]
Ex-servicewoman n. Woman formerly a member of the armed forces.
Extant adj. Still existing. [latin ex(s)to exist]
Extemporaneous adj. Spoken or done without preparation. extemporaneously adv. [from *extempore]
Extempore adj. & adv. Without preparation. [latin]
Extemporize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) improvise. extemporization n.
Extend v. 1 lengthen or make larger in space or time. 2 stretch or lay out at full length. 3 (foll. By to, over) reach or be or make continuous over a specified area. 4 (foll. By to) have a specified scope (permit does not extend to camping). 5 offer or accord (an invitation, hospitality, kindness, etc.). 6 (usu. Refl. Or in
passive) tax the powers of (an athlete, horse, etc.). extendible adj. (also extensible). [latin extendo -tens-: related to *tend1]
Extended family n. Family including relatives living near.
Extended-play adj. (of a gramophone record) playing for somewhat longer than most singles.
Extension n. 1 extending or being extended. 2 part enlarging or added on to a main building etc. 3 additional part. 4 a subsidiary telephone on the same line as the main one. B its number. 5 additional period of time. 6 extramural instruction by a university or college.
Extensive adj. 1 covering a large area. 2 far-reaching. extensively adv. Extensiveness n. [latin: related to *extend]
Extent n. 1 space over which a thing extends. 2 range, scope, degree. [anglo-french: related to *extend]
Extenuate v. (often as extenuating adj.) Make (guilt or an offence) seem less serious by reference to another factor. extenuation n. [latin tenuis thin]
Exterior —adj. 1 of or on the outer side. 2 coming from outside. —n. 1 outward aspect or surface of a building etc. 2 outward demeanour. 3 outdoor scene in filming. [latin]
Exterminate v. (-ting) destroy utterly (esp. A living thing). extermination n. Exterminator n. [latin: related to *terminal]
External —adj. 1 a of or on the outside or visible part. B coming from the outside or an outside source. 2 relating to a country’s foreign affairs. 3 outside the conscious subject (the external world). 4 (of medicine etc.) For use on the outside of the body. 5 for students taking the examinations of a university without attending it. —n. (in pl.) 1 outward features or aspect. 2 external circumstances. 3 inessentials. externality n. Externally adv. [latin externus outer]
Externalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) give or attribute external existence to.
externalization n.
Extinct adj. 1 that has died out. 2 a no longer burning. B (of a volcano) that no longer erupts. 3 obsolete. [latin ex(s)tinguo -stinct-quench]
Extinction n. 1 making or becoming extinct. 2 extinguishing or being extinguished. 3 total destruction or annihilation.
Extinguish v. 1 cause (a flame, light, etc.) To die out. 2 destroy. 3 terminate. 4 wipe out (a debt). extinguishable adj.
Extinguisher n. = *fire extinguisher.
Extirpate v. (-ting) root out; destroy completely. extirpation n. [latin ex(s)tirpo from stirps stem of tree]
Extol v. (-ll-) praise enthusiastically. [latin tollo raise]
Extort v. Obtain by coercion. [latin torqueo tort-twist]
Extortion n. 1 act of extorting, esp. Money. 2 illegal exaction. extortioner n.
Extortionist n.
Extortionate adj. (of a price etc.) Exorbitant. extortionately adv.
Extra —adj. Additional; more than usual or necessary or expected. —adv. 1 more than usually. 2 additionally (was charged extra). —n. 1 extra thing. 2 thing for which an extra charge is made. 3 person engaged temporarily for a minor part in a film. 4 special issue of a newspaper etc. 5 cricket run scored other than from a hit with the bat. [probably from *extraordinary]
Extra-comb. Form 1 outside, beyond. 2 beyond the scope of. [latin extra outside]
Extra-comb. Form 1 outside, beyond. 2 beyond the scope of. [latin extra outside]
Extra cover n. Cricket 1 fielding position on a line between cover-point and mid-off, but beyond these. 2 fielder at this position.
Extract —v. 1 remove or take out, esp. By effort or force. 2 obtain (money, an admission, etc.) Against a person’s will. 3 obtain (a natural resource) from the earth. 4 select or reproduce for quotation or performance. 5 obtain (juice etc.) By
pressure, distillation, etc. 6 derive (pleasure etc.). 7 find (the root of a number). —n. 1 short passage from a book etc. 2 preparation containing a concentrated constituent of a substance (malt extract). [latin traho tract-draw]
Extraction n. 1 extracting or being extracted. 2 removal of a tooth. 3 lineage, descent (of indian extraction). [latin: related to *extract]
Extractive adj. Of or involving extraction.
Extractor n. 1 person or machine that extracts. 2 (attrib.) (of a device) that extracts bad air etc.
Extracurricular adj. Not part of the normal curriculum.
Extraditable adj. 1 liable to extradition. 2 (of a crime) warranting extradition.
Extradite v. (-ting) hand over (a person accused or convicted of a crime) to the foreign state etc. In which the crime was committed. extradition n. [french: related to *tradition]
Extramarital adj. (esp. Of sexual relations) occurring outside marriage. Extramural adj. Additional to normal teaching or studies, esp. For non-resident students.
Extraneous adj. 1 of external origin. 2 (often foll. By to) a separate from the object to which it is attached etc. B irrelevant, unrelated. [latin extraneus]
Extrapolate v. (-ting) (also absol.) Calculate approximately from known data etc. (others which lie outside the range of those known). extrapolation n. [from extra-
interpolate]
Extrasensory adj. Derived by means other than the known senses, e.g. By telepathy.
Extraterrestrial —adj. Outside the earth or its atmosphere. —n. (in science fiction) being from outer space.
Extravaganza n. 1 spectacular theatrical or television production. 2 fanciful literary, musical, or dramatic composition. [italian]
Extreme —adj. 1 of a high, or the highest, degree (extreme danger). 2 severe (extreme measures). 3 outermost. 4 on the far left or right of a political party. 5 utmost; last. —n. 1 (often in pl.) Either of two things as remote or as different as
possible. 2 thing at either end. 3 highest degree. 4 math. First or last term of a ratio or series. go to extremes take an extreme course of action. In the extreme to an extreme degree. extremely adv. [french from latin]
Extreme unction n. Last rites in the roman catholic and orthodox churches.
Extremist n. (also attrib.) Person with extreme views. extremism n.
Extremity n. (pl. -ies) 1 extreme point; very end. 2 (in pl.) The hands and feet. 3 condition of extreme adversity. [latin: related to *extreme]
Extricate v. (-ting) (often foll. By from) free or disentangle from a difficulty etc. extricable adj. Extrication n. [latin tricae perplexities]
Extrinsic adj. 1 not inherent or intrinsic. 2 (often foll. By to) extraneous; not belonging. extrinsically adv. [latin extrinsecus outwardly]
Extrovert —n. 1 outgoing person. 2 person mainly concerned with external things. —adj. Typical of or with the nature of an extrovert. extroversion n. Extroverted adj. [latin verto turn]
Extrude v. (-ding) 1 (foll. By from) thrust or force out. 2 shape metal, plastics, etc. By forcing them through a die. extrusion n. Extrusive adj. [latin extrudo -trus-thrust out]
Exude v. (-ding) 1 ooze out. 2 emit (a smell). 3 display (an emotion etc.) Freely. exudation n. [latin sudo sweat]
Exult v. Be joyful. exultation n. Exultant adj. Exultantly adv. [latin ex(s)ulto from salio salt-leap]
-ey var. Of *-y2.
Eye —n. 1 organ of sight. 2 eye characterized by the colour of the iris (has blue eyes). 3 region round the eye (eyes swollen from weeping). 4 (in sing. Or pl.) Sight. 5 particular visual ability (a straight eye). 6 thing like an eye, esp.: a a spot on a peacock’s tail. B a leaf bud of a potato. 7 calm region at the centre of a hurricane etc. 8 hole of a needle. —v. (eyes, eyed, eyeing or eying) (often foll. By up) watch or observe closely, esp. Admiringly or with suspicion. all eyes watching intently. An eye for an eye retaliation in kind. Have an eye for be discerning about. Have one’s eye on wish or plan to procure. Have eyes for be interested in; wish to acquire. Keep an eye on 1 watch. 2 look after. Keep an eye open (or out) (often foll. By for) watch carefully. Keep one’s eyes open (or peeled or skinned) watch out; be on the alert. Make eyes (or sheep’s eyes) (foll. By at) look amorously or flirtatiously at. One in the eye (foll. By for) disappointment or setback. See eye to eye (often foll. By with) agree. Set eyes on see. Up to the (or one’s) eyes in deeply engaged or involved in. With one’s eyes shut (or closed) with little effort. With an eye to with a view to. [old english]
Eyeball —n. Ball of the eye within the lids and socket. —v. Us slang look or stare (at).
Eyeball to eyeball adv. Colloq. Confronting closely.
Eyeball to eyeball adv. Colloq. Confronting closely.
Eyebath n. Small vessel for applying lotion etc. To the eye.
Eyebright n. Plant used as a remedy for weak eyes.
Eyebrow n. Line of hair on the ridge above the eye-socket. raise one’s eyebrows show surprise, disbelief, or disapproval.
Eye-catching adj. Colloq. Striking.
Eyeful n. (pl. -s) colloq. 1 (esp. In phr. Get an eyeful (of)) good look; as much as the eye can take in. 2 visually striking person or thing. 3 thing thrown or blown into the eye.
Eyeglass n. Lens to assist defective sight.
Eyehole n. Hole to look through.
Eyelash n. Each of the hairs growing on the edges of the eyelids.
Eyelet n. 1 small hole for string or rope etc. To pass through. 2 metal ring strengthening this. [french oillet from latin oculus]
Eyelid n. Either of the folds of skin closing to cover the eye.
Eye-liner n. Cosmetic applied as a line round the eye.
Eye-opener n. Colloq. Enlightening experience; unexpected revelation.
Eyepiece n. Lens or lenses to which the eye is applied at the end of an optical instrument.
Eye-shade n. Device to protect the eyes, esp. From strong light.
Eye-shadow n. Coloured cosmetic applied to the eyelids.
Eyesight n. Faculty or power of seeing.
Eyesore n. Ugly thing.
Eye strain n. Fatigue of the eye muscles.
Eye-tooth n. Canine tooth in the upper jaw just under the eye.
Eyewash n. 1 lotion for the eyes. 2 slang nonsense; insincere talk.
Eyewitness n. Person who saw a thing happen and can tell of it.
Eyrie n. 1 nest of a bird of prey, esp. An eagle, built high up. 2 house etc. Perched high up. [french aire lair, from latin agrum piece of ground]
Espresso n. (also expresso) (pl. -s) strong black coffee made under steam pressure. [italian, = pressed out]
Esprit n. Sprightliness, wit. esprit de corps devotion to and pride in one’s group. [french: related to *spirit]
Espy v. (-ies, -ied) catch sight of. [french: related to *spy]
Esq. Abbr. Esquire.
-esque suffix forming adjectives meaning ‘in the style of’ or ‘resembling’ (kafkaesque). [french from latin -iscus]
Esquire n. 1 (usu. As abbr. Esq.) Title added to a man’s surname when no other title is used, esp. As a form of address for letters. 2 archaic = *squire. [french from latin scutum shield]
Essay —n. 1 short piece of writing on a given subject. 2 (often foll. By at, in) formal attempt. —v. Attempt. essayist n. [latin exigo weigh: cf. *assay]
Essence n. 1 fundamental nature; inherent characteristics. 2 a extract got by distillation etc. B perfume. of the essence indispensable. In essence fundamentally. [latin esse be]
Essential —adj. 1 necessary; indispensable. 2 of or constituting the essence of a person or thing. —n. (esp. In pl.) Basic or indispensable element or thing. essentially adv. [latin: related to *essence]
Essential oil n. Volatile oil derived from a plant etc. With its characteristic odour.
-est suffix forming the superlative of adjectives (widest; nicest; happiest) and adverbs (soonest). [old english]
Establish v. 1 set up (a business, system, etc.) On a permanent basis. 2 (foll. By in) settle (a person or oneself) in some capacity. 3 (esp. As established adj.) A achieve permanent acceptance for (a custom, belief, etc.). B place (a fact etc.) Beyond dispute. [latin stabilio make firm]
Established church n. The church recognized by the state.
Establishment n. 1 establishing or being established. 2 a business organization or public institution. B place of business. C residence. 3 a staff of an organization. B household. 4 organized body permanently maintained. 5 church system organized by law. 6 (the establishment) social group with authority or influence and resisting change.
Estate n. 1 property consisting of much land and usu. A large house. 2 modern residential or industrial area with an integrated design or purpose. 3 person’s assets and liabilities, esp. At death. 4 property where rubber, tea, grapes, etc., are cultivated. 5 order or class forming (or regarded as) part of the body politic. 6 archaic or literary state or position in life (the estate of holy matrimony). the three estates lords spiritual (the heads of the church), lords temporal (the peerage), and the commons. [french estat, from latin sto stat-stand]
Estate agent n. Person whose business is the sale or lease of buildings and land on behalf of others.
Estate car n. Car with a continuous area for rear passengers and luggage.
Estate duty n. Hist. Death duty.
Usage estate duty was replaced in 1975 by capital transfer tax and in 1986 by inheritance tax.
Esteem —v. 1 (usu. In passive) have a high regard for. 2 formal consider (esteemed it an honour). —n. High regard; favour. [latin: related to *estimate]
Ester n. Chem. A compound produced by replacing the hydrogen of an acid by an organic radical. [german]
Estimable adj. Worthy of esteem; admirable. [latin: related to *esteem]
Estimate —n. 1 approximate judgement, esp. Of cost, value, size, etc. 2 statement of approximate charge for work to be undertaken. —v. (-ting) (also absol.) 1 form an estimate or opinion of. 2 (foll. By that) make a rough calculation. 3 (often foll. By at) form an estimate; adjudge. estimator n. [latin aestimo fix the price of]
Estimation n. 1 estimating. 2 judgement of worth. [latin: related to *estimate]
Estonian —n. 1 a native or national of estonia in eastern europe. B person of estonian descent. 2 language of estonia. —adj. Of estonia, its people, or language.
Estrange v. (-ging) 1 (usu. In passive; often foll. By from) alienate; make hostile or indifferent. 2 (as estranged adj.) (of a husband or wife) no longer living with his or her spouse. estrangement n. [latin: related to *strange]
Estrogen n. (brit. Oestrogen) 1 sex hormone developing and maintaining female characteristics of the body. 2 this produced artificially for use in medicine. [greek oistros frenzy, *-gen]
Estrus n. (also estrum, brit. Oestrus) recurring period of sexual receptivity in many female mammals oestrous adj. [greek oistros frenzy]
Estuary n. (pl. -ies) wide tidal river mouth. [latin aestus tide]
Eta abbr. Estimated time of arrival.
Eta n. Seventh letter of the greek alphabet (h, h). [greek]
Et al. Abbr. And others. [latin et alii]
Etc. Abbr. = *et cetera.
Et cetera (also etcetera) —adv. 1 and the rest. 2 and so on. —n. (in pl.) The usual extras. [latin]
Etch v. 1 a reproduce (a picture etc.) By engraving it on a metal plate with acid (esp. To print copies). B engrave (a plate) in this way. 2 practise this craft. 3 (foll. By on, upon) impress deeply (esp. On the mind). etcher n. [dutch etsen]
Etching n. 1 print made from an etched plate. 2 art of producing these plates.
Eternal adj. 1 existing always; without an end or (usu.) Beginning. 2 unchanging. 3 colloq. Constant; too frequent (eternal nagging). eternally adv. [latin aeternus]
Eternal triangle n. Two people of one sex and one person of the other involved in a complex emotional relationship.
Eternity n. (pl. -ies) 1 infinite (esp. Future) time. 2 endless life after death. 3 being eternal. 4 colloq. (often prec. By an) a very long time. [latin: related to *eternal]
Eternity ring n. Finger-ring esp. Set with gems all round.
-eth var. Of *-th.
Ethanal n. = *acetaldehyde.
Ethane n. Gaseous hydrocarbon of the alkane series. [from *ether]
Ether n. 1 chem. Colourless volatile organic liquid used as an anaesthetic or solvent. 2 clear sky; upper regions of the air. 3 hist. A medium formerly assumed to permeate all space. B medium through which electromagnetic waves were formerly thought to be transmitted. [greek aitho burn]
Ethereal adj. 1 light, airy. 2 highly delicate, esp. In appearance. 3 heavenly. ethereally adv. [greek: related to *ether]
Ethic —n. Set of moral principles (the quaker ethic). —adj. = ethical. [greek:
related to ethos]
Ethical adj. 1 relating to morals, esp. As concerning human conduct. 2 morally correct. 3 (of a drug etc.) Not advertised to the general public, and usu. Available only on prescription. ethically adv.
Ethics n.pl. (also treated as sing.) 1 moral philosophy. 2 a moral principles. B set
Ethics n.pl. (also treated as sing.) 1 moral philosophy. 2 a moral principles. B set of these.
Ethiopian —n. 1 native or national of ethiopia in ne africa. 2 person of ethiopian descent. —adj. Of ethiopia.
Ethnic adj. 1 a (of a social group) having a common national or cultural tradition. B (of music, clothing, etc.) Inspired by or resembling those of an exotic people. 2 denoting origin by birth or descent rather than nationality (ethnic turks). ethnically adv. [greek ethnos nation]
Ethnology n. The comparative study of peoples. ethnological adj. Ethnologist n.
Ethos n. Characteristic spirit or attitudes of a community etc. [greek ethos character]
Ethyl n. (attrib.) A radical derived from ethane, present in alcohol and ether. [german: related to *ether]
Ethylene n. A hydrocarbon of the alkene series.
Etiolate v. (-ting) 1 make (a plant) pale by excluding light. 2 give a sickly colour to (a person). etiolation n. [latin stipula straw]
Etiology n. (brit. Aetiology) study of causation or of the causes of disease. aetiological adj. [greek aitia cause]
aetiological adj. [greek aitia cause]
Etiquette n. Conventional rules of social behaviour or professional conduct. [french: related to *ticket]
Etruscan —adj. Of ancient etruria in italy. —n. 1 native of etruria. 2 language of etruria. [latin etruscus]
Et seq. Abbr. (also et seqq.) And the following (pages etc.). [latin et sequentia]
-ette suffix forming nouns meaning: 1 small (kitchenette). 2 imitation or substitute (flannelette). 3 female (usherette). [french]
Étude n. = *study n. 6. [french, = study]
Etymology n. (pl. -ies) 1 a derivation and development of a word in form and meaning. B account of these. 2 the study of word origins. etymological adj. Etymologist n. [greek etumos true]
Eu symb. Europium.
Eu-comb. Form well, easily. [greek]
Eucalyptus n. (pl. -tuses or -ti) (also eucalypt pl. -s) 1 tall evergreen australasian tree. 2 its oil, used as an antiseptic etc. [from *eu-, greek kaluptos covered]
Eucharist n. 1 christian sacrament in which consecrated bread and wine are consumed. 2 consecrated elements, esp. The bread. eucharistic adj. [greek, = thanksgiving]
Eugenics n.pl. (also treated as sing.) Improvement of the qualities of a race by control of inherited characteristics. eugenic adj. Eugenically adv. [from *eu-, greek gen-produce]
Eukaryote n. Organism consisting of a cell or cells in which the genetic material is contained within a distinct nucleus. eukaryotic adj. [from *eu-, karyo-from greek karuon kernel, -ote as in *zygote]
Eulogize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) praise in speech or writing. eulogistic adj.
Eulogy n. (pl. -ies) 1 speech or writing in praise of a person. 2 expression of praise. [latin from greek]
Eunuch n. Castrated man, esp. One formerly employed at an oriental harem or court. [greek, = bedchamber attendant]
Euphemism n. 1 mild or vague expression substituted for a harsher or more direct one (e.g. Pass over for die). 2 use of such expressions. euphemistic adj. Euphemistically adv. [greek pheme speaking]
Euphonium n. Brass instrument of the tuba family. [related to *euphony]
Euphony n. (pl. -ies) 1 pleasantness of sound, esp. Of a word or phrase. 2 pleasant sound. euphonious adj. [greek phone sound]
Euphoria n. Intense feeling of well-being and excitement. euphoric adj. [greek phero bear]
Eurasian —adj. 1 of mixed european and asian parentage. 2 of europe and asia.
—n. Eurasian person.
Eureka int. I have found it! (announcing a discovery etc.). [greek heureka]
Euro-comb. Form europe, european. [abbreviation]
Eurodollar n. Dollar held in a bank outside the us.
European —adj. 1 of or in europe. 2 originating in, native to, or characteristic of europe. —n. 1 a native or inhabitant of europe. B person descended from natives of europe. 2 person favouring european integration. [greek europe europe]
Europium n. Metallic element of the lanthanide series. [from the name europe]
Eustachian tube n. Tube from the pharynx to the cavity of the middle ear. [eustachio, name of an anatomist]
Euthanasia n. Bringing about of a gentle death in the case of incurable and painful disease. [greek thanatos death]
Ev abbr. Electronvolt.
Evacuate v. (-ting) 1 a remove (people) from a place of danger. B empty (a place) in this way. 2 make empty. 3 (of troops) withdraw from (a place). 4 empty (the bowels etc.). evacuation n. [latin vacuus empty]
Evacuee n. Person evacuated.
Evade v. (-ding) 1 a escape from, avoid, esp. By guile or trickery. B avoid doing (one’s duty etc.). C avoid answering (a question). 2 avoid paying (tax). [latin evado escape]
Evaluate v. (-ting) 1 assess, appraise. 2 find or state the number or amount of. evaluation n. [french: related to *value]
Evanesce v. (-cing) literary fade from sight. [latin vanus empty]
Evanescent adj. Quickly fading. evanescence n.
Evangelical —adj. 1 of or according to the teaching of the gospel. 2 of the protestant school maintaining the doctrine of salvation by faith. —n. Member of
protestant school maintaining the doctrine of salvation by faith. —n. Member of this. evangelicalism n. Evangelically adv. [greek: related to *eu-, *angel]
Evangelism n. Preaching or spreading of the gospel.
Evangelist n. 1 writer of one of the four gospels. 2 preacher of the gospel.
evangelistic adj.
Evangelize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 (also absol.) Preach the gospel to. 2 convert to christianity. evangelization n.
Evaporate v. (-ting) 1 turn from solid or liquid into vapour. 2 (cause to) lose moisture as vapour. 3 (cause to) disappear. evaporable adj. Evaporation n. [latin: related to *vapour]
Evaporated milk n. Unsweetened milk concentrated by evaporation.
Evasion n. 1 evading. 2 evasive answer. [latin: related to *evade]
Evasive adj. 1 seeking to evade. 2 not direct in one’s answers etc. evasively adv.
Evasiveness n.
Eve n. 1 evening or day before a festival etc. (christmas eve; eve of the funeral). 2 time just before an event (eve of the election). 3 archaic evening. [= *even2]
Even1 —adj. (evener, evenest) 1 level; smooth. 2 a uniform in quality; constant. B equal in amount or value etc. C equally balanced. 3 (of a person’s temper etc.) Equable, calm. 4 a (of a number) divisible by two without a remainder. B bearing such a number (no parking on even dates). C not involving fractions; exact (in even dozens). —adv. 1 inviting comparison of the assertion, negation, etc., with an implied one that is less strong or remarkable (never even opened [let alone read] the letter; ran even faster [not just as fast as before]). 2 introducing an extreme case (even you must realize it). —v. (often foll. By up) make or become even. even now 1 now as well as before. 2 at this very moment. Even so nevertheless. Even though despite the fact that. Get (or be) even with have one’s revenge on. evenly adv. Evenness n. [old english]
Even2 n. Poet. Evening. [old english]
Even chance n. Equal chance of success or failure.
Even-handed adj. Impartial.
Evening n. End part of the day, esp. From about 6 p.m. To bedtime. [old english:
related to *even2]
Evening dress n. Formal dress for evening wear.
Evening primrose n. Plant with pale-yellow flowers that open in the evening.
Evening star n. Planet, esp. Venus, conspicuous in the west after sunset.
Even money n. Betting odds offering the gambler the chance of winning the amount staked.
Evens n.pl. = *even money.
Evensong n. Service of evening prayer in the church of england. [from *even2]
Event n. 1 thing that happens. 2 fact of a thing’s occurring. 3 item in a (esp. Sports) programme. at all events (or in any event) whatever happens. In the event as it turns (or turned) out. In the event of if (a specified thing) happens. In the event that if it happens that. [latin venio vent-come]
Usage the phrase in the event that is considered awkward by some people. It can usually be avoided by rephrasing, e.g. In the event that it rains can be replaced by in the event of rain.
Eventful adj. Marked by noteworthy events. eventfully adv.
Eventide n. Archaic or poet. = *evening. [related to *even2]
Eventing n. Participation in equestrian competitions, esp. Dressage and showjumping. [see *event 3]
Eventual adj. Occurring in due course, ultimate. eventually adv. [from *event]
Eventual adj. Occurring in due course, ultimate. eventually adv. [from *event]
Eventuality n. (pl. -ies) possible event or outcome.
Eventuate v. (-ting) (often foll. By in) result.
Ever adv. 1 at all times; always (ever hopeful; ever after). 2 at any time (have you ever smoked?; nothing ever happens). 3 (used for emphasis) in any way; at all (how ever did you do it?). 4 (in comb.) Constantly (ever-present). 5 (foll. By so, such) colloq. Very; very much (ever so easy; thanks ever so). did you ever? Colloq. Did you ever hear or see the like? Ever since throughout the period since. [old english]
Usage when ever is used with a question word for emphasis it is written separately (see sense 2). When used with a relative pronoun or adverb to give it indefinite or general force, ever is written as one word with the relative pronoun or adverb, e.g. However it’s done, it’s difficult.
Evergreen —adj. Retaining green leaves all year round. —n. Evergreen plant.
Everlasting —adj. 1 lasting for ever or for a long time. 2 (of flowers) keeping their shape and colour when dried. —n. 1 eternity. 2 everlasting flower.
Evermore adv. For ever; always.
Every adj. 1 each single (heard every word). 2 each at a specified interval in a series (comes every four days). 3 all possible (every prospect of success). every bit as colloq. (in comparisons) quite as. Every now and again (or then) from time
bit as colloq. (in comparisons) quite as. Every now and again (or then) from time to time. Every other each second in a series (every other day). Every so often occasionally. [old english: related to *ever, *each]
Everybody pron. Every person.
Everyday attrib. Adj. 1 occurring every day. 2 used on ordinary days. 3 commonplace.
Everyman n. Ordinary or typical human being. [name of a character in a 15th-c. Morality play]
Everyone pron. Everybody.
Every one n. Each one.
Everything pron. 1 all things. 2 most important thing (speed is everything).
Everywhere adv. 1 in every place. 2 colloq. In many places.
Evict v. Expel (a tenant etc.) By legal process. eviction n. [latin evinco evict-conquer]
Evidence —n. 1 (often foll. By for, of) available facts, circumstances, etc. Indicating whether or not a thing is true or valid. 2 law a information tending to prove a fact or proposition. B statements or proofs admissible as testimony in a lawcourt. —v. (-cing) be evidence of. in evidence conspicuous. Queen’s (or king’s or state’s) evidence law evidence for the prosecution given by a participant in the crime at issue. [latin video see]
Evident adj. Plain or obvious; manifest. [latin: related to *evidence]
Evidential adj. Of or providing evidence.
Evidently adv. 1 seemingly; as it appears. 2 as shown by evidence.
Evil eye n. Gaze that is superstitiously believed to cause harm.
Evince v. (-cing) indicate, display (a quality, feeling, etc.). [latin: related to *evict]
Eviscerate v. (-ting) disembowel. evisceration n. [latin: related to *viscera]
Evocative adj. Evoking (esp. Feelings or memories). evocatively adv.
Evocativeness n.
Evoke v. (-king) inspire or draw forth (memories, a response, etc.). evocation n. [latin voco call]
Evolution n. 1 gradual development. 2 development of species from earlier forms, as an explanation of their origins. 3 unfolding of events etc. (evolution of the plot). 4 change in the disposition of troops or ships. evolutionary adj. [latin: related to *evolve]
Evolutionist n. Person who regards evolution as explaining the origin of species.
Evolve v. (-ving) 1 develop gradually and naturally. 2 devise (a theory, plan, etc.). 3 unfold. 4 give off (gas, heat, etc.). [latin volvo volut-roll]
Ewe n. Female sheep. [old english]
Ewer n. Water-jug with a wide mouth. [latin aqua water]
Ex1 prep. (of goods) sold from (ex-works). [latin, = out of]
Ex2 n. Colloq. Former husband or wife. [see *ex-1 2]
Ex-1 prefix (also before some consonants e-, ef-before f) 1 forming verbs meaning: a out, forth (exclude; exit). B upward (extol). C thoroughly (excruciate). D bring into a state (exasperate). E remove or free from (expatriate; exonerate). 2 forming nouns from titles of office, status, etc., meaning ‘formerly’ (ex-president; ex-wife). [latin from ex out of]
Ex-2 prefix out (exodus). [greek]
Exacerbate v. (-ting) 1 make (pain etc.) Worse. 2 irritate (a person). exacerbation n. [latin acerbus bitter]
Exact —adj. 1 accurate; correct in all details (exact description). 2 precise. —v. 1 demand and enforce payment of (money etc.). 2 demand; insist on; require. exactness n. [latin exigo exact-require]
Exacting adj. 1 making great demands. 2 requiring much effort.
Exaction n. 1 exacting or being exacted. 2 a illegal or exorbitant demand; extortion. B sum or thing exacted.
Exactitude n. Exactness, precision.
Exactly adv. 1 precisely. 2 (said in reply) i quite agree.
Exact science n. A science in which absolute precision is possible.
Exaggerate v. (-ting) 1 (also absol.) Make (a thing) seem larger or greater etc. Than it really is. 2 increase beyond normal or due proportions (exaggerated politeness). exaggeration n. [latin agger heap]
Exalt v. 1 raise in rank or power etc. 2 praise highly. 3 (usu. As exalted adj.) Make lofty or noble (exalted aims; exalted style). exaltation n. [latin altus high]
Exam n. = *examination 3.
Examination n. 1 examining or being examined. 2 detailed inspection. 3 test of proficiency or knowledge by questions. 4 formal questioning of a witness etc. In court.
Examine v. (-ning) 1 inquire into the nature or condition etc. Of. 2 look closely at. 3 test the proficiency of. 4 check the health of (a patient). 5 formally question in court. examinee n. Examiner n. [latin examen tongue of a balance]
Example n. 1 thing characteristic of its kind or illustrating a general rule. 2 person, thing, or piece of conduct, in terms of its fitness to be imitated. 3 circumstance or treatment seen as a warning to others. 4 problem or exercise designed to illustrate a rule. for example by way of illustration. [latin exemplum: related to *exempt]
Exasperate v. (-ting) irritate intensely. exasperation n. [latin asper rough]
Ex cathedra adj. & adv. With full authority (esp. Of a papal pronouncement). [latin, = from the chair]
Excavate v. (-ting) 1 a make (a hole or channel) by digging. B dig out material from (the ground). 2 reveal or extract by digging. 3 (also absol.) Archaeol. Dig systematically to explore (a site). excavation n. Excavator n. [latin excavo: related to *cave]
Exceed v. 1 (often foll. By by an amount) be more or greater than. 2 go beyond or do more than is warranted by (a set limit, esp. Of one’s authority, instructions, or rights). 3 surpass. [latin excedo -cess-go beyond]
Exceedingly adv. Extremely.
Excel v. (-ll-) 1 surpass. 2 be pre-eminent. [latin excello be eminent]
Excellence n. Outstanding merit or quality. [latin: related to *excel]
Excellency n. (pl. -ies) (usu. Prec. By your, his, her, their) title used in addressing or referring to certain high officials.
Excellent adj. Extremely good.
Excentric var. Of *eccentric (in technical senses).
Except —v. Exclude from a general statement, condition, etc. —prep. (often foll. By for) not including; other than (all failed except him; is all right except that it is too long). —conj. Archaic unless (except he be born again). [latin excipio – cept-take out]
Excepting prep. = *except prep.
Usage excepting should be used only after not and always; otherwise, except should be used.
Exception n. 1 excepting or being excepted. 2 thing that has been or will be excepted. 3 instance that does not follow a rule. take exception (often foll. By to) object. With the exception of except.
Exceptionable adj. Open to objection.
Usage exceptionable is sometimes confused with exceptional.
Excerpt —n. Short extract from a book, film, etc. —v. (also absol.) Take excerpts from. excerption n. [latin carpo pluck]
Excess —n. 1 exceeding. 2 amount by which one thing exceeds another. 3 a overstepping of accepted limits of moderation, esp. In eating or drinking. B (in pl.) Immoderate behaviour. 4 part of an insurance claim to be paid by the insured. —attrib. Adj. Usu. 1 that exceeds a limited or prescribed amount. 2 required as extra payment (excess postage). in (or to) excess exceeding the proper amount or degree.
Excess baggage n. (also excess luggage) baggage exceeding a weight allowance and liable to an extra charge.
Excessive adj. Too much or too great. excessively adv.
Exchange —n. 1 giving of one thing and receiving of another in its place. 2 giving of money for its equivalent in the money of the same or another country. 3 centre where telephone connections are made. 4 place where merchants, bankers, etc. Transact business. 5 a office where information is given or a service provided. B employment office. 6 system of settling debts without the use of money, by bills of exchange. 7 short conversation. —v. (-ging) 1 (often foll. By for) give or receive (one thing) in place of another. 2 give and receive as equivalents. 3 (often foll. By with) make an exchange. in exchange (often foll. By for) as a thing exchanged (for). exchangeable adj. [french: related to *change]
Exchange rate n. Value of one currency in terms of another.
Exchequer n. 1 former government department in charge of national revenue. 2 royal or national treasury. 3 money of a private individual or group. [medieval latin scaccarium chessboard]
latin scaccarium chessboard]
Usage with reference to sense 1, the functions of this department in the uk now belong to the treasury, although the name formally survives, esp. In the title chancellor of the exchequer.
Excise1 —n. 1 tax on goods produced or sold within the country of origin. 2 tax on certain licences. —v. (-sing) 1 charge excise on. 2 force (a person) to pay excise. [dutch excijs from romanic: related to latin *census tax]
Excise2 v. (-sing) 1 remove (a passage from a book etc.). 2 cut out (an organ etc.) By surgery. excision n. [latin excido cut out]
Excitable adj. Easily excited. excitability n. Excitably adv.
Excite v. (-ting) 1 a rouse the emotions of (a person). B arouse (feelings etc.). C arouse sexually. 2 provoke (an action etc.). 3 stimulate (an organism, tissue, etc.) To activity. [latin cieo stir up]
Excitement n. 1 excited state of mind. 2 exciting thing.
Exciting adj. Arousing great interest or enthusiasm. excitingly adv.
Exclaim v. 1 cry out suddenly. 2 (foll. By that) utter by exclaiming. [latin:
related to *claim]
Exclamation n. 1 exclaiming. 2 word(s) exclaimed. [latin: related to *exclaim]
Exclamation mark n. Punctuation mark (!) Indicating exclamation.
Exclamatory adj. Of or serving as an exclamation.
Exclude v. (-ding) 1 keep out (a person or thing) from a place, group, privilege, etc. 2 remove from consideration (no theory can be excluded). 3 makeimpossible, preclude (excluded all doubt). exclusion n. [latin excludo -clus-shut out]
Exclusive —adj. 1 excluding other things. 2 (predic.; foll. By of) not including; except for. 3 tending to exclude others, esp. Socially. 4 high-class. 5 not obtainable elsewhere or not published elsewhere. —n. Article etc. Published by only one newspaper etc. exclusively adv. Exclusiveness n. Exclusivity n. [medieval latin: related to *exclude]
Excommunicate —v. (-ting) officially exclude (a person) from membership and esp. Sacraments of the church. —adj. Excommunicated. —n. Excommunicated person. excommunication n. [latin: related to *common]
Excoriate v. (-ting) 1 a remove skin from (a person etc.) By abrasion. B strip off (skin). 2 censure severely. excoriation n. [latin corium hide]
Excrement n. Faeces. excremental adj. [latin: related to *excrete]
Excrescence n. 1 abnormal or morbid outgrowth on the body or a plant. 2 ugly addition. excrescent adj. [latin cresco grow]
Excreta n.pl. Faeces and urine. [latin: related to *excrete]
Excrete v. (-ting) (of an animal or plant) expel (waste matter). excretion n. Excretory adj. [latin cerno cret-sift]
Exculpate v. (-ting) formal (often foll. By from) free from blame; clear of a charge. exculpation n. Exculpatory adj. [latin culpa blame]
Excursion n. Journey (usu. A day-trip) to a place and back, made for pleasure. [latin excurro run out]
Excursive adj. Literary digressive.
Excuse —v. (-sing) 1 try to lessen the blame attaching to (a person, act, or fault). 2 (of a fact) serve as a reason to judge (a person or act) less severely. 3 (often foll. By from) release (a person) from a duty etc. 4 forgive (a fault or offence). 5 (foll. By for) forgive (a person) for (a fault). 6 refl. Leave with apologies. —n. 1 reason put forward to mitigate or justify an offence. 2 apology (made my excuses). be excused be allowed to leave the room etc. Or be absent. Excuse me polite preface to an interruption etc., or to disagreeing. excusable adj. [latin
causa accusation]
Ex-directory adj. Not listed in a telephone directory, at one’s own request.
Execrable adj. Abominable. [latin: related to *execrate]
Execrate v. (-ting) 1 express or feel abhorrence for. 2 (also absol.) Curse (a person or thing). execration n. [latin exsecror curse: related to *sacred]
Execute v. (-ting) 1 carry out, perform (a plan, duty etc.). 2 carry out a design for (a product of art or skill). 3 carry out a death sentence on. 4 make (a legal instrument) valid by signing, sealing, etc. [latin sequor follow]
Execution n. 1 carrying out; performance. 2 technique or style of performance in the arts, esp. Music. 3 carrying out of a death sentence. [latin: related to *execute]
Executioner n. Official who carries out a death sentence.
Executive —n. 1 person or body with managerial or administrative responsibility. 2 branch of a government etc. Concerned with executing laws, agreements, etc. —adj. Concerned with executing laws, agreements, etc., or with other administration or management. [medieval latin: related to *execute]
Executor n. (fem. Executrix) person appointed by a testator to administer his or
her will. executorial adj.
Exegesis n. (pl. Exegeses) critical explanation of a text, esp. Of scripture. exegetic adj. [greek hegeomai lead]
Exemplar n. 1 model. 2 typical or parallel instance. [latin: related to *example]
Exemplary adj. 1 fit to be imitated; outstandingly good. 2 serving as a warning. 3 illustrative. [latin: related to *example]
Exemplify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 illustrate by example. 2 be an example of.
exemplification n.
Exempt —adj. (often foll. By from) free from an obligation or liability etc. Imposed on others. —v. (foll. By from) make exempt. exemption n. [latin eximo -empt-take out]
Exercise —n. 1 activity requiring physical effort, done to sustain or improve health. 2 mental or spiritual activity, esp. As practice to develop a faculty. 3 task devised as exercise. 4 a use or application of a mental faculty, right, etc. B practice of an ability, quality, etc. 5 (often in pl.) Military drill or manoeuvres. —v. (-sing) 1 use or apply (a faculty, right, etc.). 2 perform (a function). 3 a take (esp. Physical) exercise. B provide (an animal) with exercise. 4 a tax the powers of. B perplex, worry. [latin exerceo keep busy]
Exert v. 1 bring to bear, use (a quality, force, influence, etc.). 2 refl. (often foll. By for, or to + infin.) Use one’s efforts or endeavours; strive. exertion n. [latin
exsero exsert-put forth]
Exert v. 1 bring to bear, use (a quality, force, influence, etc.). 2 refl. (often foll. By for, or to + infin.) Use one’s efforts or endeavours; strive. exertion n. [latin exsero exsert-put forth]
Exeunt v. (as a stage direction) (actors) leave the stage. [latin: related to *exit]
Exfoliate v. (-ting) 1 come off in scales or layers. 2 throw off layers of bark. exfoliation n. [latin folium leaf]
Ex gratia —adv. As a favour; not from (esp. Legal) obligation. —attrib. Adj. Granted on this basis. [latin, = from favour]
Exhale v. (-ling) 1 breathe out. 2 give off or be given off in vapour. exhalation n. [french from latin halo breathe]
Exhaust —v. 1 consume or use up the whole of. 2 (often as exhausted adj. Or exhausting adj.) Tire out. 3 study or expound (a subject) completely. 4 (often foll. By of) empty (a vessel etc.) Of its contents. —n. 1 waste gases etc. Expelled from an engine after combustion. 2 (also exhaust-pipe) pipe or system by which these are expelled. 3 process of expulsion of these gases. exhaustible adj. [latin haurio haust-drain]
Exhaustion n. 1 exhausting or being exhausted. 2 total loss of strength.
Exhaustive adj. Thorough, comprehensive. exhaustively adv. Exhaustiveness n.
Exhibit —v. (-t-) 1 show or reveal, esp. Publicly. 2 display (a quality etc.). —n. Item displayed, esp. In an exhibition or as evidence in a lawcourt. exhibitor n. [latin exhibeo -hibit-]
Exhibition n. 1 display (esp. Public) of works of art etc. 2 exhibiting or being exhibited. 3 scholarship, esp. From the funds of a school, college, etc.
Exhibitioner n. Student who has been awarded an exhibition.
Exhibitionism n. 1 tendency towards attention-seeking behaviour. 2 psychol.
Compulsion to display one’s genitals in public. exhibitionist n.
Exhilarate v. (often as exhilarating adj. Or exhilarated adj.) Enliven, gladden; raise the spirits of. exhilaration n. [latin hilaris cheerful]
Exhort v. (often foll. By to + infin.) Urge strongly or earnestly. exhortation n. Exhortative adj. Exhortatory adj. [latin exhortor encourage]
Exhume v. (-ming) dig up (esp. A buried corpse). exhumation n. [latin humus ground]
Exigency n. (pl. -ies) (also exigence) 1 urgent need or demand. 2 emergency. exigent adj. [latin exigo *exact]
Exiguous adj. Scanty, small. exiguity n. [latin]
Exile —n. 1 expulsion from one’s native land or (internal exile) native town etc. 2 long absence abroad. 3 exiled person. —v. (-ling) send into exile. [french from latin]
Exist v. 1 have a place in objective reality. 2 (of circumstances etc.) Occur; be found. 3 live with no pleasure. 4 continue in being. 5 live. [latin existo]
Existence n. 1 fact or manner of being or existing. 2 continuance in life or being.
3 all that exists. existent adj.
Existential adj. 1 of or relating to existence. 2 philos. Concerned with existence, esp. With human existence as viewed by existentialism. existentially adv.
Existentialism n. Philosophical theory emphasizing the existence of the individual as a free and self-determining agent. existentialist n. & adj.
Exit —n. 1 passage or door by which to leave a room etc. 2 act or right of going out. 3 place where vehicles can leave a motorway etc. 4 actor’s departure from the stage. —v. (-t-) 1 go out of a room etc. 2 leave the stage (also as a direction: exit macbeth). [latin exeo exit-go out]
Exit poll n. Poll of people leaving a polling-station, asking how they voted.
Exo-comb. Form external. [greek exo outside]
Exocrine adj. (of a gland) secreting through a duct. [greek krino sift]
Exodus n. 1 mass departure. 2 (exodus) biblical departure of the israelites from egypt. [greek hodos way]
Ex officio adv. & attrib. Adj. By virtue of one’s office. [latin]
Exonerate v. (-ting) (often foll. By from) free or declare free from blame etc. exoneration n. [latin onus oner-burden]
Exorbitant adj. (of a price, demand, etc.) Grossly excessive. [latin: related to *orbit]
Exorcize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 expel (a supposed evil spirit) by prayers etc. 2 (often foll. By of) free (a person or place) in this way. exorcism n. Exorcistn. [greek horkos oath]
Exordium n. (pl. -s or -dia) introductory part, esp. Of a discourse or treatise. [latin exordior begin]
Exotic —adj. 1 introduced from a foreign country; not native. 2 strange or unusual. —n. Exotic person or thing. exotically adv. [greek exo outside]
Exotica n.pl. Strange or rare objects.
Exotica n.pl. Strange or rare objects.
Expand v. 1 increase in size or importance. 2 (often foll. By on) give a fuller account. 3 become more genial. 4 set or write out in full. 5 spread out flat. expandable adj. [latin pando pans-spread]
Expanse n. Wide continuous area of land, space, etc.
Expansible adj. That can be expanded.
Expansion n. 1 expanding or being expanded. 2 enlargement of the scale or scope of a business.
Expansionism n. Advocacy of expansion, esp. Of a state’s territory. expansionist n. & adj.
Expansive adj. 1 able or tending to expand. 2 extensive. 3 (of a person etc.) Effusive, open. expansively adv. Expansiveness n.
Expat n. & adj. Colloq. Expatriate. [abbreviation]
Expatiate v. (-ting) (usu. Foll. By on, upon) speak or write at length. expatiation n. Expatiatory adj. [latin spatium *space]
Expatriate —adj. 1 living abroad. 2 exiled. —n. Expatriate person. —v. (-ting) 1 expel (a person) from his or her native country. 2 refl. Renounce one’s citizenship. expatriation n. [latin patria native land]
Expect v. 1 a regard as likely. B look for as appropriate or one’s due (i expect cooperation). 2 colloq. Think, suppose. be expecting colloq. Be pregnant (with). [latin specto look]
Expectancy n. (pl. -ies) 1 state of expectation. 2 prospect. 3 (foll. By of) prospective chance.
Expectant adj. 1 hopeful, expecting. 2 having an expectation. 3 pregnant.
expectantly adv.
Expectation n. 1 expecting or anticipation. 2 thing expected. 3 (foll. By of) probability of an event. 4 (in pl.) One’s prospects of inheritance.
Expectorate v. (-ting) (also absol.) Cough or spit out (phlegm etc.). expectoration n. [latin pectus pector-breast]
Expedient —adj. Advantageous; advisable on practical rather than moral grounds. —n. Means of attaining an end; resource. expedience n. Expediency n. [related to *expedite]
Expedite v. (-ting) 1 assist the progress of. 2 accomplish (business) quickly. [latin expedio from pes ped-foot]
Expedition n. 1 journey or voyage for a particular purpose, esp. Exploration. 2 people etc. Undertaking this. 3 speed. [latin: related to *expedite]
Expeditionary adj. Of or used in an expedition.
Expeditious adj. Acting or done with speed and efficiency.
Expel v. (-ll-) (often foll. By from) 1 deprive (a person) of membership etc. Of a school, society, etc. 2 force out, eject. 3 order or force to leave a building etc. [latin pello puls-drive]
Expend v. Spend or use up (money, time, etc.). [latin pendo pens-weigh]
Expendable adj. That may be sacrificed or dispensed with; not worth preserving or saving.
Expenditure n. 1 spending or using up. 2 thing (esp. Money) expended.
Expense n. 1 cost incurred; payment of money. 2 (usu. In pl.) A costs incurred in doing a job etc. B amount paid to reimburse this. 3 thing on which money is spent. at the expense of so as to cause loss or harm to; costing. [latin expensa: related to *expend]
Expense account n. List of an employee’s expenses payable by the employer.
Expensive adj. Costing or charging much. expensively adv. Expensiveness n.
Experience —n. 1 observation of or practical acquaintance with facts or events. 2 knowledge or skill resulting from this. 3 event or activity participated in or observed (a rare experience). —v. (-cing) 1 have experience of; undergo. 2 feel. [latin experior -pert-try]
Experienced adj. 1 having had much experience. 2 skilled from experience (experienced driver).
Experiential adj. Involving or based on experience. experientially adv.
Experiment —n. Procedure adopted in the hope of success, or for testing a hypothesis etc., or to demonstrate a known fact. —v. (often foll. By on, with) make an experiment. experimentation n. Experimenter n. [latin: related to *experience]
Experimental adj. 1 based on or making use of experiment. 2 used in experiments. experimentalism n. Experimentally adv.
Expert —adj. 1 (often foll. By at, in) having special knowledge of or skill in a subject. 2 (attrib.) Involving or resulting from this (expert advice). —n. (often foll. By at, in) person with special knowledge or skill. expertly adv. [latin: related to *experience]
Expertise n. Expert skill, knowledge, or judgement. [french]
Expiate v. (-ting) pay the penalty for or make amends for (wrongdoing). expiable adj. Expiation n. Expiatory adj. [latin expio: related to *pious]
Expire v. (-ring) 1 (of a period of time, validity, etc.) Come to an end. 2 cease to be valid. 3 die. 4 (also absol.) Breathe out (air etc.). expiration n. Expiratory adj. (in sense 4). [latin spirare breathe]
Expiry n. End of validity or duration.
Explain v. 1 a make clear or intelligible (also absol.: let me explain). B make known in detail. 2 (foll. By that) say by way of explanation. 3 account for (one’s conduct etc.). explain away minimize the significance of by explanation. Explain oneself 1 make one’s meaning clear. 2 give an account of one’s motives or conduct. [latin explano from planus flat]
Explanation n. 1 explaining. 2 statement or circumstance that explains something.
Explanatory adj. Serving or designed to explain.
Expletive n. Swear-word or exclamation. [latin expleo fill out]
Explicable adj. That can be explained.
Explicate v. (-ting) 1 develop the meaning of (an idea etc.). 2 explain (esp. A literary text). explication n. [latin explico -plicat-unfold]
Explicit adj. 1 expressly stated, not merely implied; stated in detail. 2 definite. 3 outspoken. explicitly adv. Explicitness n. [latin: related to *explicate]
Explode v. (-ding) 1 a expand suddenly with a loud noise owing to a release of internal energy. B cause (a bomb etc.) To explode. 2 give vent suddenly to emotion, esp. Anger. 3 (of a population etc.) Increase suddenly or rapidly. 4 show (a theory etc.) To be false or baseless. 5 (as exploded adj.) (of a drawing etc.) Showing the components of a mechanism somewhat separated but in the normal relative positions. [latin explodo -plos-hiss off the stage]
Exploit —n. Daring feat. —v. 1 make use of (a resource etc.). 2 usu. Derog. Utilize or take advantage of (esp. A person) for one’s own ends. exploitation n. Exploitative adj. Exploiter n. [latin: related to *explicate]
Explore v. (-ring) 1 travel through (a country etc.) To learn about it. 2 inquire into. 3 surgery examine (a part of the body) in detail. exploration n. Exploratory adj. Explorer n. [latin exploro search out]
Explosion n. 1 exploding. 2 loud noise caused by this. 3 sudden outbreak of feeling. 4 rapid or sudden increase. [latin: related to *explode]
Explosive —adj. 1 able, tending, likely to explode. 2 likely to cause a violent
outburst etc.; dangerously tense. —n. Explosive substance. explosiveness n.
Expo n. (also expo) (pl. -s) large international exhibition. [abbreviation of *exposition 4]
Exponent n. 1 person who promotes an idea etc. 2 practitioner of an activity, profession, etc. 3 person who explains or interprets something. 4 type or representative. 5 raised symbol beside a numeral indicating how many of the number are to be multiplied together (e.g. 23 = 2 x 2 x 2). [latin expono *expound]
Exponential adj. 1 of or indicated by a mathematical exponent. 2 (of an increase etc.) More and more rapid.
Export —v. Sell or send (goods or services) to another country. —n. 1 exporting. 2 a exported article or service. B (in pl.) Amount exported. exportation n. Exporter n. [latin porto carry]
Expose v. (-sing) (esp. As exposed adj.) 1 leave uncovered or unprotected, esp. From the weather. 2 (foll. By to) a put at risk of. B subject to (an influence etc.). 3 photog. Subject (a film) to light, esp. By operation of a camera. 4 reveal the identity or fact of. 5 exhibit, display. expose oneself display one’s body, esp. One’s genitals, indecently in public. [latin pono put]
Exposé n. 1 orderly statement of facts. 2 revelation of something discreditable. [french]
Exposition n. 1 explanatory account. 2 explanation or commentary. 3 mus. Part of a movement in which the principal themes are presented. 4 large public
exhibition. [latin: related to *expound]
Ex post facto adj. & adv. With retrospective action or force. [latin, = in the light of subsequent events]
Expostulate v. (-ting) (often foll. By with a person) make a protest; remonstrate. expostulation n. Expostulatory adj. [latin: related to *postulate]
Exposure n. (foll. By to) 1 exposing or being exposed. 2 physical condition resulting from being exposed to the elements. 3 photog. A exposing a film etc. To the light. B duration of this. C section of film etc. Affected by it.
Expound v. 1 set out in detail. 2 explain or interpret. [latin pono posit-place]
Express —v. 1 represent or make known in words or by gestures, conduct, etc. 2 refl. Communicate what one thinks, feels, or means. 3 esp. Math. Represent by symbols. 4 squeeze out (liquid or air). 5 send by express service. —adj. 1 operating at high speed. 2 also definitely stated. 3 delivered by a specially fast service. —adv. 1 at high speed. 2 by express messenger or train. —n. 1 express train etc. 2 us service for the rapid transport of parcels etc. expressible adj. Expressly adv. (in sense 2 of adj.). [latin exprimo -press-squeeze out]
Expression n. 1 expressing or being expressed. 2 word or phrase expressed. 3 person’s facial appearance, indicating feeling. 4 conveying of feeling in music, speaking, dance, etc. 5 depiction of feeling etc. In art. 6 math. Collection of symbols expressing a quantity. expressionless adj. [french: related to *express]
Expressionism n. Style of painting, music, drama, etc., seeking to express emotion rather than the external world. expressionist n. & adj.
Expressive adj. 1 full of expression (expressive look). 2 (foll. By of) serving to express. expressively adv. Expressiveness n.
Expresso var. Of *espresso.
Expressway n. Us motorway.
Expropriate v. (-ting) 1 take away (property) from its owner. 2 (foll. By from) dispossess. expropriation n. Expropriator n. [latin proprium property]
Expulsion n. Expelling or being expelled. expulsive adj. [latin: related to *expel]
Expunge v. (-ging) erase, remove (objectionable matter) from a book etc. [latin expungo prick out (for deletion)]
Expurgate v. (-ting) 1 remove objectionable matter from (a book etc.). 2 remove (such matter). expurgation n. Expurgator n. [latin: related to *purge]
F abbr. (also f.) 1 female. 2 feminine. 3 following page etc. 4 mus. Forte. 5 folio.
6 focal length.
Fa abbr. Football association.
Fa var. Of *fah.
Fab adj. Colloq. Fabulous, marvellous. [abbreviation]
Fable n. 1 a fictional, esp. Supernatural, story. B moral tale, esp. With animals as characters. 2 legendary tales collectively (in fable). 3 a lie. B thing only supposed to exist. [latin fabula discourse]
Fabled adj. Celebrated; legendary.
Fabled adj. Celebrated; legendary.
Fabric n. 1 woven material; cloth. 2 walls, floor, and roof of a building. 3 essential structure. [latin faber metalworker]
Fabricate v. (-ting) 1 construct, esp. From components. 2 invent (a story etc.). 3 forge (a document). fabrication n. Fabricator n. [latin: related to *fabric]
Fabulous adj. 1 incredible. 2 colloq. Marvellous. 3 legendary. fabulously adv. [latin: related to *fable]
Façade n. 1 face or front of a building. 2 outward appearance, esp. A deceptive one. [french: related to *face]
Face —n. 1 front of the head from forehead to chin. 2 facial expression. 3 coolness, effrontery. 4 surface, esp.: a the side of a mountain etc. (north face). B
*coalface. C geom. Each surface of a solid. D the façade of a building. E the dial of a clock etc. 5 functional side of a tool etc. 6 = *typeface. 7 aspect (unacceptable face of capitalism). —v. (-cing) 1 look or be positioned towards or in a certain direction. 2 be opposite. 3 meet resolutely. 4 confront (faces us with a problem). 5 a coat the surface of (a thing). B put a facing on (a garment). face the music colloq. Take unpleasant consequences without flinching. Face up to accept bravely. Have the face be shameless enough. In face (or the face) of despite. Lose face be humiliated. On the face of it apparently. Put a bold (or brave) face on it accept difficulty etc. Cheerfully. Save face avoid humiliation. Set one’s face against oppose stubbornly. To a person’s face openly in a person’s presence. [latin facies]
Face-cloth n. Cloth for washing one’s face.
Face-flannel n. = *face-cloth.
Faceless adj. 1 without identity; characterless. 2 purposely not identifiable.
Face-lift n. 1 (also face-lifting) cosmetic surgery to remove wrinkles etc. 2 improvement to appearance, efficiency, etc.
Face-pack n. Skin preparation for the face.
Facer n. Colloq. Sudden difficulty.
Facet n. 1 aspect. 2 side of a cut gem etc. [french: related to *fact]
Facetious adj. Intending or intended to be amusing, esp. Inappropriately. facetiously adv. [latin facetia jest]
Face to face adv. & adj. (also face-to-face when attrib.) (often foll. By with) facing; confronting each other.
Face value n. 1 nominal value of money. 2 superficial appearance or implication.
Facia var. Of *fascia.
Facia var. Of *fascia.
Facial —adj. Of or for the face. —n. Beauty treatment for the face. facially adv.
Facile adj. Usu. Derog. 1 easily achieved but of little value. 2 glib, fluent. [latin facio do]
Facilitate v. (-ting) ease (a process etc.). facilitation n. [italian: related to *facile]
Facility n. (pl. -ies) 1 ease; absence of difficulty. 2 fluency, dexterity. 3 (esp. In pl.) Opportunity or equipment for doing something. [latin: related to *facile]
Facing n. 1 layer of material covering part of a garment etc. For contrast or strength. 2 outer covering on a wall etc.
Facsimile n. Exact copy, esp. Of writing, printing, a picture, etc. [latin, = make like]
Fact n. 1 thing that is known to exist or to be true. 2 (usu. In pl.) Item of verified information. 3 truth, reality. 4 thing assumed as the basis for argument. before (or after) the fact before (or after) the committing of a crime. In (or in point of) fact 1 in reality. 2 in short. [latin factum from facio do]
Faction n. Small organized dissentient group within a larger one, esp. In politics. factional adj. [latin: related to *fact]
-faction comb. Form forming nouns of action from verbs in -fy (satisfaction). [latin -factio]
Factious adj. Of, characterized by, or inclined to faction. [latin: related to *faction]
Factitious adj. 1 specially contrived. 2 artificial. [latin: related to *fact]
Fact of life n. Something that must be accepted.
Factor n. 1 circumstance etc. Contributing to a result. 2 whole number etc. That when multiplied with another produces a given number. 3 a business agent. B scot. Land-agent, steward. C agent, deputy. [latin: related to *fact]
Factorial —n. Product of a number and all the whole numbers below it. —adj.
Of a factor or factorial.
Factorize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) resolve into factors. factorization n.
Factory n. (pl. -ies) building(s) in which goods are manufactured. [ultimately from latin factorium]
Factory farm n. Farm using intensive or industrial methods of livestock rearing.
factory farming n.
Factotum n. (pl. -s) employee who does all kinds of work. [medieval latin:
related to fact, total]
Facts and figures n.pl. Precise details.
Factsheet n. Information leaflet, esp. Accompanying a television programme.
Facts of life n.pl. (prec. By the) information about sexual functions and practices.
Factual adj. Based on or concerned with fact. factually adv.
Faculty n. (pl. -ies) 1 aptitude for a particular activity. 2 inherent mental or physical power. 3 a group of related university departments. B us teaching staff of a university or college. 4 authorization, esp. By a church authority. [latin: related to *facile]
Fad n. 1 craze. 2 peculiar notion. faddish adj. [probably from fiddle-faddle]
Faddy adj. (-ier, -iest) having petty likes and dislikes. faddiness n.
Fade —v. (-ding) 1 lose or cause to lose colour, light, or sound; slowly diminish. 2 lose freshness or strength. 3 (foll. By in, out) cinematog. Etc. Cause (a picture
or sound) to appear or disappear, increase or decrease, gradually. —n. Action of fading. fade away 1 colloq. Languish, grow thin. 2 die away; disappear. [french fade dull]
Faeces n.pl. (us feces) waste matter discharged from the bowels. faecal adj. [latin]
Faff v. Colloq. (often foll. By about, around) fuss, dither. [imitative]
Fag1 —n. 1 colloq. Tedious task. 2 slang cigarette. 3 (at public schools) junior boy who runs errands for a senior. —v. (-gg-) 1 (often foll. By out) colloq. Exhaust. 2 (at public schools) act as a fag. [origin unknown]
Fag2 n. Us slang offens. Male homosexual. [abbreviation of *faggot]
Fag-end n. Slang cigarette-end.
Faggot n. (us fagot) 1 ball of seasoned chopped liver etc., baked or fried. 2 bundle of sticks etc. 3 slang offens. A unpleasant woman. B us male homosexual. [french from italian]
Fagot n. (brit. Faggot) 1 ball of seasoned chopped liver etc., baked or fried. 2 bundle of sticks etc. 3 slang offens. A unpleasant woman. B us male homosexual. [french from italian]
Fah n. (also fa) mus. Fourth note of a major scale. [latin famuli: see *gamut]
Fahrenheit adj. Of a scale of temperature on which water freezes at 32° and boils at 212°. [fahrenheit, name of a physicist]
Faience n. Decorated and glazed earthenware and porcelain. [french from faenza in italy]
Fail —v. 1 not succeed (failed to qualify). 2 be or judge to be unsuccessful in (an examination etc.). 3 be unable; neglect (failed to appear). 4 disappoint. 5 be absent or insufficient.
Failed adj. Unsuccessful (failed actor).
Failing —n. Fault, weakness. —prep. In default of.
Fail-safe adj. Reverting to a safe condition when faulty etc.
Failure n. 1 lack of success; failing. 2 unsuccessful person or thing. 3 non-performance. 4 breaking down or ceasing to function (heart failure). 5 running short of supply etc. [anglo-french: related to *fail]
Fain archaic —predic. Adj. (foll. By to + infin.) Willing or obliged to. —adv. Gladly (esp. Would fain). [old english]
2 become faint. —n. Act or state of fainting. faintly adv. Faintness n. [french:
related to *feign]
Faint-hearted adj. Cowardly, timid.
Fair1 —adj. 1 just, equitable; in accordance with the rules. 2 blond; light or pale. 3 a moderate in quality or amount. B satisfactory. 4 (of weather) fine; (of the wind) favourable. 5 clean, clear (fair copy). 6 archaic beautiful. —adv. 1 in a just manner. 2 exactly, completely. in a fair way to likely to. fairness n. [old english]
Fair2 n. 1 stalls, amusements, etc., for public entertainment. 2 periodic market, often with entertainments. 3 exhibition, esp. Commercial. [latin feriae holiday]
Fair and square adv. Exactly; straightforwardly.
Fair dinkum see *dinkum.
Fair dos n.pl. (esp. As int.) Colloq. Fair shares; fair treatment.
Fair game n. Legitimate target or object.
Fairground n. Outdoor area where a fair is held.
Fairing n. Streamlining structure added to a ship, aircraft, vehicle, etc.
Fair isle n. (also attrib.) Multicoloured knitwear design characteristic of fair isle. [fair isle in the shetlands]
Fairly adv. 1 in a fair manner. 2 moderately (fairly good). 3 quite, rather (fairly narrow).
Fair play n. Just treatment or behaviour.
Fair sex n. (prec. By the) women.
Fairway n. 1 navigable channel. 2 part of a golf-course between a tee and its green, kept free of rough grass.
Fair-weather friend n. Unreliable friend or ally.
Fairy n. (pl. -ies) 1 (often attrib.) Small winged legendary being. 2 slang offens. Male homosexual. [french: related to fay, -ery]
Fairy cake n. Small iced sponge cake.
Fairy godmother n. Benefactress.
Fairyland n. 1 home of fairies. 2 enchanted region.
Fairy lights n.pl. Small decorative coloured lights.
Fairy ring n. Ring of darker grass caused by fungi.
Fairy story n. (also fairy tale) 1 tale about fairies. 2 incredible story; lie.
Fait accompli n. Thing that has been done and is not capable of alteration. [french]
Faith n. 1 complete trust or confidence. 2 firm, esp. Religious, belief. 3 religion or creed (christian faith). 4 loyalty, trustworthiness. [latin fides]
Faithful adj. 1 showing faith. 2 (often foll. By to) loyal, trustworthy. 3 accurate (faithful account). 4 (the faithful) the believers in a religion. faithfulness n.
Faithfully adv. In a faithful manner. yours faithfully formula for ending a formal letter when it begins ‘dear sir’ or ‘dear madam’.
Faithless adj. 1 false, unreliable, disloyal. 2 without religious faith.
Fake —n. False or counterfeit thing or person. —adj. Counterfeit; not genuine. —v. (-king) 1 make a fake or imitation of (faked my signature). 2 feign (a feeling, illness, etc.). [german fegen sweep]
Fakir n. Muslim or (rarely) hindu religious beggar or ascetic. [arabic, = poor man]
Falcon n. Small hawk sometimes trained to hunt. [latin falco]
Falconry n. Breeding and training of hawks.
Fall —v. (past fell; past part. Fallen) 1 go or come down freely; descend. 2 (often foll. By over) come suddenly to the ground from loss of balance etc. 3 a hang or slope down. B (foll. By into) (of a river etc.) Discharge into. 4 a sink lower; decline, esp. In power, status, etc. B subside. 5 occur (falls on a monday). 6 (of the face) show dismay or disappointment. 7 yield to temptation. 8 take or have a particular direction or place (his eye fell on me; accent falls on the first syllable). 9 a find a place; be naturally divisible. B (foll. By under, within) be classed among. 10 come by chance or duty (it fell to me to answer). 11 a pass into a specified condition (fell ill). B become (fall asleep). 12 be defeated or captured. 13 die. 14 (foll. By on, upon) a attack. B meet with. C embrace or embark on avidly. 15 (foll. By to + verbal noun) begin (fell to wondering). —n.
1 act of falling. 2 that which falls or has fallen, e.g. Snow. 3 recorded amount of rainfall etc. 4 overthrow (fall of rome). 5 a succumbing to temptation. B (the fall) adam’s sin and its results. 6 (also fall) us autumn. 7 (esp. In pl.) Waterfall etc. 8 wrestling-bout; throw in wrestling. fall about colloq. Be helpless withlaughter. Fall away 1 (of a surface) incline abruptly. 2 become few or thin; gradually vanish. 3 desert. Fall back retreat. Fall back on have recourse to in difficulty. Fall behind 1 be outstripped; lag. 2 be in arrears. Fall down (often foll. By on) colloq. Fail. Fall for colloq. Be captivated or deceived by. Fall foul of come into conflict with. Fall in 1 take one’s place in military formation. 2 collapse inwards. Fall in with 1 meet by chance. 2 agree with. 3 coincide with.
Fall off 1 become detached. 2 decrease, deteriorate. Fall out 1 quarrel. 2 (of the hair, teeth, etc.) Become detached. 3 mil. Come out of formation. 4 result; occur. Fall over backwards see *backwards. Fall over oneself colloq. 1 be eager. 2 stumble through haste, confusion, etc. Fall short be deficient. Fall short of fail to reach or obtain. Fall through fail; miscarry. Fall to begin, e.g. Eating or working. [old english]
Fallacy n. (pl. -ies) 1 mistaken belief. 2 faulty reasoning; misleading argument. fallacious adj. [latin fallo deceive]
Fall guy n. Slang easy victim; scapegoat.
Fallible adj. Capable of making mistakes. fallibility n. Fallibly adv. [medieval latin: related to *fallacy]
Falling star n. Meteor.
Fallopian tube n. Either of two tubes along which ova travel from the ovaries to the womb. [fallopius, name of an anatomist]
Fallout n. Radioactive nuclear debris.
Fallow —adj. 1 (of land) ploughed but left unsown. 2 uncultivated. —n. Fallow land. [old english]
Fallow deer n. Small deer with a white-spotted reddish-brown summer coat. [old english fallow pale brownish or reddish yellow]
False adj. 1 wrong, incorrect. 2 spurious, artificial. 3 improperly so called (false acacia). 4 deceptive. 5 (foll. By to) deceitful, treacherous, or unfaithful. falsely adv. Falseness n. [latin falsus: related to *fail]
False alarm n. Alarm given needlessly.
Falsehood n. 1 untrue thing. 2 a act of lying. B lie.
False pretences n.pl. Misrepresentations made with intent to deceive (esp. Under false pretences).
Falsetto n. Male singing voice above the normal range. [italian diminutive:
related to *false]
Falsies n.pl. Colloq. Pads worn to make the breasts seem larger.
Falsify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 fraudulently alter. 2 misrepresent. falsification n. [french or medieval latin: related to *false]
Falsity n. Being false.
Falter v. 1 stumble; go unsteadily. 2 lose courage. 3 speak hesitatingly. [origin uncertain]
Fame n. 1 renown; being famous. 2 archaic reputation. [latin fama]
Famed adj. (foll. By for) famous; much spoken of.
Familial adj. Of a family or its members.
Familiar —adj. 1 a (often foll. By to) well known. B often met (with). 2 (foll. By with) knowing a thing well. 3 (often foll. By with) well acquainted (with a person). 4 informal, esp. Presumptuously so. —n. 1 close friend. 2 (in full familiar spirit) supposed attendant of a witch etc. familiarity n. Familiarly adv. [latin: related to *family]
Familiarize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) (usu. Foll. By with) make (a person or oneself) conversant or well acquainted. familiarization n.
Family n. (pl. -ies) 1 set of relations, esp. Parents and children. 2 a members of a household. B person’s children. 3 all the descendants of a common ancestor. 4 group of similar objects, people, etc. 5 group of related genera of animals or plants. in the family way colloq. Pregnant. [latin familia]
Family allowance n. Former name for *child benefit.
Family credit n. (also family income supplement) regular state payment to a low-income family.
Family man n. Man who has a wife and children, esp. One fond of family life.
Family name n. Surname.
Family planning n. Birth control.
Family tree n. Genealogical chart.
Famine n. Extreme scarcity, esp. Of food. [latin fames hunger]
Famish v. (usu. In passive) make or become extremely hungry. be famished (or famishing) colloq. Be very hungry. [romanic: related to *famine]
Famous adj. 1 (often foll. By for) celebrated; well-known. 2 colloq. Excellent. famously adv. [latin: related to *fame]
Fan1 —n. 1 apparatus, usu. With rotating blades, for ventilation etc. 2 folding semicircular device waved to cool oneself. 3 thing spread out like a fan (fan tracery). —v. (-nn-) 1 blow air on, with or as with a fan. 2 (of a breeze) blow gently on. 3 (usu. Foll. By out) spread out like a fan. [latin vannus winnowing-basket]
Fan2 n. Devotee of a particular activity, performer, etc. (film fan). [abbreviation
of *fanatic]
Fanatic —n. Person obsessively devoted to a belief, activity, etc. —adj. Excessively enthusiastic. fanatical adj. Fanatically adv. Fanaticism n. [latin fanum temple]
Fan belt n. Belt driving a fan to cool the radiator in a vehicle.
Fancier n. Connoisseur (dog-fancier).
Fanciful adj. 1 imaginary. 2 indulging in fancies. fancifully adv.
Fan club n. Club of devotees.
Fancy —n. (pl. -ies) 1 inclination. 2 whim. 3 supposition. 4 a faculty of imagination. B mental image. —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 ornamental. 2 extravagant. — v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (foll. By that) be inclined to suppose. 2 colloq. Feel a desire for (fancy a drink?). 3 colloq. Find sexually attractive. 4 colloq. Value (oneself, one’s ability, etc.) Unduly highly. 5 (in imper.) Exclamation of surprise. 6 imagine. take a fancy to become (esp. Inexplicably) fond of. Take a person’s fancy suddenly attract or please. fanciable adj. (in sense 3 of v.). Fancily adv. Fanciness n. [contraction of *fantasy]
Fancy dress n. Costume for masquerading at a party.
Fancy-free adj. Without (esp. Emotional) commitments.
Fancy man n. Slang derog. 1 woman’s lover. 2 pimp.
Fancy woman n. Slang derog. Mistress.
Fandango n. (pl. -es or -s) 1 lively spanish dance for two. 2 music for this. [spanish]
Fanfare n. Short showy or ceremonious sounding of trumpets etc. [french]
Fang n. 1 canine tooth, esp. Of a dog or wolf. 2 tooth of a venomous snake. 3 root of a tooth or its prong. [old english]
Fan-jet n. = *turbofan.
Fanlight n. Small, orig. Semicircular, window over a door or another window.
Fan mail n. Letters from fans.
Fanny n. (pl. -ies) 1 coarse slang the female genitals. 2 us slang the buttocks. [origin unknown]
Fantail n. Pigeon with a broad tail.
Fantasia n. Free or improvisatory musical or other composition, or one based on familiar tunes. [italian: related to *fantasy]
Fantasize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 day-dream. 2 imagine; create a fantasy about.
Fantastic adj. 1 colloq. Excellent, extraordinary. 2 extravagantly fanciful. 3 grotesque, quaint. fantastically adv. [greek: related to *fantasy]
Fantasy n. (pl. -ies) 1 imagination, esp. When unrelated to reality (lives in the realm of fantasy). 2 mental image, day-dream. 3 fantastic invention or composition. [greek phantasia appearance]
Far (further, furthest or farther, farthest) —adv. 1 at, to, or by a great distance (far away; far off; far out). 2 a long way (off) in space or time (are you travelling far?). 3 to a great extent or degree; by much (far better; far too early). —adj. 1 remote; distant (far country). 2 more distant (far end of the hall). 3 extreme (far left). as far as 1 right up to (a place). 2 to the extent that. By far by a great amount. A far cry a long way. Far from very different from being; almost the opposite of (far from being fat). Go far 1 achieve much. 2 contribute greatly. Go too far overstep the limit (of propriety etc.). So far 1 to such an extent; to this point. 2 until now. So (or in so) far as (or that) to the extent that. So far so good satisfactory up to now. [old english]
Farad n. Si unit of capacitance. [faraday, name of a physicist]
Far and away adv. By a very large amount.
Far and wide adv. Over a large area.
Far-away adj. 1 remote. 2 (of a look or voice) dreamy, distant.
Farce n. 1 a low comedy with a ludicrously improbable plot. B this branch of drama. 2 absurdly futile proceedings; pretence. farcical adj. [latin farcio to stuff, used metaphorically of interludes etc.]
Fare —n. 1 a price of a journey on public transport. B fare-paying passenger. 2 range of food. —v. (-ring) progress; get on (how did you fare?). [old english]
Far east n. (prec. By the) china, japan, and other countries of e. Asia.
Fare-stage n. 1 section of bus etc. Route for which a fixed fare is charged. 2 stop marking this.
Farewell —int. Goodbye. —n. Leave-taking.
Far-fetched adj. Unconvincing, incredible.
Far-flung adj. 1 widely scattered. 2 remote.
Far gone adj. Colloq. Very ill, drunk, etc.
Farina n. 1 flour or meal of cereal, nuts, or starchy roots. 2 starch. farinaceous adj. [latin]
Farm —n. 1 land and its buildings under one management for growing crops, rearing animals, etc. 2 such land etc. For a specified purpose (trout-farm). 3 = *farmhouse. —v. 1 a use (land) for growing crops, rearing animals, etc. B be a farmer; work on a farm. 2 breed (fish etc.) Commercially. 3 (often foll. By out) delegate or subcontract (work) to others. farming n. [french ferme from latin firma fixed payment]
Farrago n. (pl. -s or us -es) medley, hotchpotch. [latin, = mixed fodder, from far corn]
Far-reaching adj. Widely influential or applicable.
Farrier n. Smith who shoes horses. [latin ferrum iron, horseshoe]
Farrow —n. 1 litter of pigs. 2 birth of a litter. —v. (also absol.) (of a sow) produce (pigs). [old english]
Far-seeing adj. Showing foresight; wise.
Farsi n. Modern persian language. [persian]
Far-sighted adj. 1 having foresight, prudent. 2 esp. Us = *long-sighted.
Fart coarse slang —v. 1 emit wind from the anus. 2 (foll. By about, around) behave foolishly. —n. 1 an emission of wind from the anus. 2 unpleasant or foolish person. [old english]
Farther var. Of *further (esp. Of physical distance).
Farthest var. Of *furthest (esp. Of physical distance).
Farthing n. Hist. Coin and monetary unit worth a quarter of an old penny. [old english: related to *fourth]
Usage the farthing was withdrawn from circulation in 1961.
Farthingale n. Hist. Hooped petticoat. [spanish verdugo rod]
Fasces n.pl. 1 rom. Hist. Bundle of rods with a projecting axe-blade, as a magistrate’s symbol of power. 2 emblems of authority. [latin, pl. Of fascis bundle]
Fascia n. (also facia) (pl. -s) 1 a instrument panel of a vehicle. B similar panel etc. For operating machinery. 2 strip with a name etc. Over a shop-front. 3 a longflat surface in classical architecture. B flat surface, usu. Of wood, covering the ends of rafters. 4 stripe or band. [latin, = band, door-frame]
Fascicle n. Section of a book that is published in instalments. [latin diminutive:
related to *fasces]
Fascinate v. (-ting) 1 capture the interest of; attract. 2 paralyse (a victim) with fear. fascination n. [latin fascinum spell]
Fascism n. 1 extreme totalitarian rightwing nationalist movement in italy (1922– 43). 2 (also fascism) any similar movement. fascist n. & adj. (also fascist). Fascistic adj. (also fascistic). [italian fascio bundle, organized group]
Fashion —n. 1 current popular custom or style, esp. In dress. 2 manner of doing something. —v. (often foll. By into) make or form. after (or in) a fashion to some extent, barely acceptably. In (or out of) fashion fashionable (or not fashionable). [latin factio: related to *fact]
Fashionable adj. 1 following or suited to current fashion. 2 of or favoured by high society. fashionableness n. Fashionably adv.
Fast1 —adj. 1 rapid, quick-moving. 2 capable of or intended for high speed (fast car; fast road). 3 (of a clock etc.) Ahead of the correct time. 4 (of a pitch etc.) Causing the ball to bounce quickly. 5 firm; firmly fixed or attached (fast knot; fast friendship). 6 (of a colour) not fading. 7 pleasure seeking, dissolute. 8 (of photographic film etc.) Needing only short exposure. —adv. 1 quickly; in quick succession. 2 firmly, tightly (stand fast). 3 soundly, completely (fast asleep). pull a fast one colloq. Perpetrate deceit. [old english]
Fast2 —v. Abstain from food, or certain food, for a time. —n. Act or period of fasting. [old english]
Fastback n. 1 car with a sloping rear. 2 such a rear.
Fast breeder n. (also fast breeder reactor) reactor using fast neutrons.
Fasten v. 1 make or become fixed or secure. 2 (foll. By in, up) lock securely; shut in. 3 (foll. By on, upon) direct (a look, thoughts, etc.) Towards. 4 (foll. By on, upon) a take hold of. B single out. 5 (foll. By off) fix with a knot or stitches. fastener n. [old english: related to *fast1]
Fastening n. Device that fastens something; fastener.
Fast food n. Restaurant food that is quickly produced and served.
Fast worker n. Colloq. Person who rapidly makes esp. Sexual advances.
Fat —n. 1 natural oily or greasy substance found esp. In animal bodies. 2 part of meat etc. Containing this. —adj. (fatter, fattest) 1 corpulent; plump. 2 containing much fat. 3 fertile. 4 a thick (fat book). B substantial (fat cheque). 5 colloq. Iron. Very little; not much (a fat chance; a fat lot). —v. (-tt-) make or become fat. the fat is in the fire trouble is imminent. Kill the fatted calf celebrate, esp. At a prodigal’s return (luke 15). Live off (or on) the fat of the land live luxuriously. fatless adj. Fatness n. Fattish adj. [old english]
Fatal adj. 1 causing or ending in death (fatal accident). 2 (often foll. By to) ruinous (fatal mistake). 3 fateful. fatally adv. [latin: related to *fate]
Fatalism n. 1 belief in predetermination. 2 submissive acceptance. fatalist n.
Fatalistic adj. Fatalistically adv.
Fatality n. (pl. -ies) 1 death by accident or in war etc. 2 fatal influence. 3 predestined liability to disaster.
Fate —n. 1 supposed power predetermining events. 2 a the future so determined. B individual’s destiny or fortune. 3 death, destruction. —v. (-ting) 1 (usu. In passive) preordain (fated to win). 2 (as fated adj.) Doomed. fate worse than death see *death. [italian and latin fatum]
Father —n. 1 male parent. 2 (usu. In pl.) Forefather. 3 originator, early leader. 4 (fathers or fathers of the church) early christian theologians. 5 (also father) (often as a title or form of address) priest. 6 (the father) (in christian belief) first person of the trinity. 7 (father) venerable person, esp. As a title in personifications (father time). 8 (usu. In pl.) Elders (city fathers). —v. 1 beget. 2 originate (a scheme etc.). fatherhood n. Fatherless adj. [old english]
Father-figure n. Older man respected and trusted like a father.
Father-in-law n. (pl. Fathers-in-law) father of one’s husband or wife.
Fatherland n. One’s native country.
Fatherly adj. Like or of a father.
Father’s day n. Day on which cards and presents are given to fathers.
Fathom —n. (pl. Often fathom when prec. By a number) measure of six feet, esp. In depth soundings. —v. 1 comprehend. 2 measure the depth of (water). fathomable adj. [old english]
Fathomless adj. Too deep to fathom.
Fatigue —n. 1 extreme tiredness. 2 weakness in metals etc. Caused by repeated stress. 3 a non-military army duty. B (in pl.) Clothing worn for this. —v. (-gues, -gued, -guing) cause fatigue in. [latin fatigo exhaust]
Fatstock n. Livestock fattened for slaughter.
Fatten v. Make or become fat.
Fatty adj. (-ier, -iest) like or containing fat.
Fatty acid n. Organic compound consisting of a hydrocarbon chain and a terminal carboxyl group.
Fatuous adj. Vacantly silly; purposeless, idiotic. fatuity n. (pl. -ies). Fatuously adv. Fatuousness n. [latin fatuus]
Fatwa n. Legal decision or ruling by an islamic religious leader. [arabic]
Faucet n. Esp. Us tap. [french fausset vent-peg]
Fault —n. 1 defect or imperfection of character, structure, appearance, etc. 2 responsibility for wrongdoing, error, etc. (your own fault). 3 break in an electric circuit. 4 transgression, offence. 5 a tennis etc. Incorrect service. B (in showjumping) penalty for error. 6 break in rock strata. —v. 1 find fault with; blame. 2 geol. A break the continuity of (strata). B show a fault. at fault guilty; to blame. Find fault (often foll. By with) criticize; complain. To a fault excessively (generous to a fault). [latin fallo deceive]
Fault-finder n. Complaining person.
Fault-finding n. Continual criticism.
Faultless adj. Perfect. faultlessly adv.
Faulty adj. (-ier, -iest) having faults; imperfect. faultily adv. Faultiness n.
Faun n. Latin rural deity with goat’s horns, legs, and tail. [latin faunus]
Fauna n. (pl. -s or -nae) animal life of a region or period. [latin fauna, name of a rural goddess]
Faux pas n. (pl. Same) tactless mistake; blunder. [french, = false step]
Favor (brit. Favour) —n. 1 kind act (did it as a favour). 2 approval, goodwill; friendly regard (gained their favour). 3 partiality. 4 badge, ribbon, etc., as an emblem of support. —v. 1 regard or treat with favour or partiality. 2 support, promote, prefer. 3 be to the advantage of; facilitate. 4 tend to confirm (an idea etc.). 5 (foll. By with) oblige. 6 (as favoured adj.) Having special advantages.
Favorite (brit. Favourite) —adj. Preferred to all others (favourite book). —n. 1 favourite person or thing. 2 sport competitor thought most likely to win. [italian: related to *favour]
Favoritism n. (brit. Favouritism) unfair favouring of one person etc. At the
expense of another.
Favour (us favor) —n. 1 kind act (did it as a favour). 2 approval, goodwill; friendly regard (gained their favour). 3 partiality. 4 badge, ribbon, etc., as an emblem of support. —v. 1 regard or treat with favour or partiality. 2 support, promote, prefer. 3 be to the advantage of; facilitate. 4 tend to confirm (an idea etc.). 5 (foll. By with) oblige. 6 (as favoured adj.) Having special advantages. in favour 1 approved of. 2 (foll. By of) a in support of. B to the advantage of. Out of favour disapproved of. [latin faveo be kind to]
Favourite (us favorite) —adj. Preferred to all others (favourite book). —n. 1 favourite person or thing. 2 sport competitor thought most likely to win. [italian: related to *favour]
Favouritism n. (us favoritism) unfair favouring of one person etc. At the expense of another.
Fawn1 —n. 1 deer in its first year. 2 light yellowish brown. —adj. Fawn-coloured. —v. (also absol.) Give birth to (a fawn). [latin: related to *foetus]
Fawn2 v. 1 (often foll. By on, upon) behave servilely, cringe. 2 (of esp. A dog) show extreme affection. [old english]
Fax —n. 1 transmission of an exact copy of a document etc. Electronically. 2 copy produced by this. —v. Transmit in this way. [abbreviation of *facsimile]
Fay n. Literary fairy. [latin fata pl., = goddesses of destiny]
Faze v. (-zing) (often as fazed adj.) Colloq. Disconcert, disorientate. [origin unknown]
Fba abbr. Fellow of the british academy.
Fbi abbr. Federal bureau of investigation.
Fc abbr. Football club.
Fco abbr. Foreign and commonwealth office.
Fe abbr. Further education.
Fe symb. Iron. [latin ferrum]
Fealty n. (pl. -ies) 1 hist. Fidelity to a feudal lord. 2 allegiance. [latin: related to *fidelity]
Fear —n. 1 a panic or distress caused by a sense of impending danger, pain, etc. B cause of this. C state of alarm (in fear). 2 (often foll. By of) dread, awe (towards) (fear of heights). 3 danger (little fear of failure). —v. 1 feel fear about or towards. 2 (foll. By for) feel anxiety about (feared for my life). 3 (often foll. By that) foresee or expect with unease, fear, or regret (fear the worst; i fear that you are wrong). 4 (foll. By verbal noun) shrink from (feared meeting his ex-wife). 5 revere (esp. God). for fear of (or that) to avoid the risk of (or that). No fear colloq. Certainly not! [old english]
Fearful adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By of or that) afraid. 2 terrible, awful. 3 colloq.
Extreme, esp. Unpleasant (fearful row). fearfully adv. Fearfulness n.
Fearless adj. (often foll. By of) not afraid, brave. fearlessly adv. Fearlessness n.
Usage feasible should not be used to mean ‘possible’ or ‘probable’ in the sense ‘likely’. ‘possible’ or ‘probable’ should be used instead.
Feast —n. 1 large or sumptuous meal. 2 sensual or mental pleasure. 3 religious festival. 4 annual village festival. —v. 1 (often foll. By on) partake of a feast; eat and drink sumptuously. 2 regale. feast one’s eyes on look with pleasure at. [latin festus joy]
Feat n. Remarkable act or achievement. [latin: related to *fact]
Feather —n. 1 one of the structures forming a bird’s plumage, with a horny stem and fine strands. 2 (collect.) A plumage. B game-birds. —v. 1 cover or line with feathers. 2 turn (an oar) edgeways through the air. feather in one’s cap a personal achievement. Feather one’s nest enrich oneself. In fine (or high) feather colloq. In good spirits. feathery adj. [old english]
Feather bed n. Bed with a feather-stuffed mattress.
Feather-bed v. (-dd-) cushion, esp. Financially.
Feather-brain n. (also feather-head) silly or absent-minded person. feather-brained adj. (also feather-headed).
Feathering n. 1 bird’s plumage. 2 feathers of an arrow. 3 feather-like structure or marking.
Featherweight n. 1 a weight in certain sports between bantamweight and lightweight, in amateur boxing 54–7kg. B sportsman of this weight. 2 very light person or thing. 3 (usu. Attrib.) Unimportant thing.
Feature —n. 1 distinctive or characteristic part of a thing. 2 (usu. In pl.) Part of the face. 3 (esp. Specialized) article in a newspaper etc. 4 (in full feature film) main film in a cinema programme. —v. (-ring) 1 make a special display of; emphasize. 2 have as or be a central participant or topic in a film, broadcast, etc. featureless adj. [latin factura formation: related to *fact]
Feb. Abbr. February.
Febrifuge n. Medicine or treatment for fever. [latin febris fever]
Febrile adj. Of fever; feverish. [latin febris fever]
February n. (pl. -ies) second month of the year. [latin februa purification feast]
Fecal us var. Of faecal (*feces).
Feces n.pl. (brit. Faeces) waste matter discharged from the bowels. faecal adj. [latin]
Feckless adj. 1 feeble, ineffective. 2 unthinking, irresponsible. [scots feck from effeck var. Of *effect]
Fecund adj. 1 prolific, fertile. 2 fertilizing. fecundity n. [latin]
Fecundate v. (-ting) 1 make fruitful. 2 fertilize. fecundation n.
Fed past and past part. Of *feed. fed up (often foll. By with) discontented or bored.
bored.
Federal adj. 1 of a system of government in which self-governing states unite for certain functions etc. 2 of such a federation (federal laws). 3 of or favouring centralized government. 4 (federal) us of the northern states in the civil war. 5 comprising an association of largely independent units. federalism n. Federalist n. Federalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). Federalization n. Federally adv. [latin foedus covenant]
Federal reserve n. (in the us) reserve cash available to banks.
Federate —v. (-ting) unite on a federal basis. —adj. Federally organized.
federative adj.
Federation n. 1 federal group. 2 act of federating. [latin: related to *federal]
Fee n. 1 payment made for professional advice or services etc. 2 a charge for a privilege, examination, admission to a society, etc. (enrolment fee). B money paid for the transfer to another employer of a footballer etc. 3 (in pl.) Regular payments (esp. To a school). 4 law inherited estate, unlimited (fee simple) or limited (fee tail) as to category of heir. [medieval latin feudum]
Feed —v. (past and past part. Fed) 1 a supply with food. B put food into the mouth of. 2 give as food, esp. To animals. 3 (usu. Foll. By on) (esp. Of animals, or colloq. Of people) eat. 4 (often foll. By on) nourish or be nourished by; benefit from. 5 a keep (a fire, machine, etc.) Supplied with fuel etc. B (foll. By into) supply (material) to a machine etc. C (often foll. By into) (of a river etc.) Flow into a lake etc. D keep (a meter) supplied with coins to ensure continuity. 6 slang supply (an actor etc.) With cues. 7 sport send passes to (a player). 8 gratify (vanity etc.). 9 provide (advice, information, etc.) To. —n. 1 food, esp. For animals or infants. 2 feeding; giving of food. 3 colloq. Meal. 4 a raw material for a machine etc. B provision of or device for this. feed back produce feedback. Feed up fatten. [old english]
Feedback n. 1 public response to an event, experiment, etc. 2 electronics a return of a fraction of an output signal to the input. B signal so returned.
Feeder n. 1 person or thing that feeds, esp. In specified manner. 2 baby’s feeding-bottle. 3 bib. 4 tributary stream. 5 branch road, railway line, etc. Linking with a main system. 6 main carrying electricity to a distribution point. 7 feeding apparatus in a machine.
Feel —v. (past and past part. Felt) 1 a examine or search by touch. B (absol.) Have the sensation of touch (unable to feel). 2 perceive or ascertain by touch (feel the warmth). 3 experience, exhibit, or be affected by (an emotion, conviction, etc.) (felt strongly about it; felt the rebuke). 4 (foll. By that) have an impression (i feel that i am right). 5 consider, think (i feel it useful). 6 seem (air feels chilly). 7 be consciously; consider oneself (i feel happy). 8 (foll. By for, with) have sympathy or pity. 9 (often foll. By up) slang fondle sexually. —n. 1 feeling; testing by touch. 2 sensation characterizing a material, situation, etc. 3
sense of touch. feel like have a wish or inclination for. Feel up to be ready to face or deal with. Feel one’s way proceed cautiously. Get the feel of become accustomed to using. [old english]
Feeler n. 1 organ in certain animals for touching or searching for food. 2 tentative proposal (put out feelers).
Feeling —n. 1 a capacity to feel; sense of touch (lost all feeling). B physical sensation. 2 a (often foll. By of) emotional reaction (feeling of despair). B (in pl.) Emotional susceptibilities (hurt my feelings). 3 particular sensitivity (feeling for literature). 4 a opinion or notion (had a feeling she would). B general sentiment. 5 sympathy or compassion. 6 emotional sensibility or intensity (played with feeling). —adj. Sensitive, sympathetic; heartfelt. feelingly adv.
Feet pl. Of *foot.
Feign v. Simulate; pretend (feign madness). [latin fingo fict-mould, contrive]
Feint —n. 1 sham attack or diversionary blow. 2 pretence. —v. Make a feint. — adj. = faint adj. 5. [french: related to feign]
Feldspar n. (also felspar) common aluminium silicate of potassium, sodium, or calcium. feldspathic adj. [german feld field, spat(h) *spar3]
Felicitate v. (-ting) formal congratulate. felicitation n. (usu. In pl.). [latin felix happy]
Felicity n. (pl. -ies) formal 1 intense happiness. 2 a capacity for apt expression. B well-chosen phrase. [latin felix happy]
Feline —adj. 1 of the cat family. 2 catlike. —n. Animal of the cat family. felinity n. [latin feles cat]
Fell1 past of *fall v.
Fell2 v. 1 cut down (esp. A tree). 2 strike or knock down. 3 stitch down (the edge of a seam). [old english]
Fell3 n. N.engl. 1 hill. 2 stretch of hills or moorland. [old norse]
Fell4 adj. Poet. Or rhet. Ruthless, destructive. at (or in) one fell swoop in a single (orig. Deadly) action. [french: related to *felon]
Fell5 n. Animal’s hide or skin with its hair. [old english]
Fellatio n. Oral stimulation of the penis. [latin fello suck]
Feller n. = *fellow 1.
Felloe n. (also felly) (pl. -s or -ies) outer circle (or a section of it) of a wheel. [old english]
Fellow n. 1 colloq. Man or boy (poor fellow!). 2 (usu. In pl.) Person in a group etc.; comrade (separated from their fellows). 3 counterpart; one of a pair. 4 equal; peer. 5 a incorporated senior member of a college. B elected graduate paid to do research. 6 member of a learned society. 7 (attrib.) Of the same group etc. (fellow-countryman). [old english from old norse]
Fellow-feeling n. Sympathy.
Fellowship n. 1 friendly association with others, companionship. 2 body of associates. 3 status or income of a fellow of a college or society.
Fellow-traveller n. 1 person who travels with another. 2 sympathizer with the communist party.
Felly var. Of *felloe.
Felon n. Person who has committed a felony. [medieval latin fello]
Felony n. (pl. -ies) serious, usu. Violent, crime. felonious adj.
Felspar var. Of *feldspar.
Felspar var. Of *feldspar.
Felt1 —n. Cloth of matted and pressed fibres of wool etc. —v. 1 make into felt; mat. 2 cover with felt. 3 become matted. [old english]
Felt2 past and past part. Of *feel.
Felt-tipped pen n. (also felt-tip pen) pen with a fibre point.
Felucca n. Small mediterranean coasting vessel with oars and/or sails. [arabic fulk]
Female —adj. 1 of the sex that can give birth or produce eggs. 2 (of plants) fruit-bearing. 3 of women or female animals or plants. 4 (of a screw, socket, etc.) Hollow to receive an inserted part. —n. Female person, animal, or plant. [latin diminutive of femina woman, assimilated to male]
Feminine —adj. 1 of women. 2 having womanly qualities. 3 of or denoting the female gender. —n. Feminine gender or word. femininity n. [latin: related to *female]
Feminism n. Advocacy of women’s rights and sexual equality. feminist n. & adj.
Femme fatale n. (pl. Femmes fatales pronunc. Same) dangerously seductive woman. [french]
Femur n. (pl. -s or femora) thigh-bone. femoral adj. [latin]
Fen n. 1 low marshy land. 2 (the fens) lowlying areas in cambridgeshire etc. [old english]
Fence —n. 1 barrier, railing, etc., enclosing a field, garden, etc. 2 large upright jump for horses. 3 slang receiver of stolen goods. 4 guard or guide in machinery. —v. (-cing) 1 surround with or as with a fence. 2 (foll. By in, off, up) enclose, separate, or seal, with or as with a fence. 3 practise fencing with a sword. 4 be evasive. 5 slang deal in (stolen goods). fencer n. [from *defence]
Fencing n. 1 set of, or material for, fences. 2 sword-fighting, esp. As a sport.
Fend v. 1 (foll. By for) look after (esp. Oneself). 2 (usu. Foll. By off) ward off. [from *defend]
Fender n. 1 low frame bordering a fireplace. 2 naut. Padding protecting a ship against impact. 3 us vehicle’s bumper.
Fennel n. Yellow-flowered fragrant herb used for flavouring. [latin fenum hay]
Fenugreek n. Leguminous plant with aromatic seeds used for flavouring. [latin, = greek hay]
Feral adj. 1 wild; uncultivated. 2 (of an animal) escaped and living wild. 3 brutal. [latin ferus wild]
Ferial adj. Eccl. (of a day) not a festival or fast. [latin feria *fair2]
Ferment —n. 1 excitement, unrest. 2 a fermentation. B fermenting-agent. —v. 1 undergo or subject to fermentation. 2 excite; stir up. [latin fermentum: related to *fervent]
Fermentation n. 1 breakdown of a substance by yeasts and bacteria etc., esp. Of sugar in making alcohol. 2 agitation, excitement. fermentative adj. [latin: related to *ferment]
Fermium n. Transuranic artificial radioactive metallic element. [fermi, name of a physicist]
Fern n. (pl. Same or -s) flowerless plant usu. Having feathery fronds. ferny adj. [old english]
Ferocious adj. Fierce, savage. ferociously adv. Ferocity n. [latin ferox]
-ferous comb. Form (usu. -iferous) forming adjectives with the sense ‘bearing’, ‘having’ (odoriferous). [latin fero bear]
Ferrel var. Of *ferrule.
Ferret —n. Small polecat used in catching rabbits, rats, etc. —v. 1 hunt with ferrets. 2 (often foll. By out, about, etc.) Rummage; search out (secrets, criminals, etc.). [latin fur thief]
Ferric adj. 1 of iron. 2 containing iron in a trivalent form. [latin ferrum iron]
Ferris wheel n. Tall revolving vertical wheel with passenger cars in fairgrounds etc. [ferris, name of its inventor]
Ferro-comb. Form 1 iron. 2 (of alloys) containing iron. [related to *ferric]
Ferroconcrete —n. Reinforced concrete. —adj. Made of this.
Ferrous adj. 1 containing iron. 2 containing iron in a divalent form.
Ferrule n. (also ferrel) 1 ring or cap on the lower end of a stick, umbrella, etc. 2 band strengthening or forming a joint. [latin viriae bracelet]
Ferry —n. (pl. -ies) 1 boat or aircraft etc. For esp. Regular transport, esp. Across water. 2 place or service of ferrying. —v. (-ies, -ied) 1 convey or go in a ferry. 2 (of a boat etc.) Cross water regularly. 3 transport, esp. Regularly, from place to place. ferryman n. [old norse]
Fertile adj. 1 a (of soil) abundantly productive. B fruitful. 2 a (of a seed, egg, etc.) Capable of growth. B (of animals and plants) able to reproduce. 3 (of the
mind) inventive. 4 (of nuclear material) able to become fissile by the capture of neutrons. fertility n. [french from latin]
Fertilize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make (soil etc.) Fertile. 2 cause (an egg, female animal, etc.) To develop by mating etc. fertilization n.
Fertilizer n. (also -iser) substance added to soil to make it more fertile.
Fervid adj. Ardent, intense. fervidly adv. [latin: related to *fervent]
Fervor n. (brit. Fervour) passion, zeal. [latin: related to *fervent]
Fervour n. (us fervor) passion, zeal. [latin: related to *fervent]
Fescue n. A pasture and fodder grass. [latin festuca stalk, straw]
Festal adj. 1 joyous, merry. 2 of a feast or festival. festally adv. [latin: related to *feast]
Fester v. 1 make or become septic. 2 cause continuing anger or bitterness. 3 rot, stagnate. [latin *fistula]
Festival n. 1 day or period of celebration. 2 series of cultural events in a town etc. (bath festival). [french: related to *festive]
Festive adj. 1 of or characteristic of a festival. 2 joyous. festively adv. Festiveness n. [latin: related to *feast]
Festivity n. (pl. -ies) 1 gaiety, rejoicing. 2 (in pl.) Celebration; party.
Festoon —n. Curved hanging chain of flowers, leaves, ribbons, etc. —v. (often foll. By with) adorn with or form into festoons; decorate elaborately. [italian: related to *festive]
Festschrift n. (also festschrift) (pl. -en or -s) collection of writings published in honour of a scholar. [german, = festival-writing]
Feta n. Soft white esp. Ewe’s-milk cheese made esp. In greece. [greek pheta]
Fetal us var. Of foetal (*fetus).
Fetch —v. 1 go for and bring back (fetch a doctor). 2 be sold for (a price) (fetched £10). 3 cause (blood, tears, etc.) To flow. 4 draw (breath), heave (a sigh). 5 colloq. Give (a blow etc.) (fetched him a slap). —n.
Fetching adj. Attractive. fetchingly adv.
Fête —n. 1 outdoor fund-raising event with stalls and amusements etc. 2 festival. 3 saint’s day. —v. (-ting) honour or entertain lavishly. [french: related to *feast]
Fetish n. 1 psychol. Abnormal object of sexual desire. 2 a object worshipped by primitive peoples. B obsessional cause (makes a fetish of punctuality). fetishism n. Fetishist n. Fetishistic adj. [portuguese feitiço charm]
Fetlock n. Back of a horse’s leg above the hoof with a tuft of hair. [ultimately related to *foot]
Fetter —n. 1 shackle for the ankles. 2 (in pl.) Captivity. 3 restraint. —v. 1 put into fetters. 2 restrict. [old english]
Fettle n. Condition or trim (in fine fettle). [old english]
Fetus n. (brit. Foetus) (pl. -tuses) unborn mammalian offspring, esp. A human embryo of eight weeks or more. foetal adj. [latin fetus offspring]
Feu scot. —n. 1 perpetual lease at a fixed rent. 2 land so held. —v. (feus, feued, feuing) grant (land) on feu. [french: related to *fee]
Feud1 —n. Prolonged hostility, esp. Between families, tribes, etc. —v. Conduct a feud. [germanic: related to *foe]
Feud2 n. = fief. [medieval latin feudum fee]
Feudal adj. 1 of, like, or according to the feudal system. 2 reactionary (feudal attitude). feudalism n. Feudalistic adj.
Feudal system n. Medieval system of land tenure with allegiance and service due to the landowner.
Fever —n. 1 a abnormally high temperature, often with delirium etc. B disease characterized by this (scarlet fever). 2 nervous excitement; agitation. —v. (esp. As fevered adj.) Affect with fever or excitement. [latin febris]
Feverfew n. Aromatic bushy plant, used formerly to reduce fever, now to cure migraine. [latin febrifuga: related to *fever, fugo drive away]
Feverish adj. 1 having symptoms of fever. 2 excited, restless. feverishly adv.
Feverishness n.
Fever pitch n. State of extreme excitement.
Few —adj. Not many (few doctors smoke). —n. (as pl.) 1 (prec. By a) some but not many (a few of his friends were there). 2 not many (few are chosen). 3 (prec.
By the) a the minority. B the elect. a good few colloq. Fairly large number. No fewer than as many as (a specified number). Not a few a considerable number. [old english]
Few and far between predic. Adj. Scarce.
Fey adj. 1 a strange, other-worldly; whimsical. B clairvoyant. 2 scot. Fated to die soon. [old english, = doomed to die]
Fez n. (pl. Fezzes) man’s flat-topped conical red cap worn by some muslims. [turkish]
Ff abbr. Mus. Fortissimo.
Ff. Abbr. Following pages etc.
Fiancé n. (fem. Fiancée pronunc. Same) person one is engaged to. [french]
Fiasco n. (pl. -s) ludicrous or humiliating failure or breakdown. [italian, = bottle]
Fiat n. 1 authorization. 2 decree. [latin, = let it be done]
Fib —n. Trivial lie. —v. (-bb-) tell a fib. fibber n. [perhaps from fible-fable, a reduplication of *fable]
Fiber n. (brit. Fibre) 1 thread or filament forming tissue or textile. 2 piece of threadlike glass. 3 substance formed of fibres, or able to be spun, woven, etc. 4 structure; character (moral fibre). 5 roughage. [french from latin fibra]
Fiberboard n. (brit. Fibreboard) board of compressed wood or other plant fibres.
Fiberglass n. (brit. Fibreglass) 1 fabric made from woven glass fibres. 2 plastic reinforced by glass fibres.
Fibre n. (us fiber) 1 thread or filament forming tissue or textile. 2 piece of threadlike glass. 3 substance formed of fibres, or able to be spun, woven, etc. 4 structure; character (moral fibre). 5 roughage. [french from latin fibra]
Fibreboard n. (us fiberboard) board of compressed wood or other plant fibres.
Fibreglass n. (us fiberglass) 1 fabric made from woven glass fibres. 2 plastic reinforced by glass fibres.
Fibre optics n.pl. Optics using thin glass fibres, usu. For the transmission of modulated light to carry signals.
Fibril n. Small fibre. [diminutive of *fibre]
Fibroid —adj. Of, like, or containing fibrous tissue or fibres. —n. Benign fibrous tumour growing in the womb.
Fibrosis n. Thickening and scarring of connective tissue. [from *fibre, *-osis]
Fibrositis n. Rheumatic inflammation of fibrous tissue. [from *fibre, *-itis]
Fibrous adj. Of or like fibres.
Fibula n. (pl. Fibulae or -s) small outer bone between the knee and the ankle. fibular adj. [latin, = brooch]
-fic suffix (usu. As -ific) forming adjectives meaning ‘producing’, ‘making’ (prolific; pacific). [latin facio make]
-fication suffix (usu. As -ification) forming nouns of action from verbs in -fy (purification; simplification).
Fiche n. (pl. Same or -s) microfiche. [abbreviation]
Fiction n. 1 non-factual literature, esp. Novels. 2 invented idea, thing, etc. 3
generally accepted falsehood (polite fiction). fictional adj. Fictionalize v. (also – ise) (-zing or -sing). [latin: related to *feign]
Fictitious adj. Imaginary, unreal; not genuine.
Fiddle —n. 1 colloq. Or derog. Stringed instrument played with a bow, esp. A violin. 2 colloq. Cheat or fraud. 3 fiddly task. —v. (-ling) 1 a (often foll. By with, at) play restlessly. B (often foll. By about) move aimlessly; waste time. C (usu. Foll. By with) adjust, tinker; tamper. 2 slang a cheat, swindle. B falsify. C get by cheating. 3 play (a tune) on the fiddle. as fit as a fiddle in very good health. Play second (or first) fiddle take a subordinate (or leading) role. [old english]
Fiddly adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Awkward or tiresome to do or use.
Fidelity n. 1 faithfulness, loyalty. 2 strict accuracy. 3 precision in sound
reproduction (high fidelity). [latin fides faith]
Fidget —v. (-t-) 1 move or act restlessly or nervously. 2 be or make uneasy. —n. 1 person who fidgets. 2 (usu. In pl.) Restless movements or mood. fidgety adj. [obsolete or dial. Fidge twitch]
Fiduciary —adj. 1 a of a trust, trustee, or trusteeship. B held or given in trust. 2 (of paper currency) dependent on public confidence or securities. —n. (pl. -ies) trustee. [latin fiducia trust]
Fie int. Archaic expressing disgust, shame, etc. [french from latin]
Fief n. 1 land held under the feudal system or in fee. 2 person’s sphere of operation. [french: related to *fee]
Field —n. 1 area of esp. Cultivated enclosed land. 2 area rich in some natural product (gas field). 3 land for a game etc. (football field). 4 participants in a contest, race, or sport, or all except those specified. 5 cricket a the side fielding. B fielder. 6 expanse of ice, snow, sea, sky, etc. 7 a battlefield. B (attrib.) (of artillery etc.) Light and mobile. 8 area of activity or study (in his own field). 9 physics a region in which a force is effective (gravitational field). B force exerted in this. 10 range of perception (field of view). 11 (attrib.) A (of an animal or plant) wild (field mouse).
Field-day n. 1 exciting or successful time. 2 military exercise or review.
Fielder n. = *fieldsman.
Field events n.pl. Athletic events other than races.
Fieldfare n. Thrush with grey plumage.
Field-glasses n.pl. Outdoor binoculars.
Field marshal n. Army officer of the highest rank.
Field mouse n. Small long-tailed rodent.
Field officer n. Army officer of field rank.
Field of honour n. Battlefield.
Field rank n. Army rank above captain and below general.
Fieldsman n. Cricket, baseball, etc. Member (other than the bowler or pitcher) of the fielding side.
Field sports n.pl. Outdoor sports, esp. Hunting, shooting, and fishing.
Field telegraph n. Movable military telegraph.
Fieldwork n. 1 practical surveying, science, sociology, etc. Conducted in the natural environment. 2 temporary fortification. fieldworker n.
Fiend n. 1 evil spirit, demon. 2 a wicked or cruel person. B mischievous or annoying person. 3 slang devotee (fitness fiend). 4 difficult or unpleasant thing. fiendish adj. Fiendishly adv. [old english]
Fierce adj. (fiercer, fiercest) 1 violently aggressive or frightening. 2 eager, intense. 3 unpleasantly strong or intense (fierce heat). fiercely adv. Fierceness n. [latin ferus savage]
Fiery adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 consisting of or flaming with fire. 2 bright red. 3 hot; burning. 4 a flashing, ardent (fiery eyes). B pugnacious; spirited (fiery temper). fierily adv. Fieriness n.
Fiesta n. Holiday, festivity, or religious festival. [spanish]
Fifa abbr. International football federation. [french fédération internationale de football association]
Fife n. Small shrill flute used in military music. fifer n. [german pfeife *pipe or french fifre]
Fifteen adj. & n. 1 one more than fourteen. 2 symbol for this (15, xv, xv). 3 size etc. Denoted by fifteen. 4 team of fifteen players, esp. In rugby. 5 (15) (of a film)for persons of 15 and over. fifteenth adj. & n. [old english: related to *five, *-teen]
Fifth adj. & n. 1 next after fourth. 2 any of five equal parts of a thing. 3 mus. Interval or chord spanning five consecutive notes in a diatonic scale (e.g. C to g). fifthly adv. [old english: related to *five]
Fifth column n. Traitorous group within a country at war etc. fifth-columnist n.
Fifty adj. & n. (pl. -ies) 1 five times ten. 2 symbol for this (50, l, l). 3 (in pl.) Numbers from 50 to 59, esp. The years of a century or of a person’s life. fiftieth adj. & n. [old english]
Fifty-fifty —adj. Equal. —adv. Equally, half and half.
Fig1 n. 1 soft pulpy fruit with many seeds. 2 (in full fig-tree) tree bearing figs. not care (or give) a fig not care at all. [latin ficus]
Fig2 n. 1 dress or equipment (in full fig). 2 condition or form (in good fig). [obsolete feague: related to *fake]
Fig. Abbr. Figure.
Fig2 n. 1 dress or equipment (in full fig). 2 condition or form (in good fig). [obsolete feague: related to *fake]
Fig. Abbr. Figure.
Fight —v. (past and past part. Fought) 1 (often foll. By against, with) contend or contend with in war, battle, single combat, etc. 2 engage in (a battle, duel, etc.).
3 contend (an election); maintain (a lawsuit, cause, etc.) Against an opponent. 4 strive to achieve something or to overcome (disease, fire, etc.). 5 make (one’s way) by fighting. —n. 1 a combat. B boxing-match. C battle. 2 conflict, struggle, or effort. 3 power or inclination to fight (no fight left). fight back 1 counter-attack. 2 suppress (tears etc.). Fight for 1 fight on behalf of. 2 fight to secure. Fight a losing battle struggle without hope of success. Fight off repel with effort. Fight out (usu. Fight it out) settle by fighting. Fight shy of avoid. Put up a fight offer resistance. [old english]
Fighter n. 1 person or animal that fights. 2 fast military aircraft designed for attacking other aircraft.
Fighting chance n. Slight chance of success if an effort is made.
Fighting fit n. Fit and ready; at the peak of fitness.
Fig-leaf n. 1 leaf of a fig-tree. 2 concealing device, esp. For the genitals (gen.
3:7).
Figment n. Invented or imaginary thing. [latin: related to *feign]
Figuration n. 1 a act or mode of formation; form. B shape or outline. 2 ornamentation. [latin: related to *figure]
Figurative adj. 1 metaphorical, not literal. 2 characterized by figures of speech. 3 of pictorial or sculptural representation. figuratively adv. [latin: related to *figure]
Figure —n. 1 external form or bodily shape. 2 a silhouette, human form (figure on the lawn). B person of a specified kind or appearance (public figure; cut a poor figure). 3 a human form in drawing, sculpture, etc. B image or likeness. 4 two-or three-dimensional space enclosed by lines or surface(s), e.g. A triangle or sphere. 5 a numerical symbol or number, esp. 0–9. B amount; estimated value (cannot put a figure on it). C (in pl.) Arithmetical calculations. 6 diagram or illustration. 7 decorative pattern. 8 movement or sequence in a set dance etc. 9 mus. Succession of notes from which longer passages are developed. 10 (in full figure of speech) metaphor, hyperbole, etc. —v. (-ring) 1 appear or be mentioned, esp. Prominently. 2 represent pictorially. 3 imagine; picture mentally. 4 embellish with a pattern etc. (figured satin). 5 calculate; do arithmetic. 6 symbolize. 7 esp. Us a understand, consider. B colloq. Make sense; be likely (that figures). figure on us count on, expect. Figure out work out by arithmetic or logic. [latin figura: related to *feign]
Figured bass n. Mus. = *continuo.
Figurehead n. 1 nominal leader. 2 wooden bust or figure at a ship’s prow.
Figure-skating n. Skating in prescribed patterns. figure-skater n.
Figurine n. Statuette. [italian: related to *figure]
Filament n. 1 threadlike body or fibre. 2 conducting wire or thread in an electric bulb etc. filamentous adj. [latin filum thread]
Filbert n. 1 the cultivated hazel with edible nuts. 2 this nut. [anglo-french, because ripe about st philibert’s day]
Filch v. Pilfer, steal. [origin unknown]
File1 —n. 1 folder, box, etc., for holding loose papers. 2 papers kept in this. 3 computing collection of (usu. Related) data stored under one name. 4 line of people or things one behind another. —v. (-ling) 1 place (papers) in a file or among (esp. Public) records. 2 submit (a petition for divorce, a patent application, etc.). 3 (of a reporter) send (copy) to a newspaper. 4 walk in a line. [latin filum thread]
File2 —n. Tool with a roughened surface for smoothing or shaping wood, fingernails, etc. —v. (-ling) smooth or shape with a file. [old english]
Filial adj. Of or due from a son or daughter. filially adv. [latin filius, -a son, daughter]
Filibuster —n. 1 obstruction of progress in a legislative assembly, esp. By prolonged speaking. 2 esp. Us person who engages in this. —v. Act as a filibuster (against). filibusterer n. [dutch: related to *freebooter]
Filigree n. 1 fine ornamental work in gold etc. Wire. 2 similar delicate work. filigreed adj. [latin filum thread, granum seed]
Filing n. (usu. In pl.) Particle rubbed off by a file.
Filing cabinet n. Cabinet with drawers for storing files.
Filipino —n. (pl. -s) native or national of the philippines. —adj. Of the philippines or filipinos. [spanish, = philippine]
Fill —v. 1 (often foll. By with) make or become full. 2 occupy completely; spread over or through. 3 block up (a cavity in a tooth); drill and put a filling into (a decayed tooth). 4 appoint a person to hold or (of a person) hold (a post). 5 hold (an office). 6 carry out or supply (an order, commission, etc.). 7 occupy (vacant time). 8 (of a sail) be distended by wind. 9 (usu. As filling adj.) (esp. Of food) satisfy, satiate. —n. 1 as much as one wants or can bear (eat your fill). 2 enough to fill something. fill the bill be suitable or adequate. Fill in 1 complete (a form, document, etc.). 2 a complete (a drawing etc.) Within an outline. B fill (an outline) in this way. 3 fill (a hole etc.) Completely. 4 (often foll. By for) act as a substitute. 5 occupy oneself during (spare time). 6 colloq. Inform (a person) more fully. 7 slang thrash, beat. Fill out 1 enlarge to the required size. 2 become enlarged or plump. 3 us fill in (a document etc.). Fill up 1 make or become completely full. 2 fill in (a document etc.). 3 fill the petrol tank of (a car etc.). [old english]
Filler n. 1 material used to fill a cavity or increase bulk. 2 small item filling space in a newspaper etc.
Fillet —n. 1 a boneless piece of meat or fish. B (in full fillet steak) undercut of a sirloin. 2 ribbon etc. Binding the hair. 3 thin narrow strip or ridge. 4 narrow flat band between mouldings. —v. (-t-) 1 remove bones from (fish or meat) or divide into fillets. 2 bind or provide with fillet(s). [latin filum thread]
Filling n. Material that fills a tooth, sandwich, pie, etc.
Filling-station n. Garage selling petrol etc.
Fillip —n. 1 stimulus, incentive. 2 flick with a finger or thumb. —v. (-p-) 1 stimulate. 2 flick. [imitative]
Filly n. (pl. -ies) 1 young female horse. 2 colloq. Girl or young woman. [old norse]
Film —n. 1 thin coating or covering layer. 2 strip or sheet of plastic etc. Coated with light-sensitive emulsion for exposure in a camera. 3 a story, episode, etc., on film, with the illusion of movement. B (in pl.) The cinema industry. 4 slight veil or haze etc. 5 dimness or morbid growth affecting the eyes. —v. 1 make a photographic film of (a scene, story, etc.). 2 cover or become covered with or as with a film. [old english]
Film-goer n. Person who frequents the cinema.
Filmsetting n. Typesetting by projecting characters on to photographic film.
film-set v. Filmsetter n.
Film star n. Celebrated film actor or actress.
Film-strip n. Series of transparencies in a strip for projection.
Filmy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 thin and translucent. 2 covered with or as with a film.
Filofax n. Propr. A type of loose-leaf personal organizer. [from *file1, *fact]
Filo pastry n. (also phyllo pastry) leaved pastry like strudel pastry. [greek phullon leaf]
Filter —n. 1 porous device for removing impurities etc. From a liquid or gas passed through it. 2 = *filter tip. 3 screen or attachment for absorbing or modifying light, x-rays, etc. 4 device for suppressing unwanted electrical or sound waves. 5 arrangement for filtering traffic. —v. 1 (cause to) pass through a filter. 2 (foll. By through, into, etc.) Make way gradually. 3 (foll. By out) (cause to) leak. 4 allow (traffic) or (of traffic) be allowed to pass to the left or right at a junction. [germanic: related to *felt1]
Filter-paper n. Porous paper for filtering.
Filter tip n. 1 filter on a cigarette removing some impurities. 2 cigarette with this.
filter-tipped adj.
Filth n. 1 repugnant or extreme dirt. 2 obscenity. [old english: related to *foul]
Filthy lucre n. 1 dishonourable gain. 2 joc. Money.
Filtrate —v. (-ting) filter. —n. Filtered liquid. filtration n. [related to *filter]
Fin n. 1 (usu. Thin) flat external organ of esp. Fish, for propelling, steering, etc. (dorsal fin). 2 similar stabilizing projection on an aircraft, car, etc. 3 underwater swimmer’s flipper. finned adj. [old english]
Finagle v. (-ling) colloq. Act or obtain dishonestly. finagler n. [dial. Fainaigue cheat]
Final —adj. 1 situated at the end, coming last. 2 conclusive, decisive. —n. 1 last or deciding heat or game in sports etc. (cup final). 2 last daily edition of a newspaper. 3 (usu. In pl.) Examinations at the end of a degree course. finally adv. [latin finis end]
Final cause n. Philos. Ultimate purpose.
Final clause n. Gram. Clause expressing purpose.
Finale n. Last movement or section of a piece of music or drama etc. [italian:
related to *final]
Finalist n. Competitor in the final of a competition etc.
Finality n. (pl. -ies) 1 fact of being final. 2 final act etc. [latin: related to *final]
Finalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) put into final form; complete. finalization n.
Final solution n. Nazi policy (1941–5) of exterminating european jews.
Finance —n. 1 management of (esp. Public) money. 2 monetary support for an enterprise. 3 (in pl.) Money resources of a state, company, or person. —v. (-cing) provide capital for. [french: related to *fine2]
Finance company n. (also finance house) company providing money, esp. For hire-purchase transactions.
Financial adj. Of finance. financially adv.
Financial year n. Year as reckoned for taxing or accounting, esp. From 6 april.
Financier n. Capitalist; entrepreneur. [french: related to *finance]
Financier n. Capitalist; entrepreneur. [french: related to *finance]
Finch n. Small seed-eating bird, esp. A crossbill, canary, or chaffinch. [old english]
Find —v. (past and past part. Found) 1 a discover or get by chance or effort (found a key). B become aware of. 2 a obtain, succeed in obtaining; receive (idea found acceptance). B summon up (found courage). 3 seek out and provide or supply (will find you a book; finds his own meals). 4 discover by study etc. (find the answer). 5 a perceive or experience (find no sense in it). B (often in passive) discover to be present (not found in shakespeare). C discover from experience (finds england too cold). 6 law (of a jury, judge, etc.) Decide and declare (found him guilty). 7 reach by a natural process (water finds its own level). —n. 1 discovery of treasure etc. 2 valued thing or person newly discovered. all found (of wages) with board and lodging provided free. Find fault see *fault. Find favour prove acceptable. Find one’s feet 1 become able to walk. 2 develop independence. Find oneself 1 discover that one is (found herself agreeing).
Finder n. 1 person who finds. 2 small telescope attached to a large one to locate an object. 3 viewfinder.
Finding n. (often in pl.) Conclusion reached by an inquiry etc.
Fine1 —adj. 1 a of high quality; excellent (fine painting). B good, satisfactory (that will be fine). 2 a pure, refined. B (of gold or silver) containing a specified proportion of pure metal. 3 imposing, dignified (fine buildings). 4 in good health (i’m fine). 5 (of weather etc.) Bright and clear. 6 a thin; sharp. B in small particles. C worked in slender thread. 7 euphemistic; flattering (fine words). 8 ornate, showy. 9 fastidious, affectedly refined. —adv. 1 finely. 2 colloq. Very well (suits me fine). —v. (-ning) 1 (often foll. By away, down, off) make or become finer, thinner, more tapering, or less coarse. 2 (often foll. By down) make or become clear (esp. Of beer etc.). not to put too fine a point on it to speak bluntly. finely adv. Fineness n. [french fin from latin finio *finish]
Fine2 —n. Money to be paid as a penalty. —v. (-ning) punish by a fine (fined him £5). in fine in short. [french fin settlement of a dispute, from latin finis end]
Fine arts n.pl. Poetry, music, and the visual arts, esp. Painting, sculpture, and architecture.
Finery n. Showy dress or decoration. [from *fine1]
Fines herbes n.pl. Mixed herbs used in cooking. [french, = fine herbs]
Fine-spun adj. 1 delicate. 2 (of theory etc.) Too subtle, unpractical.
Finesse —n. 1 refinement. 2 subtle manipulation. 3 artfulness; tact. 4 cards attempt to win a trick with a card that is not the highest held. —v. (-ssing) 1 use or achieve by finesse. 2 cards a make a finesse. B play (a card) as a finesse. [french: related to *fine1]
Fine-tooth comb n. Comb with close-set teeth. go over with a fine-tooth comb check or search thoroughly.
Fine-tune v. Make small adjustments to (a mechanism etc.).
Finger —n. 1 any of the terminal projections of the hand (usu. Excluding the thumb). 2 part of a glove etc. For a finger. 3 finger-like object or structure (fish finger). 4 colloq. Small measure of liquor. —v. Touch, feel, or turn about with the fingers. get (or pull) one’s finger out slang start to act. Lay a finger on touch, however slightly. Put one’s finger on locate or identify exactly. fingerless adj. [old english]
Finger-board n. Part of the neck of a stringed instrument on which the fingers press to vary the pitch.
Finger-bowl n. (also finger-glass) small bowl for rinsing the fingers during a meal.
Finger-dry v. Dry and style (the hair) by running one’s fingers through it.
Fingering n. 1 technique etc. Of using the fingers, esp. In playing music. 2 indication of this in a musical score.
Finger-mark n. Mark left by a finger.
Fingernail n. Nail of each finger.
Finger-plate n. Plate fixed to a door to prevent finger-marks.
Fingerprint —n. Impression of a fingertip on a surface, used in detecting crime.
—v. Record the fingerprints of.
Finger-stall n. Protective cover for an injured finger.
Fingertip n. Tip of a finger. have at one’s fingertips be thoroughly familiar with (a subject etc.).
Finial n. Ornamental top or end of a roof, gable, etc. [anglo-french: related to *fine1]
Finicky adj. (also finical, finicking) 1 over-particular, fastidious. 2 detailed; fiddly. finickiness n. [perhaps from *fine1]
Finis n. End, esp. Of a book. [latin]
Finish —v. 1 a (often foll. By off) bring or come to an end or the end of; complete; cease. B (usu. Foll. By off) colloq. Kill; vanquish. C (often foll. By off, up) consume or complete consuming (food or drink). 2 treat the surface of (cloth, woodwork, etc.). —n. 1 a end, last stage, completion. B point at which a race etc. Ends. 2 method, material, etc. Used for surface treatment of wood, cloth, etc. (mahogany finish). finish up (often foll. By in, by) end (finished up by crying). Finish with have no more to do with, complete using etc. [latin finis end]
Finishing-school n. Private college preparing girls for fashionable society.
Finishing touch n. (also finishing touches) final enhancing details.
Finite adj. 1 limited; not infinite. 2 (of a part of a verb) having a specific number and person. [latin: related to *finish]
Finn n. Native or national of finland; person of finnish descent. [old english]
Finnan n. (in full finnan haddock) smoke-cured haddock. [findhorn, findon, in scotland]
Finnic adj. Of the group of peoples or languages related to the finns or finnish.
Finnish —adj. Of the finns or their language. —n. Language of the finns.
Fino n. (pl. -s) light-coloured dry sherry. [spanish, = fine]
Fiord n. (also fjord) long narrow sea inlet, as in norway. [norwegian]
Fipple n. Plug at the mouth-end of a wind instrument. [origin unknown]
Fipple flute n. Flute played by blowing endwise, e.g. A recorder.
Fir n. 1 (in full fir-tree) evergreen coniferous tree with needles growing singly on the stems. 2 its wood. firry adj. [old norse]
the stems. 2 its wood. firry adj. [old norse]
Fir-cone n. Fruit of the fir.
Fire —n. 1 a combustion of substances with oxygen, giving out light and heat. B flame or incandescence. 2 destructive burning (forest fire). 3 a burning fuel in a grate, furnace, etc. B = electric fire. C = gas fire. 4 firing of guns. 5 a fervour, spirit, vivacity. B poetic inspiration. 6 burning heat, fever. —v. (-ring) 1 (often foll. By at, into, on) a shoot (a gun, missile, etc.). B shoot a gun or missile etc. 2 produce (a broadside, salute, etc.) By shooting guns etc. 3 (of a gun etc.) Be discharged. 4 explode or kindle (an explosive). 5 deliver or utter rapidly (fired insults at us). 6 slang dismiss (an employee). 7 set fire to intentionally. 8 catch fire. 9 (of esp. An internal-combustion engine) undergo ignition. 10 supply (a furnace, engine, etc.) With fuel. 11 stimulate; enthuse. 12 bake, dry, or cure (pottery, bricks, tea, tobacco, etc.). 13 become or cause to become heated, excited, red, or glowing. catch fire begin to burn. Fire away colloq. Begin; go ahead. On fire 1 burning. 2 excited. Set fire to (or set on fire) ignite, kindle. Set the world (or thames) on fire do something remarkable or sensational. Under fire 1 being shot at. 2 being rigorously criticized or questioned. [old english]
Fire-alarm n. Device warning of fire.
Fire and brimstone n. Supposed torments of hell.
Firearm n. (usu. In pl.) Gun, pistol, or rifle.
Fire-ball n. 1 large meteor. 2 ball of flame or lightning. 3 energetic person.
Fire-bomb n. Incendiary bomb.
Firebox n. Place where fuel is burned in a steam engine or boiler.
Firebrand n. 1 piece of burning wood. 2 person causing trouble or unrest.
Fire-break n. Obstacle to the spread of fire in a forest etc., esp. An open space.
Fire-brick n. Fireproof brick in a grate.
Fire brigade n. Body of professional firefighters.
Fireclay n. Clay used to make fire-bricks.
Firecracker n. Us explosive firework.
Firedamp n. Miners’ name for methane, which is explosive when mixed with air.
Firedog n. Andiron.
Fire door n. Fire-resistant door preventing the spread of fire.
Fire-drill n. Rehearsal of the procedures to be used in case of fire.
Fire-eater n. 1 conjuror who appears to swallow fire. 2 quarrelsome person.
Fire-engine n. Vehicle carrying hoses, firefighters, etc.
Fire-escape n. Emergency staircase etc. For use in a fire.
Fire extinguisher n. Apparatus discharging foam etc. To extinguish a fire.
Firefighter n. = *fireman 1.
Firefly n. Beetle emitting phosphorescent light, e.g. The glow-worm.
Fire-guard n. Protective screen placed in front of a fireplace.
Fire-irons n.pl. Tongs, poker, and shovel for a domestic fire.
Firelight n. Light from a fire in a fireplace.
Firelighter n. Inflammable material used to start a fire in a grate.
Fireman n. 1 member of a fire brigade. 2 person who tends a steam engine or steamship furnace.
Fireplace n. 1 place for a domestic fire, esp. A recess in a wall. 2 structure surrounding this.
Fire-power n. Destructive capacity of guns etc.
Fire-practice n. Fire-drill.
Fireproof —adj. Able to resist fire or great heat. —v. Make fireproof.
Fire-raiser n. Arsonist. fire-raising n.
Fire-screen n. 1 ornamental screen for a fireplace. 2 screen against the direct heat of a fire. 3 fire-guard.
Fire-ship n. Hist. Ship set on fire and directed against an enemy’s ships etc.
Fireside n. 1 area round a fireplace. 2 home or home-life.
Fire station n. Headquarters of a fire brigade.
Fire station n. Headquarters of a fire brigade.
Fire-storm n. High wind or storm following a fire caused by bombs.
Fire-trap n. Building without fire-escapes etc.
Fire-watcher n. Person keeping watch for fires, esp. Those caused by bombs.
Fire-water n. Colloq. Strong alcoholic liquor.
Firewood n. Wood as fuel.
Firework n. 1 device that burns or explodes spectacularly when lit. 2 (in pl.) Outburst of passion, esp. Anger.
Firing n. 1 discharge of guns. 2 fuel.
Firing-line n. 1 front line in a battle. 2 centre of activity etc.
Firing-squad n. 1 soldiers ordered to shoot a condemned person. 2 group firing the salute at a military funeral.
Firm1 —adj. 1 a solid or compact. B fixed, stable, steady. 2 a resolute,
Firm1 —adj. 1 a solid or compact. B fixed, stable, steady. 2 a resolute, determined. B steadfast, constant (firm belief; firm friend). 3 (of an offer etc.) Definite; not conditional. —adv. Firmly (stand firm). —v. (often foll. By up) make or become firm, secure, compact, or solid. firmly adv. Firmness n. [latin firmus]
Firm2 n. Business concern or its partners. [latin firma: cf. *firm1]
Firmament n. Literary the sky regarded as a vault or arch. [latin: related to *firm1]
Firmware n. Computing permanent kind of software.
Firry see *fir.
First —adj. 1 earliest in time or order (took the first bus). 2 foremost in rank or importance (first lord of the treasury). 3 most willing or likely (the first to admit it). 4 basic or evident (first principles). —n. 1 (prec. By the) person or thing first mentioned or occurring. 2 first occurrence of something notable. 3 place in the first class in an examination. 4 first gear. 5 a first place in a race. B winner of this. —adv. 1 before any other person or thing (first of all; first and foremost). 2 before someone or something else (get this done first). 3 for the first time (when did you first see her?). 4 in preference; rather (will see him damned first). at first at the beginning. At first hand directly from the original source.
First class —n. 1 best group or category. 2 best accommodation in a train, ship, etc. 3 mail given priority. 4 highest division in an examination. —adj. & adv.(first-class) 1 of or by the first class. 2 excellent.
First cousin see *cousin.
First-day cover n. Envelope with stamps postmarked on their first day of issue.
First floor n. (us second floor) floor above the ground floor.
First-foot scot. —n. First person to cross a threshold in the new year. —v. Be a first-foot.
First-fruit n. (usu. In pl.) 1 first agricultural produce of a season, esp. As offered to god. 2 first results of work etc.
Firsthand adj. & adv. From the original source; direct.
First lady n. (in the us) wife of the president.
First light n. Dawn.
Firstly adv. In the first place, first (cf. *first adv.).
First mate n. (on a merchant ship) second in command.
First name n. Personal or christian name.
First night n. First public performance of a play etc.
First offender n. Criminal without previous convictions.
First officer n. = *first mate.
First person see *person.
First post n. (also last post) bugle-call as a signal to retire for the night.
First-rate adj. 1 excellent. 2 colloq. Very well (feeling first-rate).
First thing adv. Colloq. Before anything else; very early.
Firth n. (also frith) 1 narrow inlet of sea. 2 estuary. [old norse: related to *fiord]
Fiscal —adj. Of public revenue. —n. 1 legal official in some countries. 2 scot. = *procurator fiscal. [latin fiscus treasury]
Fiscal year n. = *financial year.
Fish1 —n. (pl. Same or -es) 1 vertebrate cold-blooded animal with gills and fins living wholly in water. 2 any of various non-vertebrate animals living wholly in water, e.g. The cuttlefish, shellfish, and jellyfish. 3 fish as food. 4 colloq. Person of a specified, usu. Unpleasant, kind (an odd fish). 5 (the fish or fishes) sign or constellation pisces. —v. 1 try to catch fish. 2 fish in (a certain river, pool, etc.). 3 (foll. By for) a search for. B seek indirectly (fishing for compliments). 4 (foll. By up, out, etc.) Retrieve with effort. drink like a fish drink alcohol excessively. Fish out of water person out of his or her element. Other fish to fry other matters to attend to. [old english]
Fish2 n. Flat or curved plate of iron, wood, etc., used to strengthen a beam, joint, or mast. [french ficher fix, from latin figere *fix]
Fish-bowl n. (usu. Round) glass bowl for pet fish.
Fish cake n. Breaded cake of fish and mashed potato, usu. Fried.
Fisher n. 1 animal that catches fish. 2 archaic fisherman. [old english]
Fisherman n. Man who catches fish as a livelihood or for sport.
Fishery n. (pl. -ies) 1 place where fish are caught or reared. 2 industry of fishing or breeding fish.
Fish-eye lens n. Very wide-angle lens with a highly-curved front.
Fish farm n. Place where fish are bred for food.
Fish finger n. Small oblong piece of fish in batter or breadcrumbs.
Fish-hook n. Barbed hook for catching fish.
Fishing n. Catching fish.
Fishing-line n. Thread with a baited hook etc. For catching fish.
Fishing-rod n. Tapering usu. Jointed rod for fishing.
Fish-kettle n. Oval pan for boiling fish.
Fish-knife n. Knife for eating or serving fish.
Fish-meal n. Ground dried fish as fertilizer or animal feed.
Fishmonger n. Dealer in fish.
Fishnet n. (often attrib.) Open-meshed fabric (fishnet stockings).
Fish-plate n. Flat piece of iron etc. Connecting railway rails or positioning masonry.
Fish-slice n. Flat slotted cooking utensil.
Fishtail n. Device etc. Shaped like a fish’s tail.
Fishwife n. 1 coarse-mannered or noisy woman. 2 woman who sells fish.
Fishy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of or like fish. 2 slang dubious, suspect. fishily adv.
Fishiness n.
Fissile adj. 1 capable of undergoing nuclear fission. 2 tending to split. [latin:
Fissile adj. 1 capable of undergoing nuclear fission. 2 tending to split. [latin:
related to *fissure]
Fission —n. 1 splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus, with a release of energy. 2 cell division as a mode of reproduction. —v. (cause to) undergo fission. fissionable adj. [latin: related to *fissure]
Fission bomb n. Atomic bomb.
Fissure —n. Crack or split, usu. Long and narrow. —v. (-ring) split, crack. [latin findo fiss-cleave]
Fist n. Tightly closed hand. fistful n. (pl. -s). [old english]
Fisticuffs n.pl. Fighting with the fists. [probably from obsolete fisty (from fist), cuff2]
Fistula n. (pl. -s or -lae) abnormal or artificial passage between an organ and the body surface or between two organs. fistular adj. Fistulous adj. [latin, = pipe]
Fit1 —adj. (fitter, fittest) 1 a well suited. B qualified, competent, worthy. C in suitable condition, ready. D (foll. By for) good enough (fit for a king). 2 in good health or condition. 3 proper, becoming, right (it is fit that). —v. (-tt-) 1 a (also absol.) Be of the right shape and size for (dress fits her; key doesn’t fit). B (often foll. By in, into) be correctly positioned (that bit fits here). C find room for (fit another on here). 2 make suitable or competent; adapt (fitted for battle). 3 (usu. Foll. By with) supply. 4 fix in place (fit a lock on the door). 5 = fit on. 6 befit, become (it fits the occasion). —n. Way in which a garment, component, etc., fits
become (it fits the occasion). —n. Way in which a garment, component, etc., fits (tight fit). —adv. (foll. By to + infin.) Colloq. So that; likely (laughing fit to bust). fit the bill = fill the bill. Fit in 1 (often foll. By with) be compatible; accommodate (tried to fit in with their plans). 2 find space or time for (dentist fitted me in). Fit on try on (a garment). Fit out (or up) (often foll. By with) equip. See (or think) fit (often foll. By to + infin.) Decide or choose (a specified action). fitly adv. Fitness n. [origin unknown]
Fit2 n. 1 sudden esp. Epileptic seizure with unconsciousness or convulsions. 2 sudden brief bout or burst (fit of giggles; fit of coughing). by (or in) fits and starts spasmodically. Have a fit colloq. Be greatly surprised or outraged. In fits laughing uncontrollably. [old english]
Fitful adj. Spasmodic or intermittent. fitfully adv.
Fitment n. (usu. In pl.) Fixed item of furniture.
Fitted adj. 1 made to fit closely or exactly (fitted carpet). 2 provided with built-in fittings etc. (fitted kitchen). 3 built-in (fitted cupboards).
Fitter n. 1 mechanic who fits together and adjusts machinery. 2 supervisor of the cutting, fitting, etc. Of garments.
Fitting —n. 1 trying-on of a garment etc. For adjustment before completion. 2 (in pl.) Fixtures and fitments of a building. —adj. Proper, becoming, right. fittingly adv.
Five adj. & n. 1 one more than four. 2 symbol for this (5, v, v). 3 size etc. Denoted by five. 4 set or team of five. 5 five o’clock (is it five yet?). 6 cricket hit
scoring five runs. [old english]
Fivefold adj. & adv. 1 five times as much or as many. 2 consisting of five parts.
Five o’clock shadow n. Beard-growth visible in the latter part of the day.
Fiver n. Colloq. Five-pound note.
Fives n. Game in which a ball is hit with a gloved hand or bat against the walls of a court.
Five-star adj. Of the highest class.
Fivestones n. Jacks played with five pieces of metal etc. And usu. No ball.
Fix —v. 1 make firm or stable; fasten, secure. 2 decide, settle, specify (a price, date, etc.). 3 mend, repair. 4 implant in the mind. 5 a (foll. By on, upon) direct (the eyes etc.) Steadily, set. B attract and hold (the attention, eyes, etc.). C (foll. By with) single out with one’s look etc. 6 place definitely, establish. 7 determine the exact nature, position, etc., of; refer (a thing) to a definite place or time; identify, locate. 8 a make (the eyes, features, etc.) Rigid. B (of eyes, features, etc.) Become rigid. 9 us colloq. Prepare (food or drink). 10 congeal or become congealed. 11 colloq. Punish, kill, deal with (a person). 12 colloq. A bribe or threaten into supporting. B gain a fraudulent result of (a race etc.). 13 slang inject a narcotic. 14 make (a colour, photographic image, etc.) Fast or permanent. 15 (of a plant etc.) Assimilate (nitrogen or carbon dioxide). —n. 1
colloq. Dilemma, predicament. 2 a finding one’s position by bearings etc. B position found in this way. 3 slang dose of an addictive drug. be fixed (usu. Foll. By for) colloq. Be situated (regarding) (how is he fixed for money?). Fix on (or upon) choose, decide on. Fix up 1 arrange, organize. 2 accommodate. 3 (often foll. By with) provide (a person) (fixed me up with a job). fixable adj. [latin figo fix-]
Fixate v. (-ting) 1 direct one’s gaze on. 2 psychol. (usu. In passive; often foll. By on, upon) cause (a person) to become abnormally attached to a person or thing. [latin: related to *fix]
Fixation n. 1 state of being fixated. 2 obsession, monomania. 3 coagulation. 4 process of assimilating a gas to form a solid compound.
Fixative —adj. Tending to fix or secure. —n. Fixative substance.
Fixedly adv. Intently.
Fixed star n. Astron. Seemingly motionless star.
Fixer n. 1 person or thing that fixes. 2 photog. Substance for fixing a photographic image etc. 3 colloq. Person who makes esp. Illicit deals.
Fixings n.pl. Us 1 apparatus or equipment. 2 trimmings for a dish, dress, etc.
Fixity n. Fixed state; stability; permanence.
Fixture n. 1 a something fixed in position. B colloq. Seemingly immovable person or thing (seems to be a fixture). 2 a sporting event, esp. A match, race, etc. B date agreed for this. 3 (in pl.) Articles attached to a house or land andregarded as legally part of it.
Fizz —v. 1 make a hissing or spluttering sound. 2 (of a drink) effervesce. —n. 1 effervescence. 2 colloq. Effervescent drink, esp. Champagne. [imitative]
Fizzle —v. (-ling) make a feeble hiss. —n. Such a sound. fizzle out end feebly. [imitative]
Fizzy adj. (-ier, -iest) effervescent. fizziness n.
Fjord var. Of *fiord.
Fl. Abbr. 1 floruit. 2 fluid.
Flab n. Colloq. Fat; flabbiness. [imitative, or from *flabby]
Flabbergast v. (esp. As flabbergasted adj.) Colloq. Astonish; dumbfound. [origin uncertain]
Flabby adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of flesh etc.) Limp; flaccid. 2 feeble. flabbiness n. [alteration of flappy: related to *flap]
Flaccid adj. Limp, flabby, drooping. flaccidity n. [latin flaccus limp]
Flag1 —n. 1 a usu. Oblong or square piece of cloth, attachable by one edge to a pole or rope as a country’s emblem or standard, a signal, etc. B small toy etc. Resembling a flag. 2 adjustable strip of metal etc. Indicating a taxi’s availability for hire. —v. (-gg-) 1 a grow tired; lag (was soon flagging). B hang down; droop. 2 mark out with or as if with a flag or flags. 3 (often foll. By that) inform or communicate by flag-signals. flag down signal to stop. [origin unknown]
Flag2 —n. (also flagstone) 1 flat usu. Rectangular paving stone. 2 (in pl.) Pavement of these. —v. (-gg-) pave with flags. [probably scandinavian]
Flag3 n. Plant with a bladed leaf (esp. The iris). [origin unknown]
Flag-day n. Fund-raising day for a charity, esp. With the sale of small paper flags etc. In the street.
Flagellant —n. Person who scourges himself, herself, or others as a religious discipline or as a sexual stimulus. —adj. Of flagellation. [latin flagellum whip]
Flagellate v. (-ting) scourge, flog. flagellation n.
Flagellum n. (pl. -gella) 1 long lashlike appendage on some microscopic organisms. 2 runner; creeping shoot. [latin, = whip]
Flageolet n. Small flute blown at the end. [french from provençal]
Flag of convenience n. Foreign flag under which a ship is registered, usu. To avoid regulations or financial charges.
Flag-officer n. Admiral, vice admiral, or rear admiral, or the commodore of a yacht-club.
Flag of truce n. White flag requesting a truce.
Flagon n. 1 large bottle, usu. Holding a quart (1.13 litres), esp. Of wine, cider, etc. 2 large vessel for wine etc., usu. With a handle, spout, and lid. [latin flasco*flask]
Flagship n. 1 ship with an admiral on board. 2 leader in a category etc.; exemplar.
Flagstaff n. Pole on which a flag may be hoisted.
Flagstone n. = *flag2.
Flag-waving n. Populist agitation, chauvinism.
Flail —n. Wooden staff with a short heavy stick swinging from it, used for threshing. —v. 1 wave or swing wildly. 2 beat with or as with a flail. [latin flagellum whip]
Flair n. 1 natural talent in a specific area (flair for languages). 2 style, finesse. [french flairer to smell]
Flake —n. 1 small thin light piece of snow etc. 2 thin broad piece peeled or split off. 3 dogfish etc. As food. —v. (-king) (often foll. By away, off) 1 take off or come away in flakes. 2 sprinkle with or fall in flakes. flake out colloq. Fall asleep or drop from exhaustion; faint. [origin unknown]
Flak jacket n. Protective reinforced military jacket.
Flaky adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of, like, or in flakes. 2 esp. Us slang crazy, eccentric.
Flaky pastry n. Crumblier version of puff pastry.
Flaky pastry n. Crumblier version of puff pastry.
Flambé adj. (of food) covered with alcohol and set alight briefly (following a noun: pancakes flambé). [french: related to *flame]
Flamboyant adj. 1 ostentatious; showy. 2 floridly decorated or coloured. flamboyance n. Flamboyantly adv. [french: related to *flambé]
Flame —n. 1 a ignited gas. B portion of this (flame flickered; burst into flames). 2 a bright light or colouring. B brilliant orange-red colour. 3 a strong passion, esp. Love (fan the flame). B colloq. Sweetheart. —v. (-ming) 1 (often foll. By away, forth, out, up) burn; blaze. 2 (often foll. By out, up) a (of passion) break out. B (of a person) become angry. 3 shine or glow like flame. [latin flamma]
Flamenco n. (pl. -s) 1 style of spanish gypsy guitar music with singing. 2 dance performed to this. [spanish, = flemish]
Flame-thrower n. Weapon for throwing a spray of flame.
Flaming adj. 1 emitting flames. 2 very hot (flaming june). 3 colloq. A passionate (flaming row). B expressing annoyance (that flaming dog). 4 bright-coloured.
Flamingo n. (pl. -s or -es) tall long-necked wading bird with mainly pink plumage. [provençal: related to *flame]
Flammable adj. Inflammable. flammability n. [latin: related to *flame]
Flammable adj. Inflammable. flammability n. [latin: related to *flame]
Usage flammable is often used because inflammable can be mistaken for a negative (the true negative being non-flammable).
Flan n. 1 pastry case with a savoury or sweet filling. 2 sponge base with a sweet topping. [medieval latin flado -onis]
Flange n. Projecting flat rim etc., for strengthening or attachment. [origin uncertain]
Flank —n. 1 side of the body between ribs and hip. 2 side of a mountain, building, etc. 3 right or left side of an army etc. —v. (often in passive) be at or move along the side of (road flanked by mountains). [french from germanic]
Flannel —n. 1 a woven woollen usu. Napless fabric. B (in pl.) Flannel garments, esp. Trousers. 2 face-cloth, esp. Towelling. 3 slang nonsense; flattery. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 slang flatter. 2 wash with a flannel. [welsh gwlanen from gwlan wool]
Flannelette n. Napped cotton fabric like flannel.
Flap —v. (-pp-) 1 move or be moved up and down; beat. 2 colloq. Be agitated or panicky. 3 sway; flutter. 4 (usu. Foll. By away, off) strike (flies etc.) With flat object; drive. 5 colloq. (of ears) listen intently. —n. 1 piece of cloth, wood, etc. Attached by one side esp. To cover a gap, e.g. A pocket-cover, the folded part of an envelope, a table-leaf. 2 motion of a wing, arm, etc. 3 colloq. Agitation; panic (in a flap). 4 aileron. 5 light blow with something flat. flappy adj. [probably
imitative]
Flapdoodle n. Colloq. Nonsense. [origin unknown]
Flapjack n. 1 sweet oatcake. 2 esp. Us pancake.
Flapper n. 1 person apt to panic. 2 slang (in the 1920s) young unconventional woman.
Flare —v. (-ring) 1 widen gradually (flared trousers). 2 (cause to) blaze brightly and unsteadily. 3 burst out, esp. Angrily. —n. 1 a dazzling irregular flame or light. B sudden outburst of flame. 2 flame or bright light used as a signal or to illuminate a target etc. 3 a gradual widening, esp. Of a skirt or trousers. B (in pl.) Wide-bottomed trousers. flare up burst into a sudden blaze, anger, activity, etc. [origin unknown]
Flare-path n. Line of lights on a runway to guide aircraft.
Flare-up n. Sudden outburst.
Flash —v. 1 (cause to) emit a brief or sudden light; (cause to) gleam. 2 send or reflect like a sudden flame (eyes flashed fire). 3 a burst suddenly into view or perception (answer flashed upon me). B move swiftly (train flashed past). 4 a send (news etc.) By radio, telegraph, etc. B signal to (a person) with lights. 5 colloq. Show ostentatiously (flashed her ring). 6 slang indecently expose oneself. —n. 1 sudden bright light or flame, e.g. Of lightning. 2 an instant (in a flash). 3
sudden brief feeling, display of wit, etc. (flash of hope). 4 = *newsflash. 5 photog. = *flashlight 1. 6 mil. Coloured cloth patch on a uniform. 7 bright patch of colour. —adj. Colloq. Gaudy; showy; vulgar (flash car). [imitative]
Flashback n. Scene set in an earlier time than the main action.
Flash bulb n. Photog. Bulb for a flashlight.
Flash-cube n. Photog. Set of four flash bulbs in a cube, operated in turn.
Flasher n. 1 slang man who indecently exposes himself. 2 automatic device for switching lights rapidly on and off.
Flash-gun n. Device operating a camera flashlight.
Flashing n. (usu. Metal) strip used to prevent water penetration at a roof joint etc. [dial.]
Flash in the pan n. Promising start followed by failure.
Flash-lamp n. Portable flashing electric lamp.
Flashlight n. 1 light giving an intense flash, used for night or indoor photography. 2 us electric torch.
photography. 2 us electric torch.
Flashpoint n. 1 temperature at which vapour from oil etc. Will ignite in air. 2 point at which anger etc. Is expressed.
Flask n. 1 narrow-necked bulbous bottle for wine etc. Or used in chemistry. 2 = *hip-flask. 3 = vacuum flask. [latin flasca, flasco: cf. flagon]
Flat1 —adj. (flatter, flattest) 1 a horizontally level. B even; smooth; unbroken. C level and shallow (flat cap). 2 unqualified; downright (flat refusal). 3 a dull; lifeless; monotonous (in a flat tone). B dejected. 4 (of a fizzy drink) having lost its effervescence. 5 (of an accumulator, battery, etc.) Having exhausted its charge. 6 mus. A below true or normal pitch (violins are flat). B (of a key) having a flat or flats in the signature. C (as b, e, etc. Flat) semitone lower than b, e, etc. 7 (of a tyre) punctured; deflated. —adv. 1 at full length; spread out (lay flat; flat against the wall). 2 colloq. A completely, absolutely (flat broke). B exactly (in five minutes flat). 3 mus. Below the true or normal pitch (sings flat). —n. 1 flat part or thing (flat of the hand). 2 level ground, esp. A plain or swamp. 3 mus. A note lowered a semitone below natural pitch. B sign indicating this. 4 (as the flat) flat racing or its season. 5 theatr. Flat scenery on a frame. 6 esp. Us colloq. Flat tyre. flat out 1 at top speed. 2 using all one’s strength etc. That’s flat colloq. That is definite. flatly adv. Flatness n. Flattish adj. [old norse]
Flat2 n. Set of rooms, usu. On one floor, as a residence. flatlet n. [obsolete flet floor, dwelling, from germanic: related to *flat1]
Flat-fish n. Sole, plaice, etc. With both eyes on one side of a flattened body.
Flat foot n. Foot with a flattened arch.
Flat-footed n. 1 having flat feet. 2 colloq. A uninspired. B unprepared. C resolute.
Flat-iron n. Hist. Domestic iron heated on a fire etc.
Flatmate n. Person sharing a flat.
Flat race n. Horse race without jumps, over level ground. flat racing n.
Flat rate n. Unvarying rate or charge.
Flat spin n. 1 aeron. A nearly horizontal spin. 2 colloq. State of panic.
Flatten v. 1 make or become flat. 2 colloq. A humiliate. B knock down.
Flatter v. 1 compliment unduly, esp. For gain or advantage. 2 (usu. Refl.; usu. Foll. By that) congratulate or delude (oneself etc.) (he flatters himself that he can sing). 3 (of colour, style, portrait, painter etc.) Enhance the appearance of (that blouse flatters you). 4 cause to feel honoured. flatterer n. Flattering adj. Flatteringly adv. [french]
Flattery n. Exaggerated or insincere praise.
Flatulent adj. 1 a causing intestinal wind. B caused by or suffering from this. 2 (of speech etc.) Inflated, pretentious. flatulence n. [latin flatus blowing]
Flatworm n. Worm with a flattened body, e.g. Flukes.
Flaunt v. (often refl.) Display proudly; show off; parade. [origin unknown]
Usage flaunt is often confused with flout which means ‘to disobey contemptuously’.
Flautist n. Flute-player. [italian: related to *flute]
Flavor (brit. Flavour) —n. 1 mingled sensation of smell and taste (cheesy flavour). 2 characteristic quality (romantic flavour). 3 (usu. Foll. By of) slight admixture (flavour of failure). —v. Give flavour to; season. flavourless adj. Flavoursome adj. [french]
Flavoring n. (brit. Flavouring) substance used to flavour food or drink.
Flavour (us flavor) —n. 1 mingled sensation of smell and taste (cheesy flavour). 2 characteristic quality (romantic flavour). 3 (usu. Foll. By of) slight admixture (flavour of failure). —v. Give flavour to; season. flavourless adj. Flavoursome
(flavour of failure). —v. Give flavour to; season. flavourless adj. Flavoursome adj. [french]
Flavouring n. (us flavoring) substance used to flavour food or drink.
Flavour of the month n. (also flavour of the week) temporary trend or fashion.
Flax n. 1 blue-flowered plant cultivated for its textile fibre and its seeds. 2 flax fibres. [old english]
Flaxen adj. 1 of flax. 2 (of hair) pale yellow.
Flax-seed n. Linseed.
Flay v. 1 strip the skin or hide off, esp. By beating. 2 criticize severely. 3 peel off (skin, bark, peel, etc.). 4 extort money etc. From. [old english]
Flea n. Small wingless jumping parasitic insect. a flea in one’s ear sharp reproof. [old english]
Fleabag n. Slang shabby or unattractive person or thing.
Flea-bite n. 1 bite of a flea. 2 trivial injury or inconvenience.
Flea-bitten adj. 1 bitten by or infested with fleas. 2 shabby.
Flea market n. Street market selling second-hand goods etc.
Flea-pit n. Dingy dirty cinema etc.
Fleck —n. 1 small patch of colour or light. 2 particle, speck. —v. Mark with flecks. [old norse, or low german or dutch]
Flection n. (brit. Flexion) 1 bending or being bent, esp. Of a limb or joint. 2 bent part; curve. [latin flexio: related to *flex1]
Fled past and past part. Of *flee.
Fledge v. (-ging) 1 provide or deck (an arrow etc.) With feathers. 2 bring up (a young bird) until it can fly. 3 (as fledged adj.) A able to fly. B independent; mature. [obsolete adj. Fledge fit to fly]
Fledgling n. (also fledgeling) 1 young bird. 2 inexperienced person.
Flee v. (past and past part. Fled) 1 (often foll. By from, before) a run away (from); leave abruptly (fled the room). B seek safety by fleeing. 2 vanish. [old english]
Fleece —n. 1 a woolly coat of a sheep etc. B wool sheared from a sheep at one time. 2 thing resembling a fleece, esp. Soft fabric for lining etc. —v. (-cing) 1 (often foll. By of) strip of money, valuables, etc.; swindle. 2 shear (sheep etc.). 3 cover as if with a fleece (sky fleeced with clouds). fleecy adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Fleet —n. 1 a warships under one commander-in-chief. B (prec. By the) nation’s warships etc.; navy. 2 number of vehicles in one company etc. —adj. Poet. Literary swift, nimble. [old english]
Fleeting adj. Transitory; brief. fleetingly adv.
Fleming n. 1 native of medieval flanders. 2 member of a flemish-speaking people of n. And w. Belgium. [old english]
Flemish —adj. Of flanders. —n. Language of the flemings. [dutch]
Flesh n. 1 a soft, esp. Muscular, substance between the skin and bones of an animal or a human. B plumpness; fat. 2 the body, esp. As sinful. 3 pulpy substance of a fruit etc. 4 a visible surface of the human body. B (also flesh-
colour) yellowish pink colour. 5 animal or human life. all flesh all animate creation. Flesh out make or become substantial. In the flesh in person. One’s own flesh and blood near relatives. [old english]
Flesh and blood —n. 1 the body or its substance. 2 humankind. 3 human nature, esp. As fallible. —adj. Real, not imaginary.
Fleshy adj. (-ier, -iest) of flesh; plump, pulpy. fleshiness n.
Fleur-de-lis n. (also fleur-de-lys) (pl. Fleurs-pronunc. Same) 1 iris flower. 2 heraldry a lily of three petals. B former royal arms of france. [french, = flower of lily]
Flew past of *fly1.
Flews n.pl. Hanging lips of a bloodhound etc. [origin unknown]
Flex1 v. 1 bend (a joint, limb, etc.) Or be bent. 2 move (a muscle) or (of a
Flex1 v. 1 bend (a joint, limb, etc.) Or be bent. 2 move (a muscle) or (of a muscle) be moved to bend a joint. [latin flecto flex-bend]
Flex2 n. Flexible insulated electric cable. [abbreviation of *flexible]
Flexible adj. 1 capable of bending without breaking; pliable. 2 manageable. 3 adaptable; variable (works flexible hours). flexibility n. Flexibly adv. [latin flexibilis: related to *flex1]
Flexion n. (us flection) 1 bending or being bent, esp. Of a limb or joint. 2 bent part; curve. [latin flexio: related to *flex1]
Flexitime n. System of flexible working hours. [from *flexible]
Flibbertigibbet n. Gossiping, frivolous, or restless person. [imitative]
Flick —n. 1 a light sharp blow with a whip etc. B sudden release of a bent digit, esp. To propel a small object. 2 sudden movement or jerk, esp. Of the wrist in throwing etc. 3 colloq. A cinema film. B (in pl.; prec. By the) the cinema. —v. 1 (often foll. By away, off) strike or move with a flick (flicked the ash off). 2 give a flick with (a whip etc.). flick through 1 turn over (cards, pages, etc.). 2 a turn over the pages etc. Of, by a rapid movement of the fingers. B glance through (a book etc.). [imitative]
Flicker —v. 1 (of light or flame) shine or burn unsteadily. 2 flutter. 3 (of hope etc.) Waver. —n. 1 flickering movement or light. 2 brief spell (of hope etc.). flicker out die away. [old english]
Flick-knife n. Knife with a blade that springs out when a button is pressed.
Flier var. Of *flyer.
Flight1 n. 1 a act or manner of flying. B movement or passage through the air. 2 a journey through the air or in space. B timetabled airline journey. 3 flock of birds, insects, etc. 4 (usu. Foll. By of) series, esp. Of stairs. 5 imaginative excursion or sally (flight of fancy). 6 (usu. Foll. By of) volley (flight of arrows). 7 tail of a dart. [old english: related to *fly1]
Flight2 n. Fleeing, hasty retreat. put to flight cause to flee. Take (or take to) flight flee. [old english]
Flight bag n. Small zipped shoulder bag for air travel.
Flight-deck n. 1 deck of an aircraft-carrier. 2 control room of a large aircraft.
Flightless adj. (of a bird etc.) Unable to fly.
Flight lieutenant n. Raf officer next below squadron leader.
Flight path n. Planned course of an aircraft etc.
Flight-recorder n. Device in an aircraft recording technical details of a flight.
Flight-recorder n. Device in an aircraft recording technical details of a flight.
Flight sergeant n. Raf rank next above sergeant.
Flighty adj. (-ier, -iest) (usu. Of a girl) frivolous, fickle, changeable. flightiness n.
Flinch v. Draw back in fear etc.; wince. [french from germanic]
Fling —v. (past and past part. Flung) 1 throw or hurl forcefully or hurriedly. 2 (foll. By on, off) put on or take off (clothes) carelessly or rapidly. 3 put or send suddenly or violently (was flung into jail). 4 rush, esp. Angrily (flung out of the room). 5 (foll. By away) discard rashly. —n. 1 act of flinging; throw. 2 bout of wild behaviour. 3 whirling scottish dance, esp. The highland fling. [old norse]
Flint n. 1 a hard grey siliceous stone. B piece of this, esp. As a primitive tool or weapon. 2 piece of hard alloy used to give a spark. 3 anything hard and unyielding. flinty adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Flintlock n. Hist. Old type of gun fired by a spark from a flint.
Flip1 —v. (-pp-) 1 flick or toss (a coin, pellet, etc.) So that it spins in the air. 2
turn (a small object) over; flick. 3 slang = flip one’s lid. —n. 1 act of flipping. 2 colloq. Short trip. —adj. Colloq. Glib; flippant. flip one’s lid slang lose self-control; go mad. Flip through = flick through. [probably from *fillip]
Flip2 n. 1 = egg-flip. 2 drink of heated beer and spirit. [perhaps from flip1]
Flip chart n. Large pad of paper on a stand.
Flip-flop n. (usu. Rubber) sandal with a thong between the toes. [imitative]
Flipper n. 1 broad flat limb of a turtle, penguin, etc., used in swimming. 2 similar rubber foot attachment for underwater swimming. 3 slang hand.
Flipping adj. & adv. Slang expressing annoyance, or as an intensifier.
Flip side n. Colloq. 1 reverse side of a gramophone record. 2 reverse or less important side of something.
Flirt —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By with) try to attract sexually but without serious intent. 2 (usu. Foll. By with) superficially engage in; trifle. —n. Person who flirts. flirtation n. Flirtatious adj. Flirtatiously adv. Flirtatiousness n. [imitative]
Flit —v. (-tt-) 1 move lightly, softly, or rapidly. 2 make short flights. 3 colloq. Disappear secretly to escape creditors etc. —n. Act of flitting. [old norse: related to *fleet]
Flitch n. Side of bacon. [old english]
Flitter v. Flit about; flutter. [from *flit]
Flitter-mouse n. = *bat2.
Float —v. 1 a (cause to) rest or move on the surface of a liquid. B set (a stranded ship) afloat. 2 colloq. A move in a leisurely way. B (often foll. By before) hover before the eye or mind. 3 (often foll. By in) move or be suspended freely in a liquid or gas. 4 a start or launch (a company, scheme, etc.). B offer (stock, shares, etc.) On the stock market. 5 commerce cause or allow to have a fluctuating exchange rate. 6 circulate or cause (a rumour or idea) to circulate. — n. 1 thing that floats, esp.: a a raft. B a light object as an indicator of a fish biting or supporting a fishing-net. C a hollow structure enabling an aircraft to float on water. D a floating device on water, petrol, etc., controlling the level. 2 small esp. Electrically-powered vehicle or cart (milk float). 3 decorated platform or tableau on a lorry in a procession etc. 4 a supply of loose change in a shop, at a fête, etc. B petty cash. 5 theatr. (in sing. Or pl.) Footlights. 6 tool for smoothing plaster. floatable adj. [old english]
Floatation var. Of *flotation.
Floating adj. Not settled; variable (floating population).
Floating dock n. Floating structure usable as a dry dock.
Floating kidney n. Abnormally movable kidney.
Floating rib n. Lower rib not attached to the breastbone.
Floating voter n. Voter without fixed allegiance.
Floaty adj. (esp. Of fabric) light and airy. [from *float]
Flocculent adj. Like or in tufts of wool etc.; downy. flocculence n. [related to *flock2]
Flock1 —n. 1 animals of one kind as a group or unit. 2 large crowd of people. 3 people in the care of a priest or teacher etc. —v. (usu. Foll. By to, in, out, together) congregate; mass; troop. [old english]
Flock2 n. 1 lock or tuft of wool, cotton, etc. 2 (also in pl.; often attrib.) Wool-refuse etc. Used for quilting and stuffing. [latin floccus]
Flock-paper n. (also flock-wallpaper) wallpaper with a raised flock pattern.
Floe n. Sheet of floating ice. [norwegian]
Flog v. (-gg-) 1 a beat with a whip, stick, etc. B make work through violent effort (flogged the engine). 2 (often foll. By off) slang sell. flog a dead horse waste one’s efforts. Flog to death colloq. Talk about or promote at tedious length. [origin unknown]
Flood —n. 1 a overflowing or influx of water, esp. Over land; inundation. B the water that overflows. 2 outpouring; torrent (flood of tears). 3 inflow of the tide (also in comb.: flood-tide).
Floodgate n. 1 gate for admitting or excluding water, esp. In a lock. 2 (usu. In pl.) Last restraint against tears, rain, anger, etc.
Floodlight —n. Large powerful light (usu. One of several) to illuminate a building, sports ground, etc. —v. Illuminate with floodlights. floodlit adj.
Flood-tide n. Exceptionally high tide caused esp. By the moon.
Floor —n. 1 lower supporting surface of a room. 2 a bottom of the sea, a cave, etc. B any level area. 3 all the rooms etc. On one level of a building; storey. 4 a(in a legislative assembly) place where members sit and speak. B right to speak next in a debate (gave him the floor). 5 minimum of prices, wages, etc. 6 colloq. Ground. —v. 1 provide with a floor; pave. 2 knock or bring (a person) down. 3 colloq. Confound, baffle. 4 colloq. Overcome. 5 serve as the floor of (lino floored the hall). from the floor (of a speech etc.) Given by a member of the audience. Take the floor 1 begin to dance. 2 speak in a debate. [old english]
Floorboard n. Long wooden board used for flooring.
Floorcloth n. Cloth for washing the floor.
Flooring n. Material of which a floor is made.
Floor manager n. Stage-manager of a television production.
Floor plan n. Diagram of the rooms etc. On one storey.
Floor show n. Nightclub entertainment.
Floozie n. (also floozy) (pl. -ies) colloq. Esp. Disreputable girl or woman. [origin unknown]
Flop —v. (-pp-) 1 sway about heavily or loosely. 2 (often foll. By down, on, into) fall or sit etc. Awkwardly or suddenly. 3 slang fail; collapse (play flopped). 4 make a dull soft thud or splash. —n. 1 flopping movement or sound. 2 slang failure. —adv. With a flop. [var. Of *flap]
Floppy —adj. (-ier, -iest) tending to flop; flaccid. —n. (pl. -ies) (in full floppy disk) computing flexible disc for the storage of data. floppiness n.
Flora n. (pl. -s or florae) 1 plant life of a region or period. 2 list or book of these.
Florentine —adj. Of florence in italy. —n. Native or citizen of florence. [latin]
Floret n. 1 each of the small flowers making up a composite flower-head. 2 each stem of a head of cauliflower, broccoli, etc. 3 small flower. [latin flos *flower]
Floribunda n. Plant, esp. A rose, bearing dense clusters of flowers. [related to *floret: cf. *moribund]
Florid adj. 1 ruddy (florid complexion). 2 elaborately ornate; showy. floridly adv. Floridness n. [latin: related to *flower]
Florin n. Hist. 1 british two-shilling coin now worth 10 pence. 2 english or foreign gold or silver coin. [italian fiorino: related to *florist]
Florist n. Person who deals in or grows flowers. [latin flos *flower]
Floruit —v. Flourished; lived and worked (of a painter, writer, etc., whose exact dates are unknown). —n. Period or date of working etc. [latin, = he or she flourished]
Floss —n. 1 rough silk of a silkworm’s cocoon. 2 silk thread used in embroidery. 3 = *dental floss. —v. (also absol.) Clean (teeth) with dental floss. flossy adj. [french floche]
Flotation n. (also floatation) launching or financing of a commercial enterprise etc. [from *float]
Flotilla n. 1 small fleet. 2 fleet of small ships. [spanish]
Flotsam n. Wreckage found floating. [anglo-french: related to *float]
Flotsam and jetsam n. 1 odds and ends. 2 vagrants.
Flounce1 —v. (-cing) (often foll. By away, about, off, out) go or move angrily or impatiently (flounced out in a huff). —n. Flouncing movement. [origin unknown]
Flounce2 —n. Frill on a dress, skirt, etc. —v. (-cing) trim with flounces. [alteration of frounce pleat, from french]
Flounder1 —v. 1 struggle helplessly as if wading in mud. 2 do a task clumsily. —n. Act of floundering. [imitative]
Flounder2 n. (pl. Same) 1 edible european flat-fish. 2 n. American flat-fish. [anglo-french, probably scandinavian]
Flour —n. 1 meal or powder from ground wheat etc. 2 any fine powder. —v. Sprinkle with flour. floury adj. (-ier, -iest). Flouriness n. [different spelling of *flower ‘best part’]
Flourish —v. 1 a grow vigorously; thrive. B prosper. C be in one’s prime. 2 wave, brandish. —n. 1 showy gesture. 2 ornamental curve in handwriting. 3 mus. Ornate passage or fanfare. [latin floreo from flos *flower]
Flout —v. Disobey (the law etc.) Contemptuously; mock; insult. —n. Flouting speech or act. [dutch fluiten whistle: related to *flute]
Usage flout is often confused with flaunt which means ‘to display proudly, show off’.
Flow —v. 1 glide along as a stream. 2 (of liquid, blood, etc.) Gush out; be spilt. 3 (of blood, money, electric current, etc.) Circulate. 4 move smoothly or steadily. 5 (of a garment, hair, etc.) Hang gracefully. 6 (often foll. By from) be caused by. 7 (esp. Of the tide) be in flood. 8 (of wine) be plentiful. 9 (foll. By with) archaic be plentifully supplied with (flowing with milk and honey). —n. 1 a flowing movement or mass. B flowing liquid (stop the flow). C outpouring; stream (flow of complaints). 2 rise of a tide or river (ebb and flow). [old english]
Flow chart n. (also flow diagram or flow sheet) diagram of the movement or action in a complex activity.
Flower —n. 1 part of a plant from which the fruit or seed is developed. 2 blossom, esp. Used for decoration. 3 plant cultivated for its flowers. —v. 1 bloom or cause (a plant) to bloom; blossom. 2 reach a peak. the flower of the best of. In flower blooming. flowered adj. [latin flos flor-]
Flower-bed n. Garden bed for flowers.
Flower-head n. = *head n. 3 c.
Flower people n. Hippies with flowers as symbols of peace and love.
Flowerpot n. Pot for growing a plant in.
Flower power n. Peace and love, esp. As a political idea.
Flowers of sulphur n. Fine powder produced when sulphur evaporates and condenses.
Flowery adj. 1 florally decorated. 2 (of style, speech, etc.) High-flown; ornate. 3 full of flowers. floweriness n.
Fluctuate v. (-ting) vary irregularly; rise and fall. fluctuation n. [latin fluctus wave]
Flue n. 1 smokeduct in a chimney. 2 channel for conveying heat. [origin unknown]
Fluent adj. 1 (of speech, style, etc.) Flowing, natural. 2 verbally facile, esp. In a foreign language (fluent in german). fluency n. Fluently adv. [latin fluo flow]
Fluff —n. 1 soft fur, feathers, or fabric particles etc. 2 slang mistake in a performance etc. —v. 1 (often foll. By up) shake into or become a soft mass. 2 colloq. Make a fluff; bungle. bit of fluff slang offens. Attractive woman. fluffy adj. (-ier, -iest). Fluffiness n. [probably dial. Alteration of flue fluff]
Flugelhorn n. Valved brass wind instrument like a cornet. [german flügel wing, horn horn]
Fluid —n. 1 substance, esp. A gas or liquid, whose shape is determined by its confines. 2 fluid part or secretion. —adj. 1 able to flow and alter shape freely. 2 constantly changing (situation is fluid).
Fluid ounce n. One-twentieth, or us one-sixteenth, of a pint.
Fluke1 —n. Lucky accident (won by a fluke). —v. (-king) achieve by a fluke. fluky adj. (-ier, -iest). [origin uncertain]
Fluke2 n. 1 parasitic flatworm, e.g. The liver fluke. 2 flat-fish, esp. A flounder. [old english]
Fluke3 n. 1 broad triangular plate on an anchor arm. 2 lobe of a whale’s tail. [perhaps from *fluke2]
Flummery n. (pl. -ies) 1 flattery; nonsense. 2 sweet dish made with beaten eggs, sugar, etc. [welsh llymru]
Flummox v. Colloq. Bewilder, disconcert. [origin unknown]
Flung past and past part. Of *fling.
Flunk v. Us colloq. Fail (esp. An exam). [origin unknown]
Flunkey n. (also flunky) (pl. -eys or -ies) usu. Derog. 1 liveried footman. 2 toady; snob. 3 us cook, waiter, etc. [origin uncertain]
Fluoresce v. (-scing) be or become fluorescent. [from *fluorescent]
Fluorescence n. 1 light radiation from certain substances. 2 property of absorbing invisible light and emitting visible light. [from *fluorspar, after opalescence]
Fluorescent adj. Of, having, or showing fluorescence.
Fluorescent lamp n. (also fluorescent bulb) esp. Tubular lamp or bulb radiating largely by fluorescence.
Fluoridate v. (-ting) add fluoride to (drinking-water etc.), esp. To prevent tooth decay. fluoridation n.
Fluoride n. Binary compound of fluorine.
Fluorinate v. (-ting) 1 = *fluoridate. 2 introduce fluorine into (a compound).
fluorination n.
Fluorine n. Poisonous pale-yellow gaseous element. [french: related to *fluorspar]
Fluorite n. Mineral form of calcium fluoride. [italian: related to *fluorspar]
Fluorocarbon n. Compound of a hydrocarbon with fluorine atoms.
Fluorspar n. = *fluorite. [fluor a mineral used as flux, from latin fluo flow]
Flurry —n. (pl. -ies) 1 gust or squall (of snow, rain, etc.). 2 sudden burst of activity, excitement, etc.; commotion. —v. (-ies, -ied) confuse; agitate. [imitative]
Flush1 —v. 1 blush, redden, glow warmly (he flushed with embarrassment). 2 (usu. As flushed adj.) Cause to glow or blush (often foll. By with: he was flushed with pride). 3 a cleanse (a drain, lavatory, etc.) By a flow of water. B (often foll. By away, down) dispose of in this way. 4 rush out, spurt. —n. 1 blush or glow. 2 a rush of water. B cleansing of a drain, lavatory, etc. Thus. 3 rush of esp. Elation or triumph. 4 freshness; vigour. 5 a (also hot flush) sudden feeling of heat during menopause. B feverish redness or temperature etc. —adj. 1 level, in the same plane. 2 colloq. Having plenty of money. [perhaps = *flush3]
Flush2 n. Hand of cards all of one suit, esp. In poker. [latin fluxus *flux]
Flush3 v. 1 cause (esp. A game-bird) to fly up. 2 (of a bird) fly up and away. flush out 1 reveal. 2 drive out. [imitative]
Fluster —v. 1 make or become nervous or confused (he flusters easily). 2 bustle. —n. Confused or agitated state. [origin unknown]
Flute —n. 1 a high-pitched woodwind instrument held sideways. B any similar wind instrument. 2 ornamental vertical groove in a column. —v. (-ting) 1 play, or play (a tune etc.) On, the flute. 2 speak or sing etc. In a high voice. 3 make grooves in. fluting n. Fluty adj. (in sense 1a of n.). [french]
Flutter —v. 1 flap (the wings) in flying or trying to fly. 2 fall quiveringly (fluttered to the ground). 3 wave or flap quickly. 4 move about restlessly. 5 (of a pulse etc.) Beat feebly or irregularly. —n. 1 act of fluttering. 2 tremulous
excitement (caused a flutter). 3 slang small bet, esp. On a horse. 4 abnormally rapid heartbeat. 5 rapid variation of pitch, esp. Of recorded sound. [old english]
Fluvial adj. Of or found in rivers. [latin fluvius river]
Flux n. 1 process of flowing or flowing out. 2 discharge. 3 continuous change (state of flux). 4 substance mixed with a metal etc. To aid fusion. [latin fluxus from fluo flux-flow]
Fly1 —v. (flies; past flew; past part. Flown) 1 a (of an aircraft, bird, etc.) Move through the air or space under control, esp. With wings. B travel through the air or space. 2 control the flight of or transport in (esp. An aircraft). 3 a cause to fly or remain aloft. B (of a flag, hair, etc.) Wave or flutter. 4 pass, move, or rise quickly. 5 a flee; flee from. B colloq. Depart hastily. 6 be driven, forced, or scattered (sent me flying). 7 (foll. By at, upon) a hasten or spring violently. B attack or criticize fiercely. —n. (pl. -ies) 1 (usu. In pl.) A concealing flap, esp. Over a trouser-fastening. B this fastening. 2 flap at a tent entrance. 3 (in pl.) Space above a stage where scenery and lighting are suspended. 4 act of flying. fly high be ambitious; prosper. Fly in the face of disregard or disobey. Fly a kite test opinion. Fly off the handle colloq. Lose one’s temper. [old english]
Fly2 n. (pl. Flies) 1 insect with two usu. Transparent wings. 2 other winged insect, e.g. A firefly. 3 disease of plants or animals caused by flies. 4 (esp. Artificial) fly as bait in fishing. like flies in large numbers (usu. Of people dying etc.). No flies on (him etc.) Colloq. (he is) very astute. [old english]
Flycatcher n. Bird catching insects during short flights from a chosen perch.
Flyer n. (also flier) colloq. 1 airman or airwoman. 2 thing that flies in a specified way (poor flyer). 3 fast-moving animal or vehicle. 4 ambitious or outstanding person. 5 small handbill.
Fly-fish v. Fish with a fly.
Fly-half n. Rugby stand-off half.
Flying —adj. 1 fluttering, waving, or hanging loose. 2 hasty, brief (flying visit). 3 designed for rapid movement. 4 (of an animal) leaping with winglike membranes etc. —n. Flight, esp. In an aircraft. with flying colours with distinction.
Flying boat n. Boatlike seaplane.
Flying buttress n. (usu. Arched) buttress running from the upper part of a wall to an outer support and transmitting the thrust of the roof or vault.
Flying doctor n. Doctor who uses an aircraft to visit patients.
Flying fish n. Tropical fish with winglike fins for gliding through the air.
Flying fox n. Fruit-eating bat with a foxlike head.
Flying officer n. Raf rank next below flight lieutenant.
Flying picket n. Mobile industrial strike picket.
Flying saucer n. Supposed alien spaceship.
Flying squad n. Rapidly mobile police detachment etc.
Flying start n. 1 start (of a race etc.) In which the starting-point is crossed at full speed. 2 vigorous start (of an enterprise etc.).
Fly in the ointment n. Minor irritation or setback.
Flyleaf n. Blank leaf at the beginning or end of a book.
Fly on the wall n. Unnoticed observer.
Flyover n. Bridge carrying one road or railway over another.
Fly-paper n. Sticky treated paper for catching flies.
Fly-past n. Ceremonial flight of aircraft.
Fly-post v. Fix (posters etc.) Illegally on walls etc.
Flysheet n. 1 canvas cover over a tent for extra protection. 2 short tract or circular.
Fly-tip v. Illegally dump (waste). fly-tipper n.
Fly-trap n. Plant that catches flies.
Flyweight n. 1 weight in certain sports between light flyweight and bantamweight, in amateur boxing 48–51 kg. 2 sportsman of this weight.
Flywheel n. Heavy wheel on a revolving shaft to regulate machinery or accumulate power.
accumulate power.
Fm abbr. 1 field marshal. 2 frequency modulation.
Fm symb. Fermium.
F-number n. Ratio of the focal length to the effective diameter of a camera lens. [from focal]
Fo abbr. Flying officer.
Foal —n. Young of a horse or related animal. —v. Give birth to (a foal). in (or with) foal (of a mare etc.) Pregnant. [old english]
Foam —n. 1 mass of small bubbles formed on or in liquid by agitation, fermentation, etc. 2 froth of saliva or sweat. 3 substance resembling these, e.g. Spongy rubber or plastic. —v. Emit or run with foam; froth. foam at the mouth be very angry. foamy adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Fob1 n. 1 chain of a pocket-watch. 2 small pocket for a watch etc. 3 tab on a key-ring. [german]
Fob2 v. (-bb-) fob off 1 (often foll. By with a thing) deceive into accepting something inferior. 2 (often foll. By on or on to a person) offload (an unwanted thing). [cf. Obsolete fop dupe]
Focal adj. Of or at a focus. [latin: related to *focus]
Focal distance n. (also focal length) distance between the centre of a mirror or lens and its focus.
Focal point n. 1 = *focus n. 1. 2 centre of interest or activity.
Fo’c’s’le var. Of *forecastle.
Focus —n. (pl. Focuses or foci) 1 a point at which rays or waves meet after reflection or refraction. B point from which rays etc. Appear to proceed. 2 a point at which an object must be situated for a lens or mirror to give a well-defined image. B adjustment of the eye or a lens to give a clear image. C state of clear definition (out of focus). 3 = *focal point 2. —v. (-s-or -ss-) 1 bring into focus. 2 adjust the focus of (a lens or eye). 3 concentrate or be concentrated on. 4 converge or make converge to a focus. [latin, = hearth]
Fodder n. Dried hay or straw etc. As animal food. [old english]
Foe abbr. Friends of the earth.
Foe n. Esp. Poet. Enemy. [old english]
Foetid var. Of *fetid.
Foetus n. (us fetus) (pl. -tuses) unborn mammalian offspring, esp. A human embryo of eight weeks or more. foetal adj. [latin fetus offspring]
Fog —n. 1 thick cloud of water droplets or smoke suspended at or near the earth’s surface. 2 cloudiness on a photographic negative etc. 3 uncertain or confused position or state. —v. (-gg-) 1 cover or become covered with or as with fog. 2 perplex. [perhaps a back-formation from *foggy]
Fog-bank n. Mass of fog at sea.
Fog-bound adj. Unable to travel because of fog.
Fogey var. Of *fogy.
Foggy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 full of fog. 2 of or like fog. 3 vague, indistinct. not have the foggiest colloq. Have no idea at all. fogginess n. [perhaps from fog long grass]
Foghorn n. 1 horn warning ships in fog. 2 colloq. Loud penetrating voice.
Fog-lamp n. Powerful lamp for use in fog.
Fogy n. (also fogey) (pl. -ies or -eys) dull old-fashioned person (esp. Old fogy). [origin unknown]
[origin unknown]
Foible n. Minor weakness or idiosyncrasy. [french: related to *feeble]
Foil1 v. Frustrate, baffle, defeat. [perhaps from french fouler trample]
Foil2 n. 1 metal rolled into a very thin sheet. 2 person or thing setting off another to advantage. [latin folium leaf]
Foil3 n. Light blunt fencing sword. [origin unknown]
Foist v. (foll. By on) force (a thing or oneself) on to an unwilling person. [dutch vuisten take in the hand]
Fold1 —v. 1 a bend or close (a flexible thing) over upon itself. B (foll. By back, over, down) bend part of (a thing) (fold down the flap). 2 become or be able to be folded. 3 (foll. By away, up) make compact by folding. 4 (often foll. By up) colloq. Collapse, cease to function. 5 enfold (esp. Fold in the arms or to the breast). 6 (foll. By about, round) clasp (the arms). 7 (foll. By in) mix (an ingredient with others) gently. —n. 1 folding. 2 line made by folding. 3 folded part. 4 hollow among hills. 5 curvature of geological strata.
Fold2 —n. 1 = *sheepfold. 2 religious group or congregation. —v. Enclose (sheep) in a fold. [old english]
-fold suffix forming adjectives and adverbs from cardinal numbers, meaning: 1 in an amount multiplied by (repaid tenfold). 2 with so many parts (threefold blessing). [originally = ‘folded in so many layers’]
blessing). [originally = ‘folded in so many layers’]
Folder n. Folding cover or holder for loose papers.
Foliaceous adj. 1 of or like leaves. 2 laminated. [latin: related to *foil2]
Foliage n. Leaves, leafage. [french feuillage from feuille leaf]
Foliar adj. Of leaves. [as *foliate]
Foliar feed n. Fertilizer supplied to the leaves of plants.
Foliate —adj. 1 leaflike. 2 having leaves. —v. (-ting) split or beat into thin layers. foliation n. [latin folium leaf]
Folio —n. (pl. -s) 1 leaf of paper etc., esp. Numbered only on the front. 2 sheet of paper folded once making two leaves of a book. 3 book of such sheets. —adj. (of a book) made of folios, of the largest size. in folio made of folios. [latin, ablative of folium leaf]
Folk n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 (treated as pl.) People in general or of a specified class (few folk about; townsfolk). 2 (in pl.) (usu. Folks) one’s parents or relatives. 3 (treated as sing.) A people or nation. 4 (in full folk-music) (treated as sing.) Colloq. Traditional music or modern music in this style. 5 (attrib.) Of popular origin (folk art). [old english]
Folk-dance n. Dance of popular origin.
Folklore n. Traditional beliefs and stories of a people; the study of these.
Folk-singer n. Singer of folk-songs.
Folk-song n. Song of popular or traditional origin or style.
Folksy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of or like folk art, culture, etc. 2 friendly, unpretentious.
folksiness n.
Folk-tale n. Traditional story.
Folkweave n. Rough loosely woven fabric.
Follicle n. Small sac or vesicle in the body, esp. One containing a hair-root. follicular adj. [latin diminutive of follis bellows]
Follow v. 1 (often foll. By after) go or come after (a person or thing ahead). 2 go along (a road etc.). 3 come after in order or time (dessert followed; proceed as follows). 4 take as a guide or leader. 5 conform to. 6 practise (a trade or profession). 7 undertake (a course of study etc.). 8 understand (a speaker, argument, etc.). 9 take an interest in (current affairs etc.). 10 (foll. By with) provide with a sequel or successor. 11 happen after something else; ensue. 12 a
provide with a sequel or successor. 11 happen after something else; ensue. 12 a be necessarily true as a consequence. B (foll. By from) result. follow on 1 continue. 2 (of a cricket team) have to bat twice in succession. Follow out carry out (instructions etc.). Follow suit 1 play a card of the suit led. 2 conform to another’s actions. Follow through 1 continue to a conclusion. 2 continue the movement of a stroke after hitting the ball. Follow up (foll. By with) 1 develop, supplement. 2 investigate further. [old english]
Follower n. 1 supporter or devotee. 2 person who follows.
Following —prep. After in time; as a sequel to. —n. Supporters or devotees. — adj. That follows or comes after. the following 1 what follows. 2 now to be given or named (answer the following).
Follow-on n. Cricket instance of following on.
Follow-through n. Action of following through.
Follow-up n. Subsequent or continued action.
Folly n. (pl. -ies) 1 foolishness. 2 foolish act, behaviour, idea, etc. 3 fanciful ornamental building created for display. [french folie from fol mad, *fool1]
Foment v. Instigate or stir up (trouble, discontent, etc.). fomentation n. [latin foveo heat, cherish]
Fond adj. 1 (foll. By of) liking. 2 a affectionate. B doting. 3 (of beliefs etc.) Foolishly optimistic or credulous. fondly adv. Fondness n. [obsolete fon fool, be
Foolishly optimistic or credulous. fondly adv. Fondness n. [obsolete fon fool, be foolish]
Fondant n. Soft sugary sweet. [french = melting: related to *fuse1]
Fondle v. (-ling) caress. [related to *fond]
Fondue n. Dish of melted cheese. [french, = melted: related to *fuse1]
Font1 n. Receptacle in a church for baptismal water. [latin fons font-fountain]
Font2 var. Of *fount2.
Fontanel n. (brit. Fontanelle) membranous space in an infant’s skull at the angles of the parietal bones. [latin fontanella little *fountain]
Fontanelle n. (us fontanel) membranous space in an infant’s skull at the angles of the parietal bones. [latin fontanella little *fountain]
Food n. 1 a substance taken in to maintain life and growth. B solid food (food and drink). 2 mental stimulus (food for thought). [old english]
Food additive n. Substance added to food to colour or flavour it etc.
Food-chain n. Series of organisms each dependent on the next for food.
Foodie n. Colloq. Person who makes a cult of food; gourmet.
Food poisoning n. Illness due to bacteria etc. In food.
Food processor n. Machine for chopping and mixing food.
Foodstuff n. Substance used as food.
Food value n. Nourishing power of a food.
Fool1 —n. 1 rash, unwise, or stupid person. 2 hist. Jester; clown. 3 dupe. —v. 1 deceive. 2 (foll. By into or out of) trick; cheat. 3 joke or tease. 4 (foll. By about, around) play or trifle. act (or play) the fool behave in a silly way. Be no (or nobody’s) fool be shrewd or prudent. Make a fool of make (a person or oneself) look foolish; trick, deceive. [latin follis bellows]
Fool2 n. Dessert of fruit purée with cream or custard. [perhaps from *fool1]
Foolish adj. Lacking good sense or judgement; unwise. foolishly adv.
Foolishness n.
Foolproof adj. (of a procedure, mechanism, etc.) Incapable of misuse or mistake.
Foolscap n. Large size of paper, about 330 x 200 (or 400) mm. [from a watermark of a fool’s cap]
Fool’s paradise n. Illusory happiness.
Foot —n. (pl. Feet) 1 a part of the leg below the ankle. B part of a sock etc. Covering this. 2 a lowest part of a page, stairs, etc. B end of a bed where the feet rest. C part of a chair, appliance, etc. On which it rests. 3 step, pace, or tread (fleet of foot). 4 (pl. Feet or foot) linear measure of 12 inches (30.48 cm). 5 metrical unit of verse forming part of a line. 6 hist. Infantry. —v. 1 pay (a bill). 2 (usu. As foot it) go or traverse on foot. feet of clay fundamental weakness in a respected person. Have one’s (or both) feet on the ground be practical. Have one foot in the grave be near death or very old. My foot! Int. Expressing strong contradiction. On foot walking. Put one’s feet up colloq. Take a rest. Put one’s foot down colloq. 1 insist firmly. 2 accelerate a vehicle. Put one’s foot in it colloq. Make a tactless blunder. Under one’s feet in the way. Under foot on the ground. footless adj. [old english]
Footage n. 1 a length of tv or cinema film etc. 2 length in feet.
Foot-and-mouth disease n. Contagious viral disease of cattle etc.
Football n. 1 large inflated ball of leather or plastic. 2 outdoor team game played with this. footballer n.
Football pool n. (also football pools pl.) Large-scale organized gambling on the results of football matches.
Footbrake n. Foot-operated brake on a vehicle.
Footbridge n. Bridge for pedestrians.
Footfall n. Sound of a footstep.
Foot-fault n. (in tennis) placing of the foot over the baseline while serving.
Foothill n. Any of the low hills at the base of a mountain or range.
Foothold n. 1 secure place for a foot when climbing etc. 2 secure initial position.
Footing n. 1 foothold; secure position (lost his footing). 2 operational basis. 3 relative position or status (on an equal footing). 4 (often in pl.) Foundations of a wall.
Footle v. (-ling) (usu. Foll. By about) colloq. Potter or fiddle about. [origin uncertain]
Footlights n.pl. Row of floor-level lights at the front of a stage.
Footling adj. Colloq. Trivial, silly.
Footloose adj. Free to act as one pleases.
Footman n. Liveried servant.
Footmark n. Footprint.
Footnote n. Note printed at the foot of a page.
Footpad n. Hist. Unmounted highwayman.
Footpath n. Path for pedestrians; pavement.
Footplate n. Platform for the crew in a locomotive.
Footprint n. Impression left by a foot or shoe.
Footrest n. Stool, rail, etc. For the feet.
Footsie n. = *ft-se. [respelling of *ft-se]
Footsie n. Colloq. Amorous play with the feet.
Footsore adj. With sore feet, esp. From walking.
Footstep n. 1 step taken in walking. 2 sound of this. follow in a person’s footsteps do as another did before.
Footstool n. Stool for resting the feet on when sitting.
Footway n. Path for pedestrians.
Footwear n. Shoes, socks, etc.
Footwork n. Use or agility of the feet in sports, dancing, etc.
Fop n. Dandy. foppery n. Foppish adj. [perhaps from obsolete fop fool]
For —prep. 1 in the interest or to the benefit of; intended to go to (did it all for my country; these flowers are for you). 2 in defence, support, or favour of. 3 suitable or appropriate to (a dance for beginners; not for me to say). 4 in respect of or with reference to; regarding (usual for ties to be worn; ready for bed). 5 representing or in place of (mp for lincoln; here for my uncle). 6 in exchange with, at the price of, corresponding to (swapped it for a cake; give me £5 for it; bought it for £5; word for word). 7 as a consequence of (fined for speeding; decorated for bravery; here’s £5 for your trouble). 8 a with a view to; in the hope or quest of; in order to get (go for a walk; send for a doctor; did it for the money). B on account of (could not speak for laughing). 9 to reach; towards (left for rome). 10 so as to start promptly at (meet at seven for eight). 11 through or over (a distance or period); during (walked for miles). 12 as being (for the last time; i for one refuse). 13 in spite of; notwithstanding (for all your fine words). 14 considering or making due allowance in respect of (good for a beginner). — conj. Because, since, seeing that. be for it colloq. Be about to be punished etc. For all (that) in spite of, although. For ever for all time (cf. *forever). [old english reduced form of *fore]
For-prefix forming verbs etc. Meaning: 1 away, off (forget; forgive). 2 prohibition (forbid). 3 abstention or neglect (forgo; forsake). [old english]
Forage —n. 1 food for horses and cattle. 2 searching for food. —v. 1 search for food; rummage. 2 collect food from. 3 get by foraging. [germanic: related to *fodder]
Forage cap n. Infantry undress cap.
Forasmuch as conj. Archaic because, since. [from for as much]
Foray —n. Sudden attack; raid. —v. Make a foray. [french: related to *fodder]
Forbade (also forbad) past of *forbid.
Forbear1 v. (past forbore; past part. Forborne) formal abstain or desist (from) (could not forbear (from) speaking out; forbore to mention it). [old english: related to *bear1]
Forbear2 var. Of *forebear.
Forbearance n. Patient self-control; tolerance.
Forbid v. (forbidding; past forbade or forbad; past part. Forbidden) 1 (foll. By to
infin.) Order not (i forbid you to go). 2 refuse to allow (a thing, or a person to have a thing). 3 refuse a person entry to. god forbid! May it not happen! [old english: related to *bid]
Forbidden degrees n.pl. (also prohibited degrees) family relationship too close for marriage to be permitted.
Forbidden fruit n. Something desired esp. Because not allowed.
Force1 —n. 1 power; strength, impetus; intense effort. 2 coercion, compulsion. 3 a military strength. B organized body of soldiers, police, etc. 4 a moral, intellectual, or legal power, influence, or validity. B person etc. With such power (force for good). 5 effect; precise significance. 6 a influence tending to cause a change in the motion of a body. B intensity of this. —v. (-cing) 1 compel or coerce (a person) by force. 2 make a forcible entry into; break open by force. 3 drive or propel violently or against resistance. 4 make (a way) by force. 5 (foll. By on, upon) impose or press on (a person). 6 cause, produce, or attain by effort (forced a smile; forced an entry). 7 strain or increase to the utmost. 8 artificially hasten the growth of (a plant). 9 seek quick results from; accelerate (force the pace). force a person’s hand make a person act prematurely or unwillingly. Force the issue make an immediate decision necessary. In force 1 valid (laws now in force). 2 in great strength or numbers (attacked in force). [latin fortis strong]
Force2 n. N.engl. Waterfall. [old norse]
Forced labour n. Compulsory labour, esp. In prison.
Forced landing n. Emergency landing of an aircraft.
Forced march n. Long and vigorous march, esp. By troops.
Force-feed v. Force (esp. A prisoner) to take food.
Forceful adj. Vigorous, powerful, impressive. forcefully adv. Forcefulness n.
Force majeure n. 1 irresistible force. 2 unforeseeable circumstances excusing a person from the fulfilment of a contract. [french]
Forcemeat n. Minced seasoned meat for stuffing or garnish. [related to *farce]
Forceps n. (pl. Same) surgical pincers. [latin]
Forcible adj. Done by or involving force; forceful. forcibly adv. [french: related to *force1]
Ford —n. Shallow place where a river or stream may be crossed by wading, in a vehicle, etc. —v. Cross (water) at a ford. fordable adj. [old english]
Fore —adj. Situated in front. —n. Front part; bow of a ship. —int. (in golf) warning to a person in the path of a ball. to the fore in or into a conspicuous position. [old english]
Fore-prefix forming: 1 verbs meaning: a in front (foreshorten). B beforehand
(forewarn). 2 nouns meaning: a situated in front of (forecourt). B front part of (forehead). C of or near the bow of a ship (forecastle). D preceding (forerunner).
(forehead). C of or near the bow of a ship (forecastle). D preceding (forerunner).
Fore and aft —adv. At bow and stern; all over the ship. —adj. (fore-and-aft) (of a sail or rigging) lengthwise.
Forearm1 n. The arm from the elbow to the wrist or fingertips.
Forearm2 v. Arm beforehand, prepare.
Forebear n. (also forbear) (usu. In pl.) Ancestor. [from *fore, obsolete beer:
related to *be]
Forebode v. (-ding) 1 be an advance sign of, portend. 2 (often foll. By that) have a presentiment of (usu. Evil).
Foreboding n. Expectation of trouble.
Forecast —v. (past and past part. -cast or -casted) predict; estimate beforehand.
—n. Prediction, esp. Of weather. forecaster n.
Forecastle n. (also fo’c’s’le) forward part of a ship, formerly the living quarters.
Foreclose v. (-sing) 1 stop (a mortgage) from being redeemable. 2 repossess the mortgaged property of (a person) when a loan is not duly repaid. 3 exclude,
prevent. foreclosure n. [latin foris outside, *close2]
Forecourt n. 1 part of a filling-station with petrol pumps. 2 enclosed space in front of a building.
Forefather n. (usu. In pl.) Ancestor of a family or people.
Forefinger n. Finger next to the thumb.
Forefoot n. Front foot of an animal.
Forefront n. 1 leading position. 2 foremost part.
Forego var. Of *forgo.
Foregoing adj. Preceding; previously mentioned.
Foregone conclusion n. Easily predictable result.
Foreground n. 1 part of a view or picture nearest the observer. 2 most conspicuous position. [dutch: related to fore-, ground1]
Forehand n. 1 (in tennis etc.) Stroke played with the palm of the hand facing forward. 2 (attrib.) (also forehanded) of or made with a forehand.
forward. 2 (attrib.) (also forehanded) of or made with a forehand.
Forehead n. The part of the face above the eyebrows.
Foreign adj. 1 of, from, in, or characteristic of, a country or language other than one’s own. 2 dealing with other countries (foreign service). 3 of another district, society, etc. 4 (often foll. By to) unfamiliar, alien. 5 coming from outside (foreign body). foreignness n. [latin foris outside]
Foreign and commonwealth office n. British government department dealing with foreign affairs.
Foreigner n. Person born in or coming from another country.
Foreign legion n. Body of foreign volunteers in the (esp. French) army.
Foreign minister n. (also foreign secretary) government minister in charge of foreign affairs.
Foreign office n. Hist. Or informal = *foreign and commonwealth office.
Foreknow v. (past -knew, past part. -known) literary know beforehand.
foreknowledge n.
Foreland n. Cape, promontory.
Foreleg n. Front leg of an animal.
Forelimb n. Front limb of an animal.
Forelock n. Lock of hair just above the forehead. touch one’s forelock defer to a person of higher social rank.
Foreman n. 1 worker supervising others. 2 president and spokesman of a jury.
Foremast n. Mast nearest the bow of a ship.
Foremost —adj. 1 most notable, best. 2 first, front. —adv. Most importantly (first and foremost). [old english]
Forename n. First or christian name.
Forenoon n. Morning.
Forensic adj. 1 of or used in courts of law (forensic science; forensic medicine). 2 of or involving forensic science (sent for forensic examination). forensically adv. [latin forensis: related to *forum]
Usage use of forensic in sense 2 is common but considered an illogical extension of sense 1 by some people.
Foreordain v. Destine beforehand.
Forepaw n. Front paw of an animal.
Foreplay n. Stimulation preceding sexual intercourse.
Forerunner n. 1 predecessor. 2 herald.
Foresail n. Principal sail on a foremast.
Foresee v. (past -saw; past part. -seen) see or be aware of beforehand.
foreseeable adj.
Foreshadow v. Be a warning or indication of (a future event).
Foreshore n. Shore between high-and low-water marks.
Foreshorten v. Show or portray (an object) with the apparent shortening due to visual perspective.
visual perspective.
Foresight n. 1 regard or provision for the future. 2 foreseeing. 3 front sight of a gun.
Foreskin n. Fold of skin covering the end of the penis.
Forest —n. 1 (often attrib.) Large area of trees and undergrowth. 2 trees in this. 3 large number or dense mass. —v. 1 plant with trees. 2 convert into a forest. [latin forestis: related to *foreign]
Forestall v. 1 prevent by advance action. 2 deal with beforehand. [from fore-, stall1]
Forester n. 1 person managing a forest or skilled in forestry. 2 dweller in a forest.
Forestry n. Science or management of forests.
Foretaste n. Small preliminary experience of something.
Foretell v. (past and past part. -told) 1 predict, prophesy. 2 indicate the approach of.
Forethought n. 1 care or provision for the future. 2 deliberate intention.
Forever adv. Continually, persistently (is forever complaining) (cf. For ever).
Forewarn v. Warn beforehand.
Forewoman n. 1 female worker with supervisory responsibilities. 2 president and spokeswoman of a jury.
Foreword n. Introductory remarks at the beginning of a book, often not by the author.
Forfeit —n. 1 penalty. 2 thing surrendered as a penalty. —adj. Lost or surrendered as a penalty. —v. (-t-) lose the right to, surrender as a penalty. forfeiture n. [french forfaire transgress, from latin foris outside, facio do]
Forgather v. Assemble; associate. [dutch]
Forgave past of *forgive.
Forge1 —v. (-ging) 1 make or write in fraudulent imitation. 2 shape (metal) by heating and hammering. —n. 1 furnace or workshop etc. For melting or refining metal. 2 blacksmith’s workshop; smithy. forger n. [latin fabrica: related to *fabric]
Forge2 v. (-ging) move forward gradually or steadily. forge ahead 1 take the lead. 2 progress rapidly. [perhaps an alteration of *force1]
Forgery n. (pl. -ies) 1 act of forging. 2 forged document etc.
Forget v. (forgetting; past forgot; past part. Forgotten or us forgot) 1 (often foll. By about) lose remembrance of; not remember. 2 neglect or overlook. 3 cease to think of. forget oneself 1 act without dignity. 2 act selflessly. forgettable adj. [old english]
Forgetful adj. 1 apt to forget, absent-minded. 2 (often foll. By of) neglectful.
forgetfully adj. Forgetfulness n.
Forget-me-not n. Plant with small blue flowers.
Forgive v. (-ving; past forgave; past part. Forgiven) 1 cease to feel angry or resentful towards; pardon. 2 remit (a debt). forgivable adj. [old english]
Forgiveness n. Forgiving or being forgiven.
Forgiving adj. Inclined to forgive.
Forgo v. (also forego) (-goes; past -went; past part. -gone) go without; relinquish. [old english]
Forgot past of *forget.
Forgotten past part. Of *forget.
Fork —n. 1 pronged item of cutlery. 2 similar large tool used for digging, lifting, etc. 3 forked support for a bicycle wheel. 4 a divergence of a branch, road, etc. Into two parts. B place of this. C either part. —v. 1 form a fork or branch by separating into two parts. 2 take one road at a fork. 3 dig, lift, etc., with a fork. fork out slang pay, esp. Reluctantly. [latin furca pitchfork]
Fork-lift truck n. Vehicle with a fork for lifting and carrying loads.
Forlorn adj. 1 sad and abandoned. 2 in a pitiful state. forlornly adv. [lorn = past part. Of obsolete leese *lose]
Forlorn hope n. Faint remaining hope or chance. [dutch verloren hoop lost troop]
Form —n. 1 shape; arrangement of parts; visible aspect. 2 person or animal as visible or tangible. 3 mode of existence or manifestation. 4 kind or variety (a form of art). 5 printed document with blank spaces for information to be inserted. 6 class in a school. 7 customary method. 8 set order of words. 9 etiquette or specified adherence to it (good or bad form). 10 (prec. By the) correct procedure (knows the form). 11 a (of an athlete, horse, etc.) Condition of health and training. B racing history of a horse etc. 12 state or disposition (in great form). 13 any of the spellings, inflections, etc. Of a word. 14 arrangement and style in a literary or musical composition. 15 long low bench. 16 hare’s lair. —v. 1 make or be made (formed a straight line; puddles formed). 2 make up or constitute. 3 develop or establish as a concept, institution, or practice (form an idea; form a habit). 4 (foll. By into) mould or organize to become (formed ourselves into a circle). 5 (often foll. By up) (of troops etc.) Bring or move into
formation. 6 train or instruct. off form not playing or performing well. On form playing or performing well. Out of form not fit for racing etc. [latin forma]
Form comb. Form (usu. As -iform) forming adjectives meaning: 1 having the form of (cruciform). 2 having so many forms (multiform).
Formal adj. 1 in accordance with rules, convention, or ceremony (formal dress; formal occasion). 2 precise or symmetrical (formal garden). 3 prim or stiff. 4 perfunctory, in form only. 5 drawn up etc. Correctly; explicit (formal agreement). 6 of or concerned with (outward) form, not content or matter. formally adv. [latin: related to *form]
Formaldehyde n. Colourless pungent gas used as a disinfectant and preservative. [from *formic acid, *aldehyde]
Formalin n. Solution of formaldehyde in water.
Formalism n. Strict adherence to external form without regard to content, esp. In art. formalist n.
Formality n. (pl. -ies) 1 a formal, esp. Meaningless, act, regulation, or custom. B thing done simply to comply with a rule. 2 rigid observance of rules or convention.
Formalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 give definite (esp. Legal) form to. 2 make formal. formalization n.
Format —n. 1 shape and size (of a book, etc.). 2 style or manner of procedure etc. 3 computing arrangement of data etc. —v. (-tt-) 1 arrange or put into aformat. 2 computing prepare (a storage medium) to receive data. [latin formatus shaped: related to *form]
Formation n. 1 forming. 2 thing formed. 3 particular arrangement (e.g. Of troops). 4 rocks or strata with a common characteristic. [latin: related to *form]
Formative adj. Serving to form or fashion; of formation (formative years).
Forme n. Printing body of type secured in a chase ready for printing. [var. Of *form]
Former attrib. Adj. 1 of the past, earlier, previous (in former times). 2 (the former) (often absol.) The first or first-mentioned of two. [related to *foremost]
-former comb. Form pupil in a specified form (fourth-former).
Formerly adv. In former times.
Formica n. Propr. Hard durable plastic laminate used for surfaces. [origin uncertain]
Formic acid n. Colourless irritant volatile acid contained in fluid emitted by ants; methanoic acid. [latin formica ant]
Formidable adj. 1 inspiring dread, awe, or respect. 2 hard to overcome or deal with. formidably adv. [latin formido fear]
Usage the second pronunciation given, with the stress on the second syllable, is common but considered incorrect by some people.
Formless adj. Without definite or regular form. formlessness n.
Formula n. (pl. -s or (esp. In senses 1, 2) -lae) 1 chemical symbols showing the constituents of a substance. 2 mathematical rule expressed in symbols. 3 a fixed form of esp. Ceremonial or polite words. B words used to formulate a treaty etc. 4 a list of ingredients. B us infant’s food. 5 classification of a racing car, esp. By engine capacity.
Formulary n. (pl. -ies) 1 collection of esp. Religious formulas or set forms. 2 pharm. Compendium of drug formulae. [french or medieval latin: related to *formula]
Formulate v. (-ting) 1 express in a formula. 2 express clearly and precisely.
formulation n.
Fornicate v. (-ting) archaic or joc. (of people not married to each other) have sexual intercourse. fornication n. Fornicator n. [latin fornix brothel]
Forsake v. (-king; past forsook; past part. Forsaken) literary 1 give up; renounce. 2 desert, abandon. [old english]
Forsooth adv. Archaic or joc. Truly; no doubt. [old english: related to for, sooth]
Forsythia n. Shrub with bright yellow flowers in early spring. [forsyth, name of a botanist]
Fort n. Fortified military building or position. [latin fortis strong]
Forte1 n. Person’s strong point or speciality. [feminine of french *fort]
Forte2 mus. —adj. Loud. —adv. Loudly. —n. Loud playing or passage. [italian:
related to *fort]
Forth adv. Archaic except in set phrases 1 forward; into view (bring forth; come forth). 2 onwards in time (from this time forth). 3 forwards (back and forth). 4 out from a starting-point (set forth). and so forth see *so1. [old english]
Forthcoming adj. 1 coming or available soon. 2 produced when wanted. 3 (of a person) informative, responsive.
Forthwith adv. At once; without delay. [from *forth]
Fortification n. 1 act of fortifying. 2 (usu. In pl.) Defensive works, walls, etc.
Fortify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 provide with fortifications. 2 strengthen physically, mentally, or morally. 3 strengthen (wine) with alcohol. 4 increase the nutritive value of (food, esp. With vitamins). [latin fortis strong]
Fortissimo mus. —adj. Very loud. —adv. Very loudly. —n. (pl. -s or -mi) very loud playing or passage. [italian, superlative of *forte2]
Fortitude n. Courage in pain or adversity. [latin fortis strong]
Fortnight n. Two weeks. [old english, = fourteen nights]
Fortnightly —adj. Done, produced, or occurring once a fortnight. —adv. Every fortnight. —n. (pl. -ies) fortnightly magazine etc.
Fortran n. (also fortran) computer language used esp. For scientific calculations. [from formula translation]
Fortress n. Fortified building or town. [latin fortis strong]
Fortuitous adj. Happening by esp. Lucky chance; accidental. fortuitously adv. Fortuitousness n. Fortuity n. (pl. -ies). [latin forte by chance]
Fortunate adj. 1 lucky. 2 auspicious. fortunately adv. [latin fortunatus: related to *fortune]
Fortune n. 1 a chance or luck in human affairs. B person’s destiny. 2 (in sing. Or pl.) Luck that befalls a person or enterprise. 3 good luck. 4 prosperity. 5 colloq. Great wealth. make a (or one’s) fortune become very rich. [latin fortuna]
Fortune-teller n. Person who claims to foretell one’s destiny. fortune-telling n.
Forty adj. & n. (pl. -ies) 1 four times ten. 2 symbol for this (40, xl, xl). 3 (in pl.) Numbers from 40 to 49, esp. The years of a century or of a person’s life. fortieth adj. & n. [old english: related to *four]
Forty winks n. Colloq. Short sleep.
Forum n. 1 place of or meeting for public discussion. 2 court or tribunal. 3 hist. Public square in an ancient roman city used for judicial and other business. [latin]
Forward —adj. 1 onward; towards the front. 2 lying in the direction in which one is moving. 3 precocious; bold; presumptuous. 4 relating to the future (forward contract). 5 a approaching maturity or completion. B (of a plant etc.) Early. —n. Attacking player near the front in football, hockey, etc. —adv. 1 to the front; into
prominence (come forward; move forward). 2 in advance; ahead (sent them forward). 3 onward so as to make progress (no further forward). 4 towards the future (from this time forward). 5 (also forwards) a towards the front in the direction one is facing. B in the normal direction of motion. C with continuous forward motion (rushing forward). —v. 1 a send (a letter etc.) On to a further destination. B dispatch (goods etc.). 2 help to advance; promote. [old english: related to *forth, *-ward]
Forwent past of *forgo.
Fosse n. Long ditch or trench, esp. In a fortification. [latin fossa]
Fossil —n. 1 remains or impression of a (usu. Prehistoric) plant or animal hardened in rock. 2 colloq. Antiquated or unchanging person or thing. —attrib. Adj. Of or like a fossil; antiquated. fossilize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). Fossilization n. [latin fodio foss-dig]
Fossil fuel n. Natural fuel extracted from the ground.
Foster —v. 1 a promote the growth or development of. B encourage or harbour (a feeling). 2 a bring up (another’s child). B (of a local authority etc.) Assign (a child) to be fostered. 3 (of circumstances) be favourable to. —attrib. Adj. 1 having a family connection by fostering (foster-brother; foster-parent). 2 concerned with fostering a child (foster care; foster home). [old english: related to *food]
Fought past and past part. Of *fight.
Foul —adj. 1 offensive; loathsome, stinking. 2 soiled, filthy. 3 colloq. Disgusting, awful. 4 a noxious (foul air). B clogged, choked. 5 obscenely abusive (foul language). 6 unfair; against the rules (by fair means or foul). 7 (of the weather) rough, stormy. 8 (of a rope etc.) Entangled. —n. 1 sport foul stroke or play. 2 collision, entanglement. —adv. Unfairly. —v. 1 make or become foul. 2 (of an animal) foul with excrement. 3 sport commit a foul against (a player). 4 (often foll. By up) a (cause to) become entangled or blocked. B bungle. 5 collide with. foully adv. Foulness n. [old english]
Foul-mouthed adj. Using obscene or offensive language.
Foul play n. 1 unfair play in games. 2 treacherous or violent act, esp. Murder.
Foul-up n. Muddle, bungle.
Found1 past and past part. Of *find.
Found2 v. 1 establish (an institution etc.); initiate, originate. 2 be the original builder of (a town etc.). 3 lay the base of (a building). 4 (foll. By on, upon) construct or base (a story, theory, rule, etc.) On. founder n. [latin fundus bottom]
Found3 v. 1 a melt and mould (metal). B fuse (materials for glass). 2 make by founding. founder n. [latin fundo fus-pour]
Foundation n. 1 a solid ground or base beneath a building. B (usu. In pl.) Lowest
part of a building, usu. Below ground level. 2 material base. 3 basis, underlying principle. 4 a establishing (esp. An endowed institution). B college, hospital, etc. So founded; its revenues. 5 (in full foundation garment) woman’s supporting undergarment, e.g. A corset. [latin: related to *found2]
Foundation-stone n. 1 stone laid ceremonially at the founding of a building. 2 basis.
Founder v. 1 (of a ship) fill with water and sink. 2 (of a plan etc.) Fail. 3 (of a horse or its rider) stumble, fall lame, stick in mud etc. [related to *found2]
Founding father n. American statesman at the time of the revolution.
Foundling n. Abandoned infant of unknown parentage. [related to *find]
Foundry n. (pl. -ies) workshop for or business of casting metal.
Fount1 n. Poet. Spring or fountain; source. [back-formation from *fountain]
Fount2 n. (also font) set of printing-type of same face and size. [french: related to *found3]
Fountain n. 1 a spouting jet or jets of water as an ornament or for drinking. B structure for this. 2 spring. 3 (often foll. By of) source. [latin fontana from fons font-spring]
Fountain-head n. Source.
Fountain-pen n. Pen with a reservoir or cartridge for ink.
Four adj. & n. 1 one more than three. 2 symbol for this (4, iv, iv). 3 size etc. Denoted by four. 4 team or crew of four; four-oared rowing-boat. 5 four o’clock. on all fours on hands and knees. [old english]
Fourfold adj. & adv. 1 four times as much or as many. 2 of four parts.
Four-in-hand n. Four-horse carriage with one driver.
Four-letter word n. Short obscene word.
Four-poster n. Bed with four posts supporting a canopy.
Foursome n. 1 group of four people. 2 golf match between two pairs.
Four-stroke adj. (of an internal-combustion engine) having a cycle of four strokes of the piston with the cylinder firing once.
Fourteen adj. & n. 1 one more than thirteen. 2 symbol for this (14, xiv, xiv). 3 size etc. Denoted by fourteen. fourteenth adj. & n. [old english: related to four, – teen]
Fourth adj. & n. 1 next after third. 2 any of four equal parts of a thing. fourthly adv. [old english: related to *four]
Fourth estate n. The press.
Four-wheel drive n. Drive acting on all four wheels of a vehicle.
Fowl —n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 chicken kept for eggs and meat. 2 poultry as food. 3 archaic (except in comb.) Bird (guineafowl; wildfowl). —v. Catch or hunt wildfowl. [old english]
Fox —n. 1 a wild canine animal with a bushy tail and red or grey fur. B its fur. 2 cunning person. —v. 1 deceive, baffle, trick. 2 (usu. As foxed adj.) Discolour (leaves of a book etc.) With brownish marks. foxlike adj. [old english]
Foxglove n. Tall plant with purple or white flowers like glove-fingers.
Foxhole n. Hole in the ground used as a shelter etc. In battle.
Foxhound n. A kind of hound bred and trained to hunt foxes.
Foxhound n. A kind of hound bred and trained to hunt foxes.
Fox-hunting n. Hunting foxes with hounds.
Fox-terrier n. A kind of short-haired terrier.
Foxtrot —n. 1 ballroom dance with slow and quick steps. 2 music for this. —v.
Foyer n. Entrance-hall in a hotel, theatre, etc. [french, = hearth, home, from latin *focus]
Fpa abbr. Family planning association.
Fr symb. Francium.
Fr. Abbr. 1 father. 2 french.
Fr. Abbr. Franc(s).
Fracas n. (pl. Same) noisy disturbance or quarrel. [french from italian]
Fraction n. 1 part of a whole number (e.g. 1/2, 0.5). 2 small part, piece, or amount. 3 portion of a mixture obtained by distillation etc. fractional adj. Fractionally adv. [latin frango fract-break]
Fractious adj. Irritable, peevish. [from *fraction in obsolete sense ‘brawling’]
Fracture —n. Breakage, esp. Of a bone or cartilage. —v. (-ring) cause a fracture in; suffer fracture. [latin: related to *fraction]
Fragile adj. 1 easily broken; weak. 2 delicate; not strong. fragility n. [latin:
related to *fracture]
Fragment —n. 1 part broken off. 2 extant remains or unfinished portion (of a book etc.). —v. Break or separate into fragments. fragmental adj. Fragmentary adj. Fragmentation n. [latin: related to *fraction]
Fragrance n. 1 sweetness of smell. 2 sweet scent. [latin fragro smell sweet]
Frailty n. (pl. -ies) 1 frail quality. 2 weakness, foible.
Frame —n. 1 case or border enclosing a picture, window, door, etc. 2 basic rigid supporting structure of a building, vehicle, etc. 3 (in pl.) Structure of spectacles holding the lenses. 4 human or animal body, esp. As large or small. 5 a established order or system (the frame of society). B construction, build, structure. 6 temporary state (esp. In frame of mind). 7 single complete image on a cinema film or transmitted in a series of lines by television. 8 a triangular structure for positioning balls in snooker etc. B round of play in snooker etc. 9 boxlike structure of glass etc. For protecting plants. 10 us slang = *frame-up. — v. (-ming) 1 a set in a frame. B serve as a frame for. 2 construct, put together, devise. 3 (foll. By to, into) adapt or fit. 4 slang concoct a false charge or evidence against; devise a plot against. 5 articulate (words). [old english, = be helpful]
Frame of reference n. 1 set of standards or principles governing behaviour, thought, etc. 2 system of geometrical axes for defining position.
Frame-up n. Slang conspiracy to convict an innocent person.
Framework n. 1 essential supporting structure. 2 basic system.
Franc n. Unit of currency of france, belgium, switzerland, etc. [french: related to *frank]
Franchise —n. 1 right to vote in state elections. 2 full membership of a corporation or state; citizenship. 3 authorization to sell a company’s goods etc.
In a particular area. 4 right or privilege granted to a person or corporation. —v. (-sing) grant a franchise to. [french franc *frank]
Franciscan —adj. Of st francis or his order. —n. Franciscan friar or nun. [latin franciscus francis]
Francium n. Radioactive metallic element. [france, the discoverer’s country]
Franco-comb. Form french and (franco-german). [latin: related to *frank]
Franglais n. Corrupt version of french using many english words and idioms. [french français french, anglais english]
Frank n. Member of the germanic people that conquered gaul in the 6th c. frankish adj. [old english]
Frank —adj. 1 candid, outspoken. 2 undisguised. 3 open. —v. Mark (a letter) to record the payment of postage. —n. Franking signature or mark. frankly adv. Frankness n. [latin francus free: related to *frank]
Frankenstein n. (in full frankenstein’s monster) thing that becomes terrifying to its maker. [frankenstein, name of a character in and title of a novel by mary shelley]
Frankfurter n. Seasoned smoked sausage. [german from frankfurt in germany]
Frankincense n. Aromatic gum resin burnt as incense. [french: related to frank in obsolete sense ‘high quality’, incense1]
Frantic adj. 1 wildly excited; frenzied. 2 hurried, anxious; desperate, violent. 3 colloq. Extreme. frantically adv. [latin: related to *frenetic]
Frappé adj. Iced, cooled. [french]
Fraternal adj. 1 of brothers, brotherly; comradely. 2 (of twins) developed from separate ova and not necessarily similar. fraternally adv. [latin frater brother]
Fraternity n. (pl. -ies) 1 religious brotherhood. 2 group with common interests, or of the same professional class. 3 us male students’ society. 4 brotherliness. [latin: related to *fraternal]
Fraternize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) (often foll. By with) 1 associate; make friends. 2 enter into friendly relations with enemies etc. fraternization n. [french and latin: related to *fraternal]
Fratricide n. 1 killing of one’s brother or sister. 2 person who does this. fratricidal adj. [latin frater brother]
Frau n. (pl. Frauen) (often as a title) married or widowed german-speaking woman. [german]
Fraud n. 1 criminal deception. 2 dishonest artifice or trick. 3 person or thing that is not what it claims to be. [latin fraus fraud-]
Fraudulent adj. Of, involving, or guilty of fraud. fraudulence n. Fraudulently adv. [latin: related to *fraud]
Fraught adj. 1 (foll. By with) filled or charged with (danger etc.). 2 colloq. Distressing; tense. [dutch vracht *freight]
Fräulein n. (often as a title or form of address) unmarried german-speaking woman. [german]
Fray1 v. 1 wear through or become worn; esp. (of woven material) unravel at the edge. 2 (of nerves, temper, etc.) Become strained. [latin frico rub]
Fray2 n. 1 conflict, fight. 2 brawl. [related to *affray]
Frazzle colloq. —n. Worn, exhausted, or shrivelled state (burnt to a frazzle). — v. (-ling) (usu. As frazzled adj.) Wear out; exhaust. [origin uncertain]
Freak —n. 1 (often attrib.) Monstrosity; abnormal person or thing (freak storm). 2 colloq. A unconventional person. B fanatic of a specified kind (health freak). C drug addict. —v. (often foll. By out) colloq. 1 become or make very angry. 2 (cause to) undergo hallucinations etc., esp. As a result of drug abuse. 3 adopt an unconventional lifestyle. freakish adj. Freaky adj. (-ier, -iest). [probably from dial.]
Freckle —n. Small light brown spot on the skin. —v. (-ling) (usu. As freckled adj.) Spot or be spotted with freckles. freckly adj. [old norse]
Free —adj. (freer; freest) 1 not a slave or under another’s control; having personal rights and social and political liberty. 2 (of a state, its citizens, etc.) Autonomous; democratic. 3 a unrestricted; not confined or fixed. B not imprisoned. C released from duties etc. D independent (free agent). 4 (foll. By of, from) a exempt from (tax etc.). B not containing or subject to (free of preservatives; free from disease). 5 (foll. By to + infin.) Permitted; at liberty to. 6 costing nothing. 7 a clear of duties etc. (am free tomorrow). B not in use (bathroom is free). 8 spontaneous, unforced (free offer). 9 available to all. 10 lavish (free with their money). 11 frank, unreserved. 12 (of literary style) informal, unmetrical. 13 (of translation) not literal. 14 familiar, impudent. 15 (of stories etc.) Slightly indecent. 16 chem. Not combined (free oxygen). 17 (of power or energy) disengaged, available. —adv. 1 freely. 2 without cost or payment. —v. (frees, freed) 1 make free; liberate. 2 (foll. By of, from) relieve from. 3 disentangle, clear. for free colloq. Free of charge, gratis. Free on board (or rail) without charge for delivery to a ship or railway wagon. freely adv. [old english]
-free comb. Form free of or from (worry-free; duty-free).
Free and easy adj. Informal, relaxed.
Freebie n. Colloq. Thing given free of charge.
Freeboard n. Part of a ship’s side between the waterline and deck.
Freebooter n. Pirate. [dutch vrijbuiter: related to free, booty]
Free-born adj. Not born a slave.
Free church n. Nonconformist church.
Freedman n. Emancipated slave.
Freedom n. 1 condition of being free or unrestricted. 2 personal or civic liberty. 3 liberty of action (freedom to leave). 4 (foll. By from) exemption from. 5 (foll. By of) a honorary membership or citizenship (freedom of the city). B unrestricted use of (a house etc.). [old english]
Freedom fighter n. Terrorist or rebel claiming to fight for freedom.
Free enterprise n. Freedom of private business from state control.
Free fall n. Movement under the force of gravity only.
Free fight n. General fight in which all present join.
Freefone n. (also freefone, -phone) system whereby certain telephone calls, esp.
Freefone n. (also freefone, -phone) system whereby certain telephone calls, esp.
On business, can be made without cost to the caller.
Free-for-all n. Free fight, unrestricted discussion, etc.
Free-form attrib. Adj. Of irregular shape or structure.
Freehand —adj. (of a drawing etc.) Done without special instruments. —adv. In a freehand manner.
Free hand n. Freedom to act at one’s own discretion.
Freehanded adj. Generous.
Freehold —n. 1 complete ownership of property for an unlimited period. 2 such land or property. —adj. Owned thus. freeholder n.
Free house n. Public house not controlled by a brewery.
Free kick n. Kick granted in football as a minor penalty.
Freelance —n. 1 (also freelancer) person, usu. Self-employed, working for several employers on particular assignments. 2 (attrib.) (freelance editor). —v. (-cing) act as a freelance. —adv. As a freelance. [free lance, a medieval mercenary]
Freeloader n. Slang sponger. freeload v.
Free love n. Sexual freedom.
Freeman n. 1 person who has the freedom of a city etc. 2 person who is not a slave or serf.
Free market n. Market governed by unrestricted competition.
Freemason n. Member of an international fraternity for mutual help and fellowship with elaborate secret rituals. freemasonry n.
Free port n. 1 port without customs duties. 2 port open to all traders.
Freepost n. System of business post where postage is paid by the addressee.
Free radical n. Chem. Atom or group of atoms with one or more unpaired electrons.
Free-range adj. 1 (of hens etc.) Roaming freely; not kept in a battery. 2 (of eggs) produced by such hens.
Freesia n. African bulb with fragrant flowers. [freese, name of a physician]
Free speech n. Right of expression.
Free spirit n. Independent or uninhibited person.
Free-spoken adj. Forthright.
Free-standing adj. Not supported by another structure.
Freestyle n. 1 swimming race in which any stroke may be used. 2 wrestling allowing almost any hold.
Freethinker n. Person who rejects dogma or authority, esp. In religious belief.
freethinking n. & adj.
Free trade n. Trade without import restrictions etc.
Free vote n. Parliamentary vote not subject to party discipline.
Freeway n. Us motorway.
Free wheel n. Driving wheel of a bicycle, able to revolve with the pedals at rest.
Free-wheel v. 1 ride a bicycle with the pedals at rest. 2 act without constraint.
Free will n. 1 power of acting independently of necessity or fate. 2 ability to act without coercion (did it of my own free will).
Free world n. Hist. Non-communist countries’ collective name for themselves.
Freeze —v. (-zing; past froze; past part. Frozen) 1 a turn into ice or another solid by cold. B make or become rigid from the cold. 2 be or feel very cold. 3 cover or become covered with ice. 4 (foll. By to, together) adhere by frost. 5 refrigerate (food) below freezing point. 6 a make or become motionless through fear, surprise, etc. B (as frozen adj) devoid of emotion (frozen smile). 7 make (assets etc.) Unrealizable. 8 fix (prices, wages, etc.) At a certain level. 9 stop (the movement in a film). —n. 1 period or state of frost. 2 fixing or stabilization of prices, wages, etc. 3 (in full freeze-frame) still film-shot. freeze up obstruct or be obstructed by ice. [old english]
Freeze-dry v. Preserve (food) by freezing and then drying in a vacuum.
Freezer n. Refrigerated cabinet etc. For preserving frozen food at very low temperatures.
Freeze-up n. Period or state of extreme cold.
Freezing point n. Temperature at which a liquid, esp. Water, freezes.
Freight —n. 1 transport of goods in containers or by water or air, or (us) by land. 2 goods transported; cargo, load. 3 charge for the transport of goods. —v. Transport as or load with freight. [low german or dutch vrecht]
Freighter n. 1 ship or aircraft for carrying freight. 2 us freight-wagon.
Freightliner n. Train carrying goods in containers.
French —adj. 1 of france, its people, or language. 2 having french characteristics. —n. 1 the french language. 2 (the french) (pl.) The people of france. 3 colloq. Dry vermouth. frenchness n. [old english: related to *frank]
French bean n. Kidney or haricot bean as unripe sliced pods or ripe seeds.
French bread n. Long crisp loaf.
French canadian n. Canadian whose principal language is french.
French chalk n. A kind of talc used for marking cloth, as a dry lubricant, etc.
French dressing n. Salad dressing of seasoned vinegar and oil.
French fried potatoes n.pl. (or french fries) us potato chips.
French horn n. Coiled brass wind instrument with a wide bell.
Frenchify v. (-ies, -ied) (usu. As frenchified adj.) Colloq. Make french in form, manners, etc.
French kiss n. Open-mouthed kiss.
French leave n. Absence without permission.
French letter n. Colloq. Condom.
Frenchman n. Man of french birth or nationality.
French polish n. Shellac polish for wood. french-polish v.
French window n. Glazed door in an outside wall.
Frenchwoman n. Woman of french birth or nationality.
Frenzy —n. (pl. -ies) wild or delirious excitement, agitation, or fury. —v. (-ies, – ied) (usu. As frenzied adj.) Drive to frenzy. frenziedly adv. [medieval latin: related to *frenetic]
Frequency n. (pl. -ies) 1 commonness of occurrence. 2 frequent occurrence. 3 rate of recurrence (of a vibration etc.); number of repetitions in a given time, esp. Per second. [related to *frequent]
Frequency modulation n. Electronics modulation by varying carrier-wave frequency.
Frequent —adj. 1 occurring often or in close succession. 2 habitual, constant. — v. Attend or go to habitually. frequently adv. [latin frequens -ent-crowded]
Frequentative gram. —adj. (of a verb etc.) Expressing frequent repetition or intensity. —n. Frequentative verb etc.
Fresco n. (pl. -s) painting done in water-colour on a wall or ceiling before the plaster is dry. [italian, = fresh]
Fresh —adj. 1 newly made or obtained. 2 a other, different; new (start a fresh page; fresh ideas). B additional (fresh supplies). 3 (foll. By from) lately arrived. 4 not stale, musty, or faded. 5 (of food) not preserved; newly caught, grown, etc. 6 not salty (fresh water). 7 a pure, untainted, refreshing (fresh air). B bright and
pure in colour (fresh complexion). 8 (of wind) brisk. 9 colloq. Cheeky; amorously impudent. 10 inexperienced. —adv. Newly, recently (esp. In comb.: fresh-baked). freshly adv. Freshness n. [old english fersc and french freis]
Freshen v. 1 make or become fresh. 2 (foll. By up) a wash, tidy oneself, etc. B revive.
Fresher n. Colloq. First-year student at university or (us) high school.
Freshet n. 1 rush of fresh water flowing into the sea. 2 flood of a river.
Freshman n. = *fresher.
Freshwater attrib. Adj. (of fish etc.) Not of the sea.
Fret1 —v. (-tt-) 1 be worried or distressed. 2 worry, vex. 3 wear or consume by gnawing or rubbing. —n. Worry, vexation. [old english: related to for, eat]
Fret2 —n. Ornamental pattern of straight lines joined usu. At right angles. —v. (-tt-) embellish with a fret or with carved or embossed work. [french freter]
Fret3 n. Each of a series of bars or ridges on the finger-board of a guitar etc. To guide fingering. [origin unknown]
Fretful adj. Anxious, irritable. fretfully adv.
Fretsaw n. Narrow saw on a frame for cutting thin wood in patterns.
Fretwork n. Ornamental work in wood done with a fretsaw.
Freudian —adj. Of freud, his theories, or his method of psychoanalysis. —n.
Follower of freud.
Freudian slip n. Unintentional verbal error revealing subconscious feelings.
Fri. Abbr. Friday.
Friable adj. Easily crumbled. friability n. [latin frio crumble]
Friar n. Member of a male non-enclosed roman catholic order, e.g. Carmelites and franciscans. [latin frater brother]
Friar’s balsam n. Tincture of benzoin etc. Used esp. As an inhalant.
Friary n. (pl. -ies) monastery for friars.
Fricassee —n. Pieces of meat served in a thick sauce. —v. (fricassees, fricasseed) make a fricassee of. [french]
fricasseed) make a fricassee of. [french]
Fricative —adj. (of a consonant) sounded by friction of the breath in a narrow opening. —n. Such a consonant (e.g. F, th). [latin frico rub]
Friction n. 1 rubbing of one object against another. 2 the resistance encountered in so moving. 3 clash of wills, opinions, etc. frictional adj. [latin: related to *fricative]
Friday —n. Day of the week following thursday. —adv. Colloq. 1 on friday. 2 (fridays) on fridays; each friday. [old english]
Fridge n. Colloq. = *refrigerator. [abbreviation]
Fridge-freezer n. Combined refrigerator and freezer.
Friend n. 1 person one likes and chooses to spend time with (usu. Without sexual or family bonds). 2 sympathizer, helper. 3 ally or neutral person (friend or foe?). 4 person already mentioned (our friend at the bank). 5 regular supporter of an institution. 6 (friend) quaker. [old english]
Friendly —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 outgoing, well-disposed, kindly. 2 a (often foll. By with) on amicable terms. B not hostile. 3 (in comb.) Not harming; helping (ozone-friendly; user-friendly). 4 = user-friendly. —n. (pl. -ies) = friendly match. —adv. In a friendly manner. friendliness n.
Friendly match n. Match played for enjoyment rather than competition.
Friendly society n. Insurance society insuring against illness etc.
Friendship n. Friendly relationship or feeling.
Frier var. Of *fryer.
Friesian n. One of a breed of black and white dairy cattle orig. From friesland. [var. Of *frisian]
Frieze n. 1 part of an entablature between the architrave and cornice. 2 horizontal band of sculpture filling this. 3 band of decoration, esp. At the top of a wall. [latin phrygium (opus) phrygian (work)]
Frig v. (-gg-) coarse slang 1 = *fuck v. 2 masturbate. [perhaps imitative]
Frigate n. 1 naval escort-vessel. 2 hist. Warship. [french from italian]
Fright n. 1 a sudden or extreme fear. B instance of this (gave me a fright). 2 grotesque-looking person or thing. take fright become frightened. [old english]
Frighten v. 1 fill with fright (the bang frightened me; frightened of dogs). 2 (foll.
By away, off, out of, into) drive by fright. frightening adj. Frighteningly adv.
By away, off, out of, into) drive by fright. frightening adj. Frighteningly adv.
Frightful adj. 1 a dreadful, shocking. B ugly. 2 colloq. Extremely bad. 3 colloq.
Extreme (frightful rush). frightfully adv.
Frigid adj. 1 unfriendly, cold (frigid stare). 2 (of a woman) sexually unresponsive. 3 (esp. Of a climate or air) cold. frigidity n. [latin frigus (n.) Cold]
Frill —n. 1 strip of gathered or pleated material as an ornamental edging. 2 (in pl.) Unnecessary embellishments. —v. Decorate with a frill. frilly adj. (-ier, – iest). [origin unknown]
Fringe —n. 1 border of tassels or loose threads. 2 front hair hanging over the forehead. 3 outer limit of an area, population, etc. (often attrib.: fringe theatre). 4 unimportant area or part. —v. (-ging) 1 adorn with a fringe. 2 serve as a fringe to. [latin fimbria]
Fringe benefit n. Employee’s benefit additional to salary.
Frippery n. (pl. -ies) 1 showy finery, esp. In dress. 2 empty display in speech, literary style, etc. 3 (usu. In pl.) Knick-knacks. [french friperie]
Frisbee n. Propr. Concave plastic disc for skimming through the air as an outdoor game. [perhaps from frisbie bakery pie-tins]
Frisian —adj. Of friesland. —n. Native or language of friesland. [latin frisii (n.
Pl.) From old frisian frisa]
Frisk —v. 1 leap or skip playfully. 2 slang search (a person) for a weapon etc. By feeling. —n. 1 playful leap or skip. 2 slang frisking of a person. [french frisque lively]
Frisky adj. (-ier, -iest) lively, playful. friskily adv. Friskiness n.
Frisson n. Emotional thrill. [french]
Frith var. Of *firth.
Fritillary n. (pl. -ies) 1 plant with bell-like flowers. 2 butterfly with red-brown wings chequered with black. [latin fritillus dice-box]
Fritter1 v. (usu. Foll. By away) waste (money, time, etc.) Triflingly. [obsolete fritter(s) fragments]
Fritter2 n. Fruit, meat, etc. Coated in batter and fried. [french friture from latin frigo *fry1]
Frivolous adj. 1 not serious, silly, shallow. 2 paltry, trifling. frivolity n. (pl. -ies). Frivolously adv. Frivolousness n. [latin]
Frizz —v. Form (hair) into tight curls. —n. Frizzed hair or state. [french friser]
Frizzle1 v. (-ling) 1 fry or cook with a sizzling noise. 2 (often foll. By up) burn or shrivel. [obsolete frizz: related to *fry1, with imitative ending]
Frizzle2 —v. (-ling) form into tight curls. —n. Frizzled hair. [perhaps related to *frizz]
Frizzy adj. (-ier, -iest) in tight curls.
Fro adv. Back (now only in to and fro: see *to). [old norse: related to *from]
Frock n. 1 woman’s or girl’s dress. 2 monk’s or priest’s gown. 3 smock. [french from germanic]
Frock-coat n. Man’s long-skirted coat.
Frog1 n. 1 small smooth tailless leaping amphibian. 2 (frog) slang offens. Frenchman. frog in one’s throat colloq. Hoarseness. [old english]
Frog2 n. Horny substance in the sole of a horse’s foot. [origin uncertain: perhaps a use of *frog1]
Frog3 n. Ornamental coat-fastening of a button and loop. [origin unknown]
Frogman n. Person with a rubber suit, flippers, and an oxygen supply for underwater swimming.
Frogmarch v. Hustle forward with the arms pinned behind.
Frog-spawn n. Frog’s eggs.
Frolic —v. (-ck-) play about cheerfully. —n. 1 cheerful play. 2 prank. 3 merry party. [dutch vrolijk (adj.) From vro glad]
Frolicsome adj. Merry, playful.
From prep. Expressing separation or origin, followed by: 1 person, place, time, etc., that is the starting-point (dinner is served from 8; from start to finish). 2 place, object, etc. At a specified distance etc. (10 miles from rome; far from sure). 3 a source (gravel from a pit; quotations from shaw). B giver or sender (not heard from her). 4 thing or person avoided, deprived, etc. (released him from prison; took his gun from him). 5 reason, cause, motive (died from fatigue; did it from jealousy). 6 thing distinguished or unlike (know black from white). 7 lower limit (from 10 to 20 boats). 8 state changed for another (from being poor he became rich). 9 adverb or preposition of time or place (from long ago; from abroad; from under the bed). from time to time occasionally. [old english]
Fromage frais n. Smooth low-fat soft cheese.
Frond n. Leaflike part of a fern or palm. [latin frons frond-leaf]
Front —n. 1 side or part most prominent or important, or nearer the spectator or direction of motion (front of the house). 2 a line of battle. B ground towards an enemy. C scene of actual fighting. 3 a activity compared to a military front. B organized political group. 4 demeanour, bearing. 5 forward or conspicuous position. 6 a bluff. B pretext. 7 person etc. As a cover for subversive or illegal activities. 8 promenade. 9 forward edge of advancing cold or warm air. 10 auditorium of a theatre. 11 breast of a garment (spilt food down his front). — attrib. Adj. 1 of the front. 2 situated in front. —v. 1 (foll. By on, to, towards, upon) have the front facing or directed towards. 2 (foll. By for) slang act as a front or cover for. 3 provide with or have a front (fronted with stone). 4 lead (a band, organization, etc.). in front in an advanced or facing position. In front of 1 ahead of, in advance of. 2 in the presence of. [latin frons front-face]
Frontage n. 1 front of a building. 2 land next to a street or water etc. 3 extent of a front. 4 a the way a thing faces. B outlook.
Frontal adj. 1 of or on the front (frontal view; frontal attack). 2 of the forehead (frontal bone).
Front bench n. Seats in parliament occupied by leading members of the government and opposition.
Front-bencher n. Mp occupying the front bench.
Frontier n. 1 a border between two countries. B district on each side of this. 2 limits of attainment or knowledge in a subject. 3 us borders between settled and unsettled country. frontiersman n.
Frontispiece n. Illustration facing the title-page of a book. [latin: related to *front, specio look]
Front line n. Foremost part of an army or group under attack.
Front runner n. Favourite in a race etc.
Frost —n. 1 a frozen dew or vapour. B consistent temperature below freezing point. 2 cold dispiriting atmosphere. —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By over, up) become covered with frost. 2 a cover with or as with frost. B injure (a plant etc.) With frost. 3 make (glass) non-transparent by roughening its surface. [old english: related to *freeze]
Frostbite n. Injury to body tissues due to freezing. frostbitten adj.
Frosting n. Icing.
Frosty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 cold with frost. 2 covered with or as with frost. 3 unfriendly in manner. frostily adv. Frostiness n.
Froth —n. 1 foam. 2 idle or amusing talk etc. —v. 1 emit or gather froth. 2 cause (beer etc.) To foam. frothy adj. (-ier, -iest). [old norse]
Frown —v. 1 wrinkle one’s brows, esp. In displeasure or concentration. 2 (foll.
Frown —v. 1 wrinkle one’s brows, esp. In displeasure or concentration. 2 (foll. By at, on) disapprove of. —n. 1 act of frowning. 2 look of displeasure or concentration. [french]
Frowsty adj. (-ier, -iest) fusty, stuffy. [var. Of *frowzy]
Fructify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 bear fruit. 2 make fruitful. [latin: related to *fruit]
Fructose n. Sugar in honey, fruits, etc. [latin: related to *fruit]
Frugal adj. 1 sparing or thrifty, esp. As regards food. 2 meagre, cheap. frugality n. Frugally adv. [latin]
Fruit —n. 1 a seed-bearing part of a plant or tree; this as food. B these
collectively. 2 (usu. In pl.) Vegetables, grains, etc. As food (fruits of the earth). 3 (usu. In pl.) Profits, rewards. —v. (cause to) bear fruit. [latin fructus from fruor enjoy]
Fruit machine n. Coin-operated gaming machine using symbols representing fruit.
Fruit sugar n. Fructose.
Fruity adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 a of fruit. B tasting or smelling like fruit. 2 (of a voice etc.) Deep and rich. 3 colloq. Slightly indecent or suggestive. fruitily adv. Fruitiness n.
Frustrate v. (-ting) 1 make (efforts) ineffective. 2 prevent (a person) from achieving a purpose. 3 (as frustrated adj.) A discontented because unable to achieve one’s aims. B sexually unfulfilled. frustrating adj. Frustratingly adv. Frustration n. [latin frustra in vain]
Frustum n. (pl. -ta or -s) geom. Remaining part of a decapitated cone or pyramid. [latin, = piece cut off]
Fry1 —v. (fries, fried) cook or be cooked in hot fat. —n. (pl. Fries) 1 offal, usu. Eaten fried (lamb’s fry). 2 fried food, esp. Meat. [latin frigo]
Fry2 n.pl. Young or newly hatched fishes. [old norse, = seed]
Fryer n. (also frier) 1 person who fries. 2 vessel for frying esp. Fish.
Frying-pan n. Shallow pan used in frying. out of the frying-pan into the fire from a bad situation to a worse one.
Fry-up n. Colloq. Fried bacon, eggs, etc.
Ft abbr. Foot, feet.
Ft-se abbr. Financial times stock exchange 100 share index (based on the share values of britain’s largest public companies).
Fuchsia n. Shrub with drooping red, purple, or white flowers. [fuchs, name of a botanist]
Fuck coarse slang —v. 1 (often absol. Or as int. Expressing annoyance) curse (a person or thing). 2 have sexual intercourse (with). 3 (foll. By about, around) mess about; fool around. 4 (as fucking adj., adv.) Expressing annoyance etc. —n. 1 a act of sexual intercourse. B partner in this. 2 slightest amount (don’t give a fuck). fuck-all nothing. Fuck off go away. Fuck up 1 bungle. 2 disturb emotionally. fucker n. (often as a term of abuse). [origin unknown]
Usage although widely used, fuck is still considered to be the most offensive word in the english language by many people. In discussions about bad language it is frequently referred to as the ‘f’ word.
Fuck-up n. Coarse slang bungle or muddle.
Fuddle —v. (-ling) confuse or stupefy, esp. With alcohol. —n. 1 confusion. 2 intoxication. [origin unknown]
Fuddy-duddy slang —adj. Old-fashioned or quaintly fussy. —n. (pl. -ies) such a person. [origin unknown]
Fudge —n. 1 soft toffee-like sweet made of milk, sugar, butter, etc. 2 piece of dishonesty or faking. —v. (-ging) make or do clumsily or dishonestly; fake (fudge the results). [origin uncertain]
Fuehrer var. Of *führer.
Fuel —n. 1 material for burning or as a source of heat, power, or nuclear energy. 2 food as a source of energy. 3 thing that sustains or inflames passion etc. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 supply with, take in, or get, fuel. 2 inflame (feeling etc.). [french from latin]
Fuel cell n. Cell producing electricity direct from a chemical reaction.
Fug n. Colloq. Close stuffy atmosphere. fuggy adj. [origin unknown]
Fugitive —n. (often foll. By from) person who flees, e.g. From justice or an enemy. —adj. 1 fleeing. 2 transient, fleeting. [latin fugio flee]
Fugue n. Piece of music in which a short melody or phrase is introduced by one part and taken up and developed by others. fugal adj. [latin fuga flight]
Führer n. (also fuehrer) tyrannical leader. [german]
-ful comb. Form forming: 1 adjectives from a nouns, meaning full of or having qualities of (beautiful; masterful). B adjectives (direful). C verbs, meaning ‘apt to’ (forgetful). 2 nouns (pl. -fuls) meaning ‘amount that fills’ (handful; spoonful).
Fulcrum n. (pl. -s or -cra) point on which a lever is supported. [latin fulcio to prop]
Fulfil v. (us fulfill) (-ll-) 1 carry out (a task, prophecy, promise, etc.). 2 a satisfy (conditions, a desire, prayer, etc.). B (as fulfilled adj.) Completely happy. 3 answer (a purpose). fulfil oneself realize one’s potential. fulfilment n. [old english: related to *full1, *fill]
Fulfill v. (brit. Fulfil) (-ll-) 1 carry out (a task, prophecy, promise, etc.). 2 a satisfy (conditions, a desire, prayer, etc.). B (as fulfilled adj.) Completely happy. 3 answer (a purpose). fulfil oneself realize one’s potential. fulfilment n. [old english: related to *full1, *fill]
Full1 —adj. 1 holding all it can (bucket is full; full of water). 2 having eaten all one can or wants. 3 abundant, copious, satisfying (a full life; full details). 4 (foll. By of) having an abundance of (full of vitality). 5 (foll. By of) engrossed in (full of himself). 6 complete, perfect (full membership; in full bloom). 7 (of tone) deep and clear. 8 plump, rounded (full figure). 9 (of clothes) ample, hanging in folds. —adv. 1 very (knows full well). 2 quite, fully (full six miles). 3 exactly (full on the nose). full up colloq. Completely full. In full 1 without abridgement. 2 to or for the full amount
Full2 v. Clean and thicken (cloth). [from *fuller]
Full back n. Defensive player near the goal in football, hockey, etc.
Full-blooded adj. 1 vigorous, hearty, sensual. 2 not hybrid.
Full-blown adj. Fully developed.
Full board n. Provision of bed and all meals at a hotel etc.
Full-bodied adj. Rich in quality, tone, etc.
Fuller n. Person who fulls cloth. fuller’s earth type of clay used in fulling. [latin fullo]
Full-frontal adj. 1 (of a nude figure) fully exposed at the front. 2 explicit, unrestrained.
Full house n. 1 maximum attendance at a theatre etc. 2 hand in poker with three of a kind and a pair.
Full-length adj. 1 not shortened. 2 (of a mirror, portrait, etc.) Showing the whole figure.
Full moon n. 1 moon with its whole disc illuminated. 2 time of this.
Fullness n. Being full. the fullness of time the appropriate or destined time.
Full-scale adj. Not reduced in size, complete.
Full stop n. 1 punctuation mark (.) At the end of a sentence or an abbreviation. 2 complete cessation.
Full term n. Completion of a normal pregnancy.
Full-time —adj. For or during the whole of the working week (full-time job). — adv. On a full-time basis (work full-time).
Full-timer n. Person who does a full-time job.
Fully adv. 1 completely, entirely (am fully aware). 2 at least (fully 60).
Fully-fashioned adj. (of women’s clothing) shaped to fit closely.
Fulmar n. Arctic sea bird related to the petrel. [old norse: related to *foul, mar gull]
Usage the phrase fulsome praise is sometimes wrongly used to mean generous praise rather than excessive praise.
Fumble —v. (-ling) 1 use the hands awkwardly, grope about. 2 handle clumsily or nervously (fumbled the ball). —n. Act of fumbling. [low german fummeln]
Fume —n. (usu. In pl.) Exuded gas, smoke, or vapour, esp. When harmful or unpleasant. —v. (-ming) 1 emit fumes or as fumes. 2 be very angry. 3 subject (oak, film, etc.) To fumes to darken. [latin fumus smoke]
Fumigate v. (-ting) disinfect or purify with fumes. fumigation n. Fumigator n. [latin: related to *fume]
Fun —n. 1 lively or playful amusement. 2 source of this. 3 mockery, ridicule (figure of fun). —attrib. Adj. Colloq. Amusing, enjoyable (a fun thing to do). for fun (or for the fun of it) not for a serious purpose. In fun as a joke, not seriously. Make fun of (or poke fun at) ridicule, tease. [obsolete fun, fon: related to *fond]
Usage the use of fun as an attributive adjective is common in informal use, but is considered incorrect by some people.
Function —n. 1 a proper or necessary role, activity, or purpose. B official or professional duty. 2 public or social occasion. 3 math. Quantity whose value depends on the varying values of others. —v. Fulfil a function, operate. [latin fungor funct-perform]
Functional adj. 1 of or serving a function. 2 practical rather than attractive. 3 affecting the function of a bodily organ but not its structure. functionally adv.
Functionalism n. Belief that a thing’s function should determine its design.
functionalist n. & adj.
Functionary n. (pl. -ies) official performing certain duties.
Fund —n. 1 permanently available stock (fund of knowledge). 2 sum of money, esp. Set apart for a purpose. 3 (in pl.) Money resources. —v. 1 provide with money. 2 make (a debt) permanent at fixed interest. in funds colloq. Having money to spend. [latin fundus bottom]
Fundamental —adj. Of or being a base or foundation; essential, primary. —n. 1 (usu. In pl.) Fundamental principle. 2 mus. Fundamental note. fundamentally adv. [latin: related to *found2]
Fundamentalism n. Strict adherence to traditional religious beliefs or doctrines.
fundamentalist n. & adj.
Fundamental note n. Mus. Lowest note of a chord.
Fundamental particle n. Elementary particle.
Fund-raiser n. Person raising money for a cause, enterprise, etc. fund-raising n.
Funeral —n. 1 ceremonial burial or cremation of a corpse. 2 slang one’s (usu. Unpleasant) concern (that’s your funeral). —attrib. Adj. Of or used at funerals. [latin funus funer-]
Funeral director n. Undertaker.
Funeral parlour n. Establishment where corpses are prepared for funerals.
Funerary adj. Of or used at funerals.
Funereal adj. 1 of or appropriate to a funeral. 2 dismal, dark. funereally adv.
Funfair n. Fair with amusements and sideshows.
Fungicide n. Substance that kills fungus. fungicidal adj.
Fungoid —adj. Fungus-like. —n. Fungoid plant.
Fungus n. (pl. -gi or -guses) 1 mushroom, toadstool, or allied plant, including moulds, feeding on organic matter. 2 med. Spongy morbid growth. fungal adj. Fungous adj. [latin]
Funicular —adj. (of a mountain railway) operating by cable with ascending and descending cars counterbalanced. —n. Funicular railway. [latin funiculus diminutive of funis rope]
Funk1 slang —n. 1 fear, panic. 2 coward. —v. 1 evade through fear. 2 be afraid (of). [origin uncertain]
Funk2 n. Slang funky music. [origin uncertain]
Funky adj. (-ier, -iest) slang (esp. Of jazz or rock music) earthy, bluesy, with a heavy rhythm.
Funnel —n. 1 tube widening at the top, for pouring liquid etc. Into a small opening. 2 metal chimney on a steam engine or steamship. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) guide or move through or as through a funnel. [provençal fonilh from latin (in)fundibulum]
Funny adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 amusing, comical. 2 strange, peculiar. 3 colloq. A slightly unwell. B eccentric. funnily adv. Funniness n. [from *fun]
Funny-bone n. Part of the elbow over which a very sensitive nerve passes.
Fun run n. Colloq. Uncompetitive sponsored run for charity.
Fur —n. 1 a short fine soft animal hair. B hide with fur on it, used esp. For clothing. 2 garment of or lined with fur. 3 (collect.) Animals with fur. 4 fur-like coating on the tongue, in a kettle, etc. —v. (-rr-) 1 (esp. As furred adj.) Line or trim with fur. 2 (often foll. By up) (of a kettle etc.) Become coated with fur. make the fur fly colloq. Cause a disturbance, stir up trouble. [french from germanic]
Furbelow n. 1 (in pl.) Showy ornaments. 2 archaic gathered strip or border of a skirt or petticoat. [french falbala]
Furbish v. (often foll. By up) = *refurbish. [french from germanic]
Furious adj. 1 very angry. 2 raging, frantic. furiously adv. [latin: related to *fury]
Furl v. 1 roll up and secure (a sail etc.). 2 become furled. [french ferler]
Furlong n. Eighth of a mile. [old english: related to furrow, long1]
Furlough —n. Leave of absence, esp. Military. —v. Us 1 grant furlough to. 2 spend furlough. [dutch: related to for-, leave1]
Furnace n. 1 enclosed structure for intense heating by fire, esp. Of metals or water. 2 very hot place. [latin fornax from fornus oven]
Furnish v. 1 provide (a house, room, etc.) With furniture. 2 (often foll. By with) supply. [french from germanic]
Furnished adj. (of a house etc.) Let with furniture.
Furnisher n. 1 person who sells furniture. 2 person who furnishes.
Furnishings n.pl. Furniture and fitments in a house, room, etc.
Furniture n. 1 movable equipment of a house, room, etc., e.g. Tables, beds. 2 naut. Ship’s equipment. 3 accessories, e.g. The handles and lock on a door. [french: related to *furnish]
Furor n. (brit. Furore) 1 uproar; fury. 2 enthusiastic admiration. [latin: related to *fury]
Furore n. (us furor) 1 uproar; fury. 2 enthusiastic admiration. [latin: related to *fury]
Furrier n. Dealer in or dresser of furs. [french]
Furrow —n. 1 narrow trench made by a plough. 2 rut, groove, wrinkle. 3 ship’s track. —v. 1 plough. 2 make furrows in. [old english]
Furry adj. (-ier, -iest) like or covered with fur.
Further —adv. (also farther) 1 more distant in space or time. 2 to a greater extent, more (will enquire further). 3 in addition (i may add further). —adj. (also farther) 1 more distant or advanced. 2 more, additional (further details). —v. Promote or favour (a scheme etc.). [old english: related to *forth]
Usage the form farther is used esp. With reference to physical distance, although further is preferred by many people even in this sense.
Furtherance n. Furthering of a scheme etc.
Further education n. Education for those above school age.
Furthermore adv. In addition, besides.
Furthest (also farthest) —adj. Most distant. —adv. To or at the greatest distance.
Usage the form farthest is used esp. With reference to physical distance, although furthest is preferred by many people even in this sense.
Fury n. (pl. -ies) 1 a wild and passionate anger. B fit of rage. 2 violence of a storm, disease, etc. 3 (fury) (usu. In pl.) (in greek mythology) avenging goddess. 4 avenging spirit. 5 angry or malignant woman. like fury colloq. With great force or effort. [latin furia]
Furze n. = *gorse. furzy adj. [old english]
Fuse1 —v. (-sing) 1 melt with intense heat. 2 blend into one whole by melting. 3 provide (an electric circuit) with a fuse. 4 a (of an appliance) fail owing to the melting of a fuse. B cause to do this. —n. Device with a strip or wire of easily melted metal placed in an electric circuit so as to interrupt an excessive current by melting. [latin fundo fus-melt]
Fuse2 (also fuze) —n. 1 device of combustible matter for igniting a bomb or explosive charge. 2 component made of this in a shell, mine, etc. —v. (-sing) fit a fuse to. [latin fusus spindle]
Fuselage n. Body of an aeroplane. [french from fuseau spindle]
Fusible adj. That can be melted. fusibility n. [latin: related to *fuse1]
Fusil n. Hist. Light musket. [latin focus fire]
Fusilier n. Member of any of several british regiments formerly armed with fusils. [french: related to *fusil]
Fusillade n. 1 period of continuous discharge of firearms. 2 sustained outburst of criticism etc.
Fusion n. 1 fusing or melting. 2 blending. 3 coalition. 4 = *nuclear fusion. [latin:
related to *fuse1]
Fuss —n. 1 excited commotion, bustle. 2 excessive concern about a trivial thing. 3 sustained protest or dispute. —v. 1 behave with nervous concern. 2 agitate, worry. make a fuss complain vigorously.
Fusspot n. Colloq. Person given to fussing.
Fussy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 inclined to fuss. 2 over-elaborate. 3 fastidious. fussily adv. Fussiness n.
Fustian —n. 1 thick usu. Dark twilled cotton cloth. 2 bombast. —adj. 1 made of fustian. 2 bombastic. 3 worthless. [french]
Fusty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 musty, stuffy. 2 antiquated. fustiness n. [french fust cask, from latin fustis cudgel]
Futon n. Japanese quilted mattress used as a bed; this sold with a low wooden frame, often convertible into a couch. [japanese]
Future —adj. 1 about to happen, be, or become. 2 a of time to come. B gram. (of a tense) describing an event yet to happen. —n. 1 time to come. 2 future events. 3 future condition of a person, country, etc. 4 prospect of success etc. (no future in it). 5 gram. Future tense. 6 (in pl.) Stock exch. Goods etc. Sold for future delivery. in future from now onwards. [latin futurus future part. Of sum be]
Future perfect n. Gram. Tense giving the sense ‘will have done’.
Futurism n. 20th-century artistic movement departing from traditional forms and celebrating technology and dynamism. futurist n. & adj.
Futuristic adj. 1 suitable for the future; ultra-modern. 2 of futurism.
Futurity n. (pl. -ies) literary 1 future time. 2 (in sing. Or pl.) Future events.
Futurology n. Forecasting of the future, esp. From present trends.
Futurology n. Forecasting of the future, esp. From present trends.
Fuze var. Of *fuse2.
Fuzz n. 1 fluff. 2 fluffy or frizzed hair. 3 slang a (prec. By the) the police. B police officer. [probably low german or dutch]
-fy suffix forming: 1 verbs from nouns, meaning: a make, produce (pacify). B make into (deify; petrify). 2 verbs from adjectives, meaning ‘bring or come into a state’ (frenchify; solidify). 3 verbs in a causative sense (horrify; stupefy). [french -fier from latin facio make]
G
G1 n. (also g) (pl. Gs or g’s) 1 seventh letter of the alphabet. 2 mus. Fifth note of the diatonic scale of c major.
G7 attrib. Adj. Designating the world’s seven richest nations. [group of seven]
G abbr. (also g.) 1 gram(s). 2 a gravity. B acceleration due to gravity.
Ga symb. Gallium.
Gab n. Colloq. Talk, chatter. [var. Of *gob1]
Gabardine n. (also gaberdine) 1 twill-woven cloth, esp. Of worsted. 2 raincoat etc. Made of this. [french gauvardine]
Gabble —v. (-ling) talk or utter unintelligibly or too fast. —n. Fast unintelligible talk. [dutch, imitative]
Gaberdine var. Of *gabardine.
Gable n. 1 triangular upper part of a wall at the end of a ridged roof. 2 gable-topped wall. gabled adj. [old norse and french]
Gad v. (-dd-) (foll. By about) go about idly or in search of pleasure. [obsolete gadling companion]
Gadabout n. Person who gads about.
Gadfly n. 1 fly that bites cattle and horses. 2 irritating person. [obsolete gad spike]
Gadget n. Small mechanical device or tool. gadgetry n. [origin unknown]
Gadolinium n. Metallic element of the lanthanide series. [gadolin, name of a mineralogist]
Gadwall n. Brownish-grey freshwater duck. [origin unknown]
Gael n. 1 scottish celt. 2 gaelic-speaking celt. [gaelic gaidheal]
Gaelic —n. Celtic language of ireland and scotland. —adj. Of the celts or the celtic languages.
Gaff1 —n. 1 a stick with an iron hook for landing large fish. B barbed fishing-
Gaff1 —n. 1 a stick with an iron hook for landing large fish. B barbed fishing-spear. 2 spar to which the head of a fore-and-aft sail is bent. —v. Seize (a fish) with a gaff. [provençal gaf hook]
Gaff2 n. Slang blow the gaff reveal a plot or secret. [origin unknown]
Gaffe n. Blunder; indiscreet act or remark. [french]
Gaffer n. 1 old fellow. 2 colloq. Foreman, boss. 3 chief electrician in a film or television production unit. [probably from *godfather]
Gag —n. 1 thing thrust into or tied across the mouth, esp. To prevent speaking or crying out. 2 joke or comic scene. 3 parliamentary closure. 4 thing restricting free speech. —v. (-gg-) 1 apply a gag to. 2 silence; deprive of free speech. 3 choke, retch. 4 make gags as a comedian etc. [origin uncertain]
Gage1 n. 1 pledge; thing deposited as security. 2 symbol of a challenge to fight, esp. A glove thrown down. [germanic: related to *wed, *wage]
Gage2 (brit. Gauge: see also sense 6) —n. 1 standard measure, esp. Of the capacity or contents of a barrel, fineness of a textile, diameter of a bullet, or thickness of sheet metal. 2 instrument for measuring pressure, width, length, thickness, etc. 3 distance between rails or opposite wheels. 4 capacity, extent. 5 criterion, test. 6 (usu. Gage) naut. Position relative to the wind. —v. (-ging) 1 measure exactly. 2 measure the capacity or content of. 3 estimate (a person,
situation, etc.). [french]
Gaggle n. 1 flock of geese. 2 colloq. Disorganized group of people. [imitative]
Gaiety n. (us gayety) 1 being gay; mirth. 2 merrymaking. 3 bright appearance. [french: related to *gay]
Gaily adv. In a gay or careless manner (gaily decorated; gaily announced their departure).
Gain —v. 1 obtain or win (gain advantage; gain recognition). 2 acquire as profits etc., earn. 3 (often foll. By in) get more of, improve (gain momentum; gain in experience). 4 benefit, profit. 5 (of a clock etc.) Become fast; become fast by (a specified amount of time). 6 (often foll. By on, upon) come closer to a person or thing pursued. 7 a reclaim (land from the sea). B win (a battle). 8 reach (a desired place). —n. 1 increase of wealth etc.; profit, improvement. 2 (in pl.) Sums of money got by trade etc. 3 increase in amount. gain ground 1 advance. 2 (foll. By on) catch up (a person pursued). [french from germanic]
Gainsay v. Deny, contradict. [old norse: related to against, say]
Gait n. Manner of walking or forward motion. [old norse]
Gaiter n. Covering of cloth, leather, etc., for the lower leg. [french guêtre]
Gal n. Slang girl. [representing a variant pronunciation]
Gal. Abbr. (also gall.) Gallon(s).
Gala n. Festive occasion or gathering (swimming gala). [ultimately from french gale rejoicing from germanic]
Galactic adj. Of a galaxy or galaxies.
Galantine n. White meat boned, stuffed, spiced, etc., and served cold. [french from latin]
Galaxy n. (pl. -ies) 1 independent system of stars, gas, dust, etc., in space. 2 (the galaxy) milky way. 3 (foll. By of) brilliant company (galaxy of talent). [greek gala milk]
Gale n. 1 very strong wind or storm. 2 outburst, esp. Of laughter. [origin unknown]
Gall bladder n. Organ storing bile.
Galleon n. Hist. Warship (usu. Spanish). [french or spanish: related to *galley]
Galleria n. Collection of small shops under a single roof. [italian]
Gallery n. (pl. -ies) 1 room or building for showing works of art. 2 balcony, esp. In a church, hall, etc. (minstrels’ gallery). 3 highest balcony in a theatre. 4 a covered walk partly open at the side; colonnade. B narrow passage in the thickness of a wall or on corbels, open towards the interior of the building. 5 long narrow room or passage (shooting-gallery). 6 horizontal underground passage in a mine etc. 7 group of spectators at a golf-match etc. play to the gallery seek to win approval by appealing to popular taste. [french galerie]
Galley n. (pl. -s) 1 hist. A long flat single-decked vessel usu. Rowed by slaves or criminals. B ancient greek or roman warship. 2 ship’s or aircraft’s kitchen. 3 printing (in full galley proof) proof in continuous form before division into pages. [latin galea]
Galley-slave n. Drudge.
Gallic adj. 1 french or typically french. 2 of gaul or the gauls. [latin gallicus]
Gallicism n. French idiom. [related to *gallic]
Gallinaceous adj. Of the order including domestic poultry, pheasants, etc. [latin gallina hen]
Gallium n. Soft bluish-white metallic element. [latin gallia france: so named
patriotically by its discoverer lecoq]
Gallivant v. Colloq. Gad about. [origin uncertain]
Gallo-comb. Form french. [latin]
Gallon n. 1 measure of capacity equal to eight pints (4.5 litres; for wine, or us, 3.8 litres). 2 (in pl.) Colloq. Large amount. [french]
Gallop —n. 1 fastest pace of a horse etc., with all the feet off the ground together in each stride. 2 ride at this pace. —v. (-p-) 1 a (of a horse etc. Or its rider) go at a gallop. B make (a horse etc.) Gallop. 2 read, talk, etc., fast. 3 progress rapidly (galloping inflation). [french: related to *wallop]
Gallows n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Structure, usu. Of two uprights and a crosspiece, for hanging criminals. [old norse]
Gallstone n. Small hard mass forming in the gall-bladder.
Gallup poll n. = *opinion poll. [gallup, name of a statistician]
Galore adv. In plenty (whisky galore). [irish]
Galosh n. (also golosh) (usu. In pl.) Overshoe, usu. Of rubber. [french]
Galosh n. (also golosh) (usu. In pl.) Overshoe, usu. Of rubber. [french]
Galumph v. (esp. As galumphing adj.) Colloq. Move noisily or clumsily. [coined by lewis carroll, perhaps from gallop, triumph]
Galvanic adj. 1 a producing an electric current by chemical action. B (of electricity) produced by chemical action. 2 a sudden and remarkable (had a galvanic effect). B stimulating; full of energy. galvanically adv.
Galvanize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 (often foll. By into) rouse forcefully, esp. By shock or excitement (was galvanized into action). 2 stimulate by or as by electricity. 3 coat (iron) with zinc to protect against rust. galvanization n. [galvani, name of a physiologist]
Galvanometer n. Instrument for detecting and measuring small electric currents.
galvanometric adj.
Gambit n. 1 chess opening in which a player sacrifices a piece or pawn to secure an advantage. 2 opening move in a discussion etc. 3 trick or device. [italian gambetto tripping up]
Gamble —v. (-ling) 1 play games of chance for money. 2 a bet (a sum of money) in gambling. B (often foll. By away) lose by gambling. 3 risk much in the hope of great gain. 4 (foll. By on) act in the hope of. —n. 1 risky undertaking. 2 spell of gambling. gambler n.
Gamboge n. Gum resin used as a yellow pigment and as a purgative. [cambodia in se asia]
in se asia]
Gambol —v. (-ll-; us -l-) skip or jump about playfully. —n. Frolic, caper. [french gambade leap, from italian gamba leg]
Game1 —n. 1 form of play or sport, esp. A competitive one with rules. 2 portion of play forming a scoring unit, e.g. In bridge or tennis. 3 (in pl.) Series of athletic etc. Contests (olympic games). 4 a piece of fun, jest (didn’t mean to upset you; itwas only a game). B (in pl.) Dodges, tricks (none of your games!). 5 colloq. A scheme (so that’s your game). B type of activity or business (have been in the antiques game a long time). 6 a wild animals or birds hunted for sport or food. B their flesh as food. —adj. Spirited; eager and willing (are you game for a walk?). —v. (-ming) gamble for money stakes. the game is up scheme is revealed or foiled. On the game slang involved in prostitution. gamely adv. [old english]
Gamecock n. Cock bred and trained for cock-fighting.
Gamekeeper n. Person employed to breed and protect game.
Gamelan n. 1 se asian orchestra mainly of percussion instruments. 2 type of xylophone used in this. [javanese]
Gamesmanship n. Art of winning games by gaining psychological advantage.
Gamester n. Gambler.
Gamete n. Mature germ cell able to unite with another in sexual reproduction. gametic adj. [greek, = wife]
Gamin n. 1 street urchin. 2 impudent child. [french]
Gamine n. 1 girl gamin. 2 girl with mischievous charm. [french]
Gamma n. 1 third letter of the greek alphabet (g, g). 2 third-class mark for a piece of work etc. [greek]
Gamma radiation n. (also gamma rays) electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength than x-rays.
Gammon n. 1 bottom piece of a flitch of bacon including a hind leg. 2 ham of a pig cured like bacon. [french: related to *jamb]
Gammy adj. (-ier, -iest) slang = *game2. [dial. Form of *game2]
Gamut n. Entire range or scope. run the gamut of experience or perform the complete range of. [latin gamma ut, words arbitrarily taken as names of notes]
Gamy adj. (-ier, -iest) smelling or tasting like high game.
Gander n. 1 male goose. 2 slang look, glance (take a gander). [old english]
Gang n. 1 band of persons associating for some (usu. Antisocial or criminal) purpose. 2 set of workers, slaves, or prisoners. gang up colloq. 1 (often foll. By with) act together. 2 (foll. By on) combine against. [old norse]
Ganger n. Foreman of a gang of workers.
Gangling adj. (of a person) loosely built; lanky. [frequentative of old english gang go]
Ganglion n. (pl. -lia or -s) structure containing an assemblage of nerve cells. ganglionic adj. [greek]
Gangly adj. (-ier, -iest) = *gangling.
Gangplank n. Movable plank for boarding or disembarking from a ship etc.
Gangrene n. Death of body tissue, usu. Resulting from obstructed circulation. gangrenous adj. [greek gaggraina]
Gangster n. Member of a gang of violent criminals.
Gangue n. Valueless earth etc. In which ore is found. [german: related to *gang]
Gangway n. 1 passage, esp. Between rows of seats. 2 a opening in a ship’s bulwarks. B bridge from ship to shore.
Gannet n. 1 large diving sea bird. 2 slang greedy person. [old english]
Gantry n. (pl. -ies) structure supporting a travelling crane, railway or road signals, rocket-launching equipment, etc. [probably gawn, a dial. Form of *gallon, + *tree]
Gaol var. Of *jail.
Gaolbird var. Of *jailbird.
Gaolbreak var. Of *jailbreak.
Gaoler var. Of *jailer.
Gap n. 1 empty space, interval; deficiency. 2 breach in a hedge, fence, etc. 3 wide divergence in views etc. gappy adj. [old norse]
Gape —v. (-ping) 1 a open one’s mouth wide. B be or become wide open; split. 2 (foll. By at) stare at. —n. 1 open-mouthed stare; open mouth. 2 rent, opening. [old norse]
Garage —n. 1 building for housing a vehicle. 2 establishment selling petrol etc., or repairing and selling vehicles. —v. (-ging) put or keep in a garage. [french]
Garb —n. Clothing, esp. Of a distinctive kind. —v. (usu. In passive or refl.) Dress. [germanic: related to *gear]
Garbage n. 1 esp. Us refuse. 2 colloq. Nonsense. [anglo-french]
Garble v. (-ling) 1 (esp. As garbled adj.) Unintentionally distort or confuse (facts, messages, etc.). 2 make a (usu. Unfair) selection from (facts, statements, etc.). [italian from arabic]
Garden —n. 1 piece of ground for growing flowers, fruit, or vegetables, and as a place of recreation. 2 (esp. In pl.) Grounds laid out for public enjoyment. 3 (attrib.) Cultivated (garden plants). —v. Cultivate or tend a garden. gardening n. [germanic: related to *yard2]
Garden centre n. Place where plants and garden equipment are sold.
Garden city n. Town spaciously laid out with parks etc.
Gardener n. Person who gardens, esp. For a living.
Gardenia n. Tree or shrub with large fragrant flowers. [garden, name of a naturalist]
Garden party n. Party held on a lawn or in a garden.
Garfish n. (pl. Same or -es) fish with a long spearlike snout. [old english, = spear-fish]
Gargantuan adj. Gigantic. [from the name gargantua, a giant in rabelais]
Gargle —v. (-ling) wash (the throat) with a liquid kept in motion by breathing through it. —n. Liquid for gargling. [french: related to *gargoyle]
Gargoyle n. Grotesque carved face or figure, esp. As a spout from the gutter of a building. [french, = throat]
Garibaldi n. (pl. -s) biscuit containing a layer of currants. [garibaldi, name of an italian patriot]
Garland —n. Wreath of flowers etc., worn on the head or hung as a decoration. —v. Adorn or crown with a garland or garlands. [french]
—v. Adorn or crown with a garland or garlands. [french]
Garlic n. Plant of the onion family with a pungent bulb used in cookery. garlicky adj. [old english, = spear-leek]
Garment n. 1 article of dress. 2 outward covering. [french: related to *garnish]
Garner —v. 1 collect. 2 store. —n. Literary storehouse or granary. [latin: related to *granary]
Garnet n. Glassy silicate mineral, esp. A red kind used as a gem. [medieval latin granatum *pomegranate]
Garnish —v. Decorate (esp. Food). —n. Decoration, esp. To food. [french garnir from germanic]
Garotte var. Of *garrotte.
Garret n. Attic or room in a roof. [french, = watch-tower: related to *garrison]
Garrison —n. Troops stationed in a town etc. To defend it. —v. (-n-) 1 provide with or occupy as a garrison. 2 place on garrison duty. [french garir defend, from germanic]
Garrote (brit. Garrotte) —v. (-ting) execute or kill by strangulation, esp. With a wire collar. —n. Device used for this. [french or spanish]
Garrotte (also garotte; us garrote) —v. (-ting) execute or kill by strangulation, esp. With a wire collar. —n. Device used for this. [french or spanish]
Garrulous adj. Talkative. garrulity n. Garrulousness n. [latin]
Garter n. 1 band worn to keep a sock or stocking up. 2 (the garter) a highest order of english knighthood. B badge or membership of this. [french]
Garter stitch n. Plain knitting stitch.
Gas —n. (pl. -es) 1 any airlike substance (i.e. Not solid or liquid) moving freely to fill any space available. 2 such a substance (esp. Found naturally or extracted from coal) used as fuel (also attrib.: gas cooker; gas industry). 3 nitrous oxide or other gas as an anaesthetic. 4 poisonous gas used in war. 5 us colloq. Petrol, gasoline. 6 slang idle talk; boasting. 7 slang enjoyable or amusing thing or person. —v. (gases, gassed, gassing) 1 expose to gas, esp. To kill. 2 colloq. Talk idly or boastfully.
Gas chamber n. Room filled with poisonous gas to kill people or animals.
Gaseous adj. Of or like gas.
Gas fire n. Domestic heater burning gas.
Gas-fired adj. Using gas as fuel.
Gash —n. Long deep slash, cut, or wound. —v. Make a gash in; cut. [french]
Gasholder n. Large receptacle for storing gas; gasometer.
Gasify v. (-ies, -ied) convert into gas. gasification n.
Gasket n. Sheet or ring of rubber etc., shaped to seal the junction of metal surfaces. [french garcette]
Gaslight n. Light from burning gas.
Gasman n. Man who installs or services gas appliances, or reads gas meters.
Gas mask n. Respirator as a protection against poison gas.
Gasoline n. (also gasolene) us petrol.
Gasometer n. Large tank from which gas is distributed by pipes. [french gazomètre: related to *gas, *-meter]
Gasp —v. 1 catch one’s breath with an open mouth as in exhaustion or astonishment. 2 utter with gasps. —n. Convulsive catching of breath. [old norse]
Gas ring n. Hollow ring perforated with gas jets, for cooking etc.
Gassy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 a of or like gas. B full of gas. 2 colloq. Verbose.
Gasteropod var. Of *gastropod.
Gastric adj. Of the stomach. [french: related to *gastro-]
Gastric flu n. Colloq. Intestinal disorder of unknown cause.
Gastric juice n. Digestive fluid secreted by the stomach glands.
Gastritis n. Inflammation of the stomach.
Gastro-comb. Form stomach. [greek gaster stomach]
Gastro-enteritis n. Inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
Gastronome n. Gourmet. [greek gaster stomach, nomos law]
Gastronomy n. Science or art of good eating and drinking. gastronomic adj.
Gastronomical adj. Gastronomically adv.
Gastropod n. (also gasteropod) mollusc that moves by means of a ventral muscular organ, e.g. A snail. [from *gastro-, greek pous pod-foot]
Gasworks n. Place where gas is manufactured for lighting and heating.
Gate —n. 1 barrier, usu. Hinged, used to close an opening made for entrance and exit through a wall, fence, etc. 2 such an opening. 3 means of entrance or exit. 4 numbered place of access to aircraft at an airport. 5 device regulating the passage of water in a lock etc. 6 a number of people entering by payment at the gates of a sports ground etc. B amount of money taken thus. 7 a electrical signal that causes or controls the passage of other signals. B electrical circuit with an output that depends on the combination of several inputs. —v. (-ting) confine to college or school as a punishment. gated adj. [old english]
Gateau n. (pl. -s or -x) large rich cake filled with cream etc. [french]
Gatecrasher n. Uninvited guest at a party etc. gatecrash v.
Gatehouse n. House standing by or over a gateway, esp. To a large house or park.
Gateleg n. (in full gateleg table) table with folding flaps supported by legs swung open like a gate. gatelegged adj.
Gatepost n. Post at either side of a gate.
Gateway n. 1 opening which can be closed with a gate. 2 means of access (gateway to the south; gateway to success).
Gather —v. 1 bring or come together; accumulate. 2 pick or collect as harvest. 3 infer or deduce. 4 a increase (gather speed). B collect (gather dust). 5 summon up (energy etc.). 6 draw together in folds or wrinkles. 7 (often as gathering adj.) Come to a head (gathering storm).
Gall2 —n. 1 sore made by chafing. 2 mental soreness or its cause. 3 place rubbed bare. —v. 1 rub sore. 2 vex, humiliate. [low german or dutch galle]
Gall3 n. Growth produced by insects etc. On plants and trees, esp. On oak. [latin galla]
Gall. Abbr. Var. Of *gal.
Gallant —adj. 1 brave. 2 fine, stately. 3 very attentive to women. —n. Ladies’ man. gallantly adv. [french galer make merry]
Gallantry n. (pl. -ies) 1 bravery. 2 devotion to women. 3 polite act or speech.
Gathering n. 1 assembly. 2 purulent swelling. 3 group of leaves taken together in bookbinding.
Gatt abbr. General agreement on tariffs and trade.
Gaucherie n. Gauche manners or act. [french: related to *gauche]
Gaucho n. (pl. -s) cowboy from the s. American pampas. [spanish from quechua]
Gaudy adj. (-ier, -iest) tastelessly showy. gaudily adv. Gaudiness n. [obsolete gaud ornament, from latin gaudeo rejoice]
Gauge (us gage: see also sense 6) —n. 1 standard measure, esp. Of the capacity or contents of a barrel, fineness of a textile, diameter of a bullet, or thickness of sheet metal. 2 instrument for measuring pressure, width, length, thickness, etc. 3 distance between rails or opposite wheels. 4 capacity, extent. 5 criterion, test. 6 (usu. Gage) naut. Position relative to the wind. —v. (-ging) 1 measure exactly. 2 measure the capacity or content of. 3 estimate (a person, situation, etc.). [french]
Gaul n. Inhabitant of ancient gaul. [french from germanic]
Gauntlet1 n. 1 stout glove with a long loose wrist. 2 hist. Armoured glove. pick up (or take up) the gauntlet accept a challenge. Throw down the gauntlet issue a challenge. [french diminutive of gant glove]
Gauntlet2 n. run the gauntlet 1 undergo harsh criticism. 2 pass between two rows of people and receive blows from them, as a punishment or ordeal. [swedish gatlopp from gata lane, lopp course]
Gauss n. (pl. Same) unit of magnetic flux density. [gauss, name of a mathematician]
Gauze n. 1 thin transparent fabric of silk, cotton, etc. 2 fine mesh of wire etc. gauzy adj. (-ier, -iest). [french from gaza in palestine]
Gave past of *give.
Gavel n. Hammer used for calling attention by an auctioneer, chairman, or judge. [origin unknown]
[origin unknown]
Gavotte n. 1 old french dance. 2 music for this. [french from provençal]
Usage sense 3 is generally informal in tone, but is favoured by homosexual groups.
Gayety n. (brit. Gaiety) 1 being gay; mirth. 2 merrymaking. 3 bright appearance. [french: related to *gay]
Gaze —v. (-zing) (foll. By at, into, on, etc.) Look fixedly. —n. Intent look. [origin unknown]
Gazebo n. (pl. -s) summerhouse, turret, etc., with a wide view. [perhaps a fanciful formation from *gaze]
Gazelle n. (pl. Same or -s) small graceful antelope. [arabic gazal]
Gazette —n. 1 newspaper (used in the title). 2 official publication with announcements etc. —v. (-tting) announce or name in an official gazette. [french from italian]
Gazetteer n. Geographical index. [italian: related to *gazette]
Gazpacho n. (pl. -s) cold spanish soup. [spanish]
Gazump v. Colloq. 1 raise the price of a property after accepting an offer from (a buyer). 2 swindle. [origin unknown]
Gazunder v. Colloq. Lower an offer made to (a seller) for a property just before the exchange of contracts. [from gazump, under]
Gb abbr. Great britain.
Gbh abbr. Grievous bodily harm.
Gc abbr. George cross.
Gce abbr. General certificate of education.
Gchq abbr. Government communications headquarters.
Gcse abbr. General certificate of secondary education.
Gd symb. Gadolinium.
Gdp abbr. Gross domestic product.
Gdr abbr. Hist. German democratic republic.
Ge symb. Germanium.
Gear —n. 1 (often in pl.) A set of toothed wheels that work together, esp. Those connecting the engine of a vehicle to the road wheels. B particular setting of these (first gear). 2 equipment, apparatus, or tackle. 3 colloq. Clothing. —v. 1 (foll. By to) adjust or adapt to. 2 (often foll. By up) equip with gears. 3 (foll. By up) make ready or prepared. 4 put in gear. in gear with a gear engaged. Out of gear with no gear engaged. [old norse]
Gearbox n. 1 set of gears with its casing, esp. In a vehicle. 2 the casing itself.
Gearing n. Set or arrangement of gears.
Gear lever n. (also gear shift) lever used to engage or change gear.
Gearwheel n. Toothed wheel in a set of gears.
Gecko n. (pl. -s) tropical house-lizard. [malay]
Gee1 int. (also gee whiz) esp. Us colloq. Expression of surprise etc. [perhaps an abbreviation of *jesus]
Gee2 int. (usu. Foll. By up) command to a horse etc. To start or go faster. [origin unknown]
Gee-gee n. Colloq. (a child’s word for) a horse.
Geese pl. Of *goose.
Geezer n. Slang person, esp. An old man. [dial. Guiser mummer]
Geiger counter n. Device for detecting and measuring radioactivity. [geiger, name of a physicist]
name of a physicist]
Geisha n. (pl. Same or -s) japanese woman trained to entertain men. [japanese]
Gel —n. 1 semisolid jelly-like colloid. 2 jelly-like substance used for setting the hair. —v. (-ll-) 1 form a gel. 2 = jell 2. [from gelatin]
Gelatin n. (also gelatine) transparent tasteless substance from skin, tendons, etc., used in cookery, photography, etc. gelatinize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). [italian: related to *jelly]
Gelatinous adj. Of a jelly-like consistency.
Geld v. Castrate. [old norse]
Gelding n. Gelded animal, esp. A horse.
Gelignite n. Explosive made from nitroglycerine. [from *gelatin, *igneous]
Gem —n. 1 precious stone, esp. Cut and polished or engraved. 2 thing or person of great beauty or worth. —v. (-mm-) adorn with or as with gems. [latin gemma bud, jewel]
Geminate —adj. Combined in pairs. —v. (-ting) 1 double, repeat. 2 arrange in
pairs. gemination n. [latin: related to *gemini]
Gemini n. (pl. -s) 1 constellation and third sign of the zodiac (the twins). 2 person born when the sun is in this sign. [latin, = twins]
Gemma n. (pl. Gemmae) small cellular body in plants such as mosses, that separates from the mother-plant and starts a new one. gemmation n. [latin, see *gem]
Gemstone n. Precious stone used as a gem.
Gen. Abbr. General.
Gen slang —n. Information. —v. (-nn-) (foll. By up) gain or give information. [probably general information]
-gen comb. Form chem. That which produces (hydrogen; antigen). [greek -genes born]
Gendarme n. (in french-speaking countries) police officer. [french gens d’armes men of arms]
Gender n. 1 a classification roughly corresponding to the two sexes and sexlessness. B class of noun according to this classification (see *masculine, feminine, neuter). 2 a person’s sex. [latin *genus]
Gene n. Unit in a chromosome determining heredity. [german]
Genealogy n. (pl. -ies) 1 descent traced continuously from an ancestor, pedigree. 2 study of pedigrees. 3 organism’s line of development from earlier forms. genealogical adj. Genealogically adv. Genealogist n. [greek genea race]
Genera pl. Of *genus.
General —adj. 1 including or affecting all or most parts or cases of things. 2 prevalent, usual (the general feeling). 3 not partial or particular or local. 4 not limited in application, true of all or nearly all cases (as a general rule). 5 not restricted or specialized (general knowledge; general hospital). 6 not detailed (general idea). 7 vague (spoke only in general terms). 8 chief, head; having overall authority (general manager; secretary-general). —n. 1 a army officer next below field marshal. B = lieutenant general (see lieutenant colonel), major-general. 2 commander of an army. 3 strategist (a great general). 4 head of a religious order, e.g. Of jesuits etc. in general 1 as a normal rule; usually. 2 for the most part. [latin generalis]
General anaesthetic n. Anaesthetic affecting the whole body, usu. With loss of consciousness.
General certificate of education n. Examination set esp. For secondary-school pupils at advanced level (and, formerly, ordinary level) in england, wales and northern ireland.
General certificate of secondary education n. Examination replacing and combining the gce ordinary level and cse examinations.
General election n. National parliamentary election.
Generalissimo n. (pl. -s) commander of a combined military and naval and air force, or of combined armies. [italian superlative]
Generality n. (pl. -ies) 1 general statement or rule. 2 general applicability. 3 lack of detail. 4 (foll. By of) main body or majority.
Generalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 a speak in general or indefinite terms.
B form general notions. 2 reduce to a general statement. 3 infer (a rule etc.)
From particular cases. 4 bring into general use. generalization n.
Generally adv. 1 usually; in most respects or cases (generally get up early; was generally well-behaved). 2 in a general sense; without regard to particulars or exceptions (generally speaking). 3 for the most part (not generally known).
General meeting n. Meeting open to all the members of a society etc.
General practice n. Work of a general practitioner.
General practitioner n. Community doctor treating cases of all kinds in the first instance.
General staff n. Staff assisting a military commander at headquarters.
General staff n. Staff assisting a military commander at headquarters.
General strike n. Simultaneous strike of workers in all or most trades.
Generate v. (-ting) bring into existence; produce. [latin: related to *genus]
Generation n. 1 all the people born at about the same time. 2 single stage in a family history (three generations were present in the photograph). 3 stage in (esp. Technological) development (fourth-generation computers). 4 average time in which children are ready to take the place of their parents (about 30 years). 5 production, esp. Of electricity. 6 procreation. first- (or second-, third-, etc.) Generation (attrib.) Designating a person who emigrated to a place (or whose parents or grandparents etc. Emigrated). [latin: related to *generate]
Generation gap n. Differences of outlook between different generations.
Generative adj. 1 of procreation. 2 productive.
Generator n. 1 machine for converting mechanical into electrical energy. 2 apparatus for producing gas, steam, etc.
Generic adj. 1 characteristic of or relating to a class; general, not specific or special. 2 biol. Characteristic of or belonging to a genus. generically adv. [latin: related to *genus]
Generous adj. 1 giving or given freely. 2 magnanimous, unprejudiced. 3
Generous adj. 1 giving or given freely. 2 magnanimous, unprejudiced. 3 abundant, copious. generosity n. Generously adv. [latin: related to *genus]
Genesis n. 1 origin; mode of formation. 2 (genesis) first book of the old testament, with an account of the creation. [greek gen-be produced]
Gene therapy n. Introduction of normal genes into cells in place of defective or missing ones in order to correct genetic disorders.
Genetic adj. 1 of genetics or genes. 2 of or in origin. genetically adv. [from *genesis]
Genetic code n. Arrangement of genetic information in chromosomes.
Genetic engineering n. Manipulation of dna to modify hereditary features.
Genetic fingerprinting n. (also genetic profiling) identifying individuals by dna patterns.
Genetics n.pl. (treated as sing.) The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics. geneticist n.
Genial adj. 1 jovial, sociable, kindly. 2 (of the climate) mild and warm; conducive to growth. 3 cheering. geniality n. Genially adv. [latin: related to *genius]
Genie n. (pl. Genii) (in arabian tales) spirit or goblin with magical powers. [french génie genius: cf. jinnee]
Genital —adj. Of animal reproduction or the reproductive organs. —n. (in pl.) External reproductive organs. [latin gigno genit-beget]
Genitalia n.pl. Genitals. [latin, neuter pl. Of genitalis: see *genital]
Genitive gram. —n. Case expressing possession or close association, corresponding to of, from, etc. —adj. Of or in this case. [latin: related to *genital]
Genius n. (pl. Geniuses) 1 a exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability or tendency. B person with this. 2 tutelary spirit of a person, place, etc. 3 person or spirit powerfully influencing a person for good or evil. 4prevalent feeling or association etc. Of a people or place. [latin]
Genocide n. Deliberate extermination of a people or nation. genocidal adj. [greek genos race, *-cide]
Genome n. 1 the haploid set of chromosomes of an organism. 2 the genetic material of an organism.
-genous comb. Form forming adjectives meaning ‘produced’ (endogenous).
Genre n. 1 kind or style of art etc. 2 painting of scenes from ordinary life. [french: related to *gender]
Gent n. Colloq. 1 gentleman. 2 (the gents) colloq. Men’s public lavatory. [shortening of *gentleman]
Genteel adj. 1 affectedly refined or stylish. 2 upper-class. genteelly adv. [french gentil: related to *gentle]
Gentian n. Mountain plant usu. With blue flowers. [latin gentiana from gentius, king of illyria]
Gentile —adj. Not jewish; heathen. —n. Person who is not jewish. [latin gentilis from gens family]
Gentility n. 1 social superiority. 2 genteel manners or behaviour. [french: related to *gentle]
Gentle adj. (gentler, gentlest) 1 not rough or severe; mild, kind (a gentle nature). 2 moderate (gentle breeze). 3 (of birth, pursuits, etc.) Honourable, of or fit for gentlefolk. 4 quiet; requiring patience (gentle art). gentleness n. Gently adv. [latin: related to *gentile]
Gentlefolk n.pl. People of good family.
Gentleman n. 1 man (in polite or formal use). 2 chivalrous well-bred man. 3 man of good social position (country gentleman). 4 man of gentle birth attached to a royal household (gentleman in waiting). 5 (in pl.) (as a form of address) male audience or part of this.
Gentlemanly adj. Like or befitting a gentleman.
Gentleman’s agreement n. (also gentlemen’s agreement) agreement binding in honour but not enforceable.
Gentlewoman n. Archaic woman of good birth or breeding.
Gentrification n. Upgrading of a working-class urban area by the arrival of more affluent residents. gentrify v. (-ies, -ied).
Gentry n.pl. 1 people next below the nobility. 2 derog. People (these gentry). [french: related to *gentle]
Genuflect v. Bend the knee, esp. In worship. genuflection n. (also genuflexion). [latin genu knee, flecto bend]
Genuine adj. 1 really coming from its reputed source etc. 2 properly so called; not sham; sincere. genuinely adv. Genuineness n. [latin]
Genus n. (pl. Genera) 1 taxonomic category of animals or plants with common structural characteristics, usu. Containing several species. 2 (in logic) kind of things including subordinate kinds or species. 3 colloq. Kind, class. [latin genus –
eris]
eris]
Geo-comb. Form earth. [greek ge]
Geocentric adj. 1 considered as viewed from the earth’s centre. 2 having the earth as the centre. geocentrically adv.
Geode n. 1 cavity lined with crystals. 2 rock containing this. [greek geodes earthy]
Geodesic adj. (also geodetic) of geodesy.
Geodesic line n. Shortest possible line between two points on a curved surface.
Geodesy n. The study of the shape and area of the earth. [greek geodaisia]
Geographical adj. (also geographic) of geography. geographically adv.
Geographical mile n. Distance of one minute of longitude or latitude at the equator (about 1.85 km).
Geography n. 1 science of the earth’s physical features, resources, climate, population, etc. 2 features or arrangement of an area, rooms, etc. geographer n.
[latin from greek]
Geology n. 1 science of the earth’s crust, strata, origin of its rocks, etc. 2 geological features of a district. geological adj. Geologically adv. Geologist n.
Geometric adj. (also geometrical) 1 of geometry. 2 (of a design etc.) With regular lines and shapes. geometrically adv.
Geometric progression n. Progression with a constant ratio between successive quantities (as 1, 3, 9, 27).
Geometry n. Science of the properties and relations of lines, surfaces, and solids. geometrician n. [from *geo-, *-metry]
Geophysics n.pl. (treated as sing.) Physics of the earth.
Geordie n. Native of tyneside. [name george]
George cross n. Decoration for bravery awarded esp. To civilians. [king george vi]
Georgette n. Thin dress-material similar to crêpe. [georgette de la plante, name of a dressmaker]
Georgian1 adj. Of the time of kings george i–iv or of george v and vi.
Georgian2 —adj. Of georgia in eastern europe or the us. —n. 1 native or language of georgia in eastern europe. 2 native of georgia in the us.
Geranium n. (pl. -s) 1 (in general use) cultivated pelargonium. 2 herb or shrub bearing fruit shaped like a crane’s bill. [greek geranos crane]
Gerbil n. (also jerbil) mouselike desert rodent with long hind legs. [french:
related to *jerboa]
Geriatric —adj. 1 of old people. 2 colloq. Old, outdated. —n. Old person. [greek geras old age, iatros doctor]
Geriatrics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Branch of medicine or social science dealing with the health and care of old people. geriatrician n.
Germ n. 1 micro-organism, esp. One causing disease. 2 portion of an organism capable of developing into a new one; rudiment of an animal or plant in seed (wheat germ). 3 thing that may develop; elementary principle. germy adj. (-ier, – iest). [latin germen sprout]
German —n. 1 a native or national of germany. B person of german descent. 2 language of germany. —adj. Of germany or its people or language. [latin germanus]
German adj. (placed after brother, sister, or cousin) having both parents the same, or both grandparents the same on one side (brother german; cousin german). [latin germanus]
Germander n. Plant of the mint family. [greek, = ground-oak]
Germane adj. (usu. Foll. By to) relevant (to a subject). [var. Of *german]
Germanic —adj. 1 having german characteristics. 2 hist. Of the germans. 3 of the scandinavians, anglo-saxons, or germans. —n. 1 the branch of indo-european languages which includes english, german, dutch, and the scandinavian languages. 2 the primitive language of germanic peoples.
Germanium n. Brittle greyish-white semi-metallic element. [related to *german]
German measles n.pl. Disease like mild measles; rubella.
German measles n.pl. Disease like mild measles; rubella.
Germano-comb. Form german.
German shepherd n. (also german shepherd dog) = *alsatian.
German silver n. White alloy of nickel, zinc, and copper.
Germicide n. Substance that destroys germs. germicidal adj.
Germinal adj. 1 of germs. 2 in the earliest stage of development. 3 productive of new ideas. germinally adv. [related to *germ]
Germinate v. (-ting) 1 sprout, bud, or develop. 2 cause to do this. germination n. Germinative adj. [latin: related to *germ]
Germ warfare n. Use of germs to spread disease in war.
Gerontology n. The study of old age and the process of ageing. [greek geron geront-old man]
Gerrymander —v. Manipulate the boundaries of (a constituency etc.) So as to give undue influence to some party or class. —n. This practice. [governor gerry of massachusetts]
Gerund n. Verbal noun, in english ending in -ing (e.g. Do you mind my asking you?). [latin]
Gesso n. (pl. -es) gypsum as used in painting or sculpture. [italian: related to *gypsum]
Gestapo n. Hist. Nazi secret police. [german, from geheime staatspolizei]
Gestapo n. Hist. Nazi secret police. [german, from geheime staatspolizei]
Gestation n. 1 a process of carrying or being carried in the uterus between conception and birth. B this period. 2 development of a plan, idea, etc. gestate v. (-ting). [latin gesto carry]
Gesticulate v. (-ting) 1 use gestures instead of, or to reinforce, speech. 2 express thus. gesticulation n. [latin: related to *gesture]
Gesture —n. 1 significant movement of a limb or the body. 2 use of such movements, esp. As a rhetorical device. 3 action to evoke a response or convey intention, usu. Friendly. —v. (-ring) gesticulate. [latin gestura from gero wield]
Get v. (getting; past got; past part. Got or us gotten) (and in comb.) 1 come into possession of; receive or earn (get a job; got £200 a week; got first prize). 2 fetch or procure (get my book for me; got a new car). 3 go to reach or catch (a bus, train, etc.). 4 prepare (a meal etc.). 5 (cause to) reach some state or become (get rich; get married; get to be famous; got them ready; got him into trouble). 6 obtain as a result of calculation. 7 contract (a disease etc.). 8 establish contact by telephone etc. With; receive (a broadcast signal). 9 experience or suffer; have inflicted on one; receive as one’s lot or penalty (got four years in prison). 10 a succeed in bringing, placing, etc. (get it round the corner; get it on to the agenda). B (cause to) succeed in coming or going (will get you there somehow; got absolutely nowhere; got home). 11 (prec. By have) a possess (have not got a penny). B (foll. By to + infin.) Be bound or obliged (have got to see you). 12 (foll. By to + infin.) Induce; prevail upon (got them to help me). 13 colloq. Understand (a person or an argument) (have you got that?; i get your point; do you get me?). 14 colloq. Harm, injure, kill, esp. In retaliation (i’ll get you for that). 15 colloq. A annoy. B affect emotionally. C attract. 16 (foll. By to + infin.) Develop an inclination (am getting to like it). 17 (foll. By verbal noun) begin (get going). 18 establish (an idea etc.) In one’s mind. 19 archaic beget. get about 1 travel extensively or fast; go from place to place. 2 begin walking etc. (esp.
After illness). Get across 1 communicate (an idea etc.). 2 (of an idea etc.) Be communicated. Get ahead make progress (esp. In a career etc.). Get along (or on) (foll. By together, with) live harmoniously. Get around = get about. Get at 1 reach; get hold of. 2 colloq. Imply. 3 colloq. Nag, criticize. Get away 1 escape, start. 2 (as int.) Colloq. Expressing disbelief or scepticism. 3 (foll. By with) escape blame or punishment for. Get back at colloq. Retaliate against. Get by colloq. Manage, even if with difficulty. Get cracking see *crack. Get down 1 alight, descend (from a vehicle, ladder, etc.). 2 record in writing.
Get-at-able adj. Colloq. Accessible.
Getaway n. Escape, esp. After a crime.
Get-out n. Means of avoiding something.
Get-together n. Colloq. Social gathering.
Get-up n. Colloq. Style or arrangement of dress etc.
Get-up-and-go n. Colloq. Energy, enthusiasm.
Geyser n. 1 intermittent hot spring. 2 apparatus for heating water. [icelandic geysir from geysa to gush]
Ghee n. Indian clarified butter. [hindi from sanskrit]
Gherkin n. Small pickled cucumber. [dutch]
Ghetto n. (pl. -s) 1 part of a city occupied by a minority group. 2 hist. Jewish quarter in a city. 3 segregated group or area. [italian]
Ghetto-blaster n. Slang large portable radio, esp. For playing loud pop music.
Ghillie var. Of *gillie.
Ghost —n. 1 supposed apparition of a dead person or animal; disembodied spirit. 2 shadow or semblance (not a ghost of a chance). 3 secondary image in a defective telescope or television picture. —v. (often foll. By for) act as ghost-writer of (a work). ghostliness n. Ghostly adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Ghosting n. Appearance of a ‘ghost’ image in a television picture.
Ghost town n. Town with few or no remaining inhabitants.
Ghost train n. (at a funfair) open-topped miniature railway in which the rider experiences ghoulish sights, sounds, etc.
Ghost-writer n. Person who writes on behalf of the credited author.
Ghoul n. 1 person morbidly interested in death etc. 2 evil spirit or phantom. 3 spirit in muslim folklore preying on corpses. ghoulish adj. Ghoulishly adv. [arabic]
Ghq abbr. General headquarters.
Ghyll var. Of *gill3.
Gi n. (often attrib.) Soldier in the us army. [abbreviation of government (or general) issue]
Giant —n. 1 (fem. Giantess) imaginary or mythical being of human form but superhuman size. 2 person or thing of great size, ability, courage, etc. —attrib. Adj. 1 gigantic. 2 of a very large kind. [greek gigas gigant-]
Gibber v. Jabber inarticulately. [imitative]
Gibberish n. Unintelligible or meaningless speech; nonsense.
Gibbet —n. Hist. 1 a gallows. B post with an arm on which an executed criminal was hung. 2 (prec. By the) death by hanging. —v. (-t-) 1 put to death by hanging. 2 expose or hang up on a gibbet. [french gibet]
hanging. 2 expose or hang up on a gibbet. [french gibet]
Gibbon n. Long-armed se asian anthropoid ape. [french]
Gibbous adj. 1 convex. 2 (of a moon or planet) having the bright part greater than a semicircle and less than a circle. 3 humpbacked. [latin gibbus hump]
Gibe (also jibe) —v. (-bing) (often foll. By at) jeer, mock. —n. Jeering remark, taunt. [perhaps from french giber handle roughly]
Giblets n.pl. Edible organs etc. Of a bird, removed and usu. Cooked separately. [french gibelet game stew]
Giddy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 dizzy, tending to fall or stagger. 2 a mentally intoxicated (giddy with success). B excitable, frivolous, flighty. 3 making dizzy (giddy heights). giddily adv. Giddiness n. [old english]
Gift n. 1 thing given; present. 2 natural ability or talent. 3 the power to give (in his gift). 4 giving. 5 colloq. Easy task. [old norse: related to *give]
Gifted adj. Talented; intelligent.
Gift of the gab n. Colloq. Eloquence, loquacity.
Gift token n. (also gift voucher) voucher used as a gift and exchangeable for goods.
Gift-wrap v. Wrap attractively as a gift.
Gig1 n. 1 light two-wheeled one-horse carriage. 2 light ship’s boat for rowing or sailing. 3 rowing-boat esp. For racing. [probably imitative]
Gig2 colloq. —n. Engagement to play music etc., usu. For one night. —v. (-gg-) perform a gig. [origin unknown]
Giga-comb. Form one thousand million (109). [greek: related to *giant]
Gigantic adj. Huge, giant-like. gigantically adv. [latin: related to *giant]
Giggle —v. (-ling) laugh in half-suppressed spasms. —n. 1 such a laugh. 2 colloq. Amusing person or thing; joke (did it for a giggle). giggly adj. (-ier, – iest). [imitative]
Gigolo n. (pl. -s) young man paid by an older woman to be her escort or lover. [french]
Gild1 v. (past part. Gilded or as adj. In sense 1 gilt) 1 cover thinly with gold. 2 tinge with a golden colour. 3 give a false brilliance to. gild the lily try to improve what is already satisfactory. [old english: related to *gold]
Gild2 var. Of *guild.
Gill1 n. (usu. In pl.) 1 respiratory organ in a fish etc. 2 vertical radial plate on the underside of a mushroom etc. 3 flesh below a person’s jaws and ears. [old norse]
Gill2 n. Unit of liquid measure equal to 1/4 pint. [french]
Gill3 n. (also ghyll) 1 deep usu. Wooded ravine. 2 narrow mountain torrent. [old norse]
Gillie n. (also ghillie) scot. Man or boy attending a person hunting or fishing. [gaelic]
Gillyflower n. Clove-scented flower, e.g. A wallflower or the clove-scented pink. [french gilofre]
Gilt-edged adj. (of securities, stocks, etc.) Having a high degree of reliability.
Gimbals n.pl. Contrivance of rings and pivots for keeping instruments horizontal in ships, aircraft, etc. [var. Of gimmal from french gemel double finger-ring]
Gimcrack —adj. Showy but flimsy and worthless. —n. Showy ornament; knick-knack. [origin unknown]
Gimlet n. Small tool with a screw-tip for boring holes. [french]
Gimlet eye n. Eye with a piercing glance.
Gimmick n. Trick or device, esp. To attract attention or publicity. gimmickry n. Gimmicky adj. [origin unknown]
Gimp n. (also gymp) 1 twist of silk etc. With cord or wire running through it. 2 fishing-line of silk etc. Bound with wire. [dutch]
Gin1 n. Spirit made from grain or malt and flavoured with juniper berries. [dutch geneva: related to *juniper]
Gin2 —n. 1 snare, trap. 2 machine separating cotton from its seeds. 3 a kind of crane and windlass. —v. (-nn-) 1 treat (cotton) in a gin. 2 trap. [french: related to *engine]
Ginger —n. 1 a hot spicy root usu. Powdered for use in cooking, or preserved in syrup, or candied. B plant having this root. 2 light reddish-yellow. 3 spirit,
mettle. —adj. Of a ginger colour. —v. 1 flavour with ginger. 2 (foll. By up) enliven. gingery adj. [old english and french, ultimately from sanskrit]
Ginger ale n. Ginger-flavoured non-alcoholic drink.
Ginger beer n. Mildly alcoholic or non-alcoholic cloudy drink made from fermented ginger and syrup.
Ginseng n. 1 plant found in e. Asia and n. America. 2 root of this used as a medicinal tonic. [chinese]
Gippy tummy n. Colloq. Diarrhoea affecting visitors to hot countries. [from *egyptian]
Gipsy var. Of *gypsy.
Giraffe n. (pl. Same or -s) large four-legged african animal with a long neck and forelegs. [french, ultimately from arabic]
Gird v. (past and past part. Girded or girt) 1 encircle, attach, or secure, with a belt or band. 2 enclose or encircle. 3 (foll. By round) place (a cord etc.) Round. gird (or gird up) one’s loins prepare for action. [old english]
Girder n. Iron or steel beam or compound structure for bridge-building etc.
Girdle1 —n. 1 belt or cord worn round the waist. 2 corset. 3 thing that
surrounds. 4 bony support for the limbs (pelvic girdle). —v. (-ling) surround with a girdle. [old english]
Girdle2 n. Scot. & n.engl. Var. Of *griddle.
Girl n. 1 female child, daughter. 2 colloq. Young woman. 3 colloq. Girlfriend. 4 female servant. girlhood n. Girlish adj. Girly adj. [origin uncertain]
Girl friday n. Female helper or follower.
Girlfriend n. 1 person’s regular female companion or lover. 2 female friend.
Girlie adj. Colloq. (of a magazine etc.) Depicting young women in erotic poses.
Girl scout n. = *scout n. 4.
Giro —n. (pl. -s) 1 system of credit transfer between banks, post offices, etc. 2 cheque or payment by giro. —v. (-es, -ed) pay by giro. [german from italian]
Girt see *gird.
Girth n. 1 distance round a thing. 2 band round the body of a horse to secure the saddle etc. [old norse: related to *gird]
Gismo n. (also gizmo) (pl. -s) slang gadget. [origin unknown]
Gist n. Substance or essence of a matter. [latin jaceo *lie1]
Git n. Slang silly or contemptible person. [get (noun), = fool]
Gîte n. Furnished holiday house in the french countryside. [french]
Give —v. (-ving; past gave; past part. Given) 1 transfer the possession of freely; hand over as a present; donate. 2 a transfer temporarily; provide with (gave him the dog to hold; gave her a new hip). B administer (medicine). C deliver (a message). 3 (usu. Foll. By for) make over in exchange or payment. 4 a confer; grant (a benefit, honour, etc.). B accord; bestow (love, time, etc.). C pledge (gave his word). 5 a perform (an action etc.) (gave a jump; gave a performance; gave an interview). B utter; declare (gave a shriek; gave the batsman out). 6 (in passive; foll. By to) be inclined to or fond of (is given to boasting; is given to strong drink). 7 yield to pressure; collapse. 8 yield as a product or result (gives an average of 7). 9 a consign, put (gave him into custody). B sanction the marriage of (a daughter etc.). 10 devote; dedicate (gave his life to the cause). 11 present; offer; show; hold out (gives no sign of life; gave her his arm; give me an example). 12 impart; be a source of; cause (gave me a cold; gave me trouble; gave much pain). 13 concede (i give you the benefit of the doubt). 14 deliver (a judgement etc.) Authoritatively. 15 provide (a party, meal, etc.) As host. 16 (in past part.) Assume or grant or specify (given the circumstances; in a given situation; given that we earn so little). 17 (absol.) Colloq. Tell what one knows. —n. Capacity to yield or comply; elasticity. give and take 1 exchange of words, ideas, blows, etc. 2 ability to compromise. Give away 1 transfer as a gift. 2 hand over (a bride) to a bridegroom. 3 reveal (a secret etc.). Give the game (or show) away reveal a secret or intention. Give in 1 yield; acknowledge defeat. 2 hand in (a document etc.) To an official etc. Give it to a person colloq. Scold or punish.
Give me i prefer (give me greece any day). Give off emit (fumes etc.). Give oneself up to 1 abandon oneself to (despair etc.). 2 addict oneself to. Give on to (or into) (of a window, corridor, etc.) Overlook or lead into. Give or take colloq. Accepting as a margin of error in estimating. Give out 1 announce; emit; distribute. 2 be exhausted. 3 run short. Give over 1 colloq. Stop or desist. 2 hand over. 3 devote. Give rise to cause. Give a person to understand inform or assure. Give up 1 resign; surrender. 2 part with.
Give-away n. Colloq. 1 unintentional revelation. 2 thing given as a gift or at a low price.
Gizmo var. Of *gismo.
Gizzard n. 1 second part of a bird’s stomach, for grinding food. 2 muscular stomach of some fish etc. [french]
Glacé icing n. Icing made with icing sugar and water.
Glacial adj. 1 of ice. 2 geol. Characterized or produced by ice. [latin glacies ice]
Glacial period n. Period when an exceptionally large area was covered by ice.
Glaciated adj. 1 marked or polished by the action of ice. 2 covered by glaciers or ice sheets. glaciation n. [glaciate freeze, from latin: related to *glacial]
Glacier n. Mass of land ice formed by the accumulation of snow on high ground. [french: related to *glacial]
Glad adj. (gladder, gladdest) 1 (predic.) Pleased. 2 expressing or causing pleasure (glad cry; glad news). 3 ready and willing (am glad to help). be glad of find useful. gladly adv. Gladness n. [old english]
Gladden v. Make or become glad.
Glade n. Open space in a forest. [origin unknown]
Glad eye n. (prec. By the) colloq. Amorous glance.
Glad hand n. Colloq. Hearty welcome.
Gladiator n. Hist. Trained fighter in ancient roman shows. gladiatorial adj. [latin gladius sword]
Gladiolus n. (pl. -li) plant of the lily family with sword-shaped leaves and flower-spikes. [latin, diminutive of gladius sword]
Glad rags n.pl. Colloq. Best clothes.
Gladsome adj. Poet. Cheerful, joyous.
Gladstone bag n. Bag with two compartments joined by a hinge. [gladstone, name of a statesman]
Glair n. 1 white of egg. 2 adhesive preparation made from this. [french]
Glam adj. Colloq. Glamorous. [abbreviation]
Glamor n. (brit. Glamour) 1 physical, esp. Cosmetic, attractiveness. 2 alluring or exciting beauty or charm. glamorous adj. Glamorously adv. [var. Of *grammar in obsolete sense ‘magic’]
Glamorize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make glamorous or attractive.
Glamour n. (us glamor) 1 physical, esp. Cosmetic, attractiveness. 2 alluring or exciting beauty or charm. glamorous adj. Glamorously adv. [var. Of *grammar in obsolete sense ‘magic’]
Glance —v. (-cing) 1 (often foll. By down, up, over, etc.) Look briefly, direct one’s eye. 2 strike at an angle and glide off an object (glancing blow; ball glanced off his bat). 3 (usu. Foll. By over) refer briefly or indirectly to a subject or subjects. 4 (of light etc.) Flash or dart. —n. 1 brief look. 2 flash or gleam. 3 glancing stroke in cricket. at a glance immediately upon looking. [origin uncertain]
Gland n. 1 organ or similar structure secreting substances for use in the body or for ejection. 2 bot. Similar organ in a plant. [latin glandulae pl.]
Glanders n.pl. Contagious disease of horses. [french glandre: related to *gland]
Glandular adj. Of a gland or glands.
Glandular fever n. Infectious disease with swelling of the lymph glands.
Glare —v. (-ring) 1 look fiercely or fixedly. 2 shine dazzlingly or oppressively. —n. 1 a strong fierce light, esp. Sunshine. B oppressive public attention (glare of publicity). 2 fierce or fixed look. 3 tawdry brilliance. [low german or dutch]
Glasnost n. (in the former soviet union) policy of more open government and access to information. [russian, = openness]
Glass —n. 1 a (often attrib.) Hard, brittle, usu. Transparent substance, made by fusing sand with soda and lime etc. B substance of similar properties. 2 glass objects collectively. 3 a glass drinking vessel. B its contents. 4 mirror. 5 glazed frame for plants. 6 barometer. 7 covering of a watch-face. 8 lens. 9 (in pl.) A spectacles. B binoculars. —v. (usu. As glassed adj.) Fit with glass. glassful n. (pl. -s). [old english]
Glass-blowing n. Blowing semi-molten glass to make glassware.
Glass fibre n. Filaments of glass made into fabric or embedded in plastic as reinforcement.
Glasshouse n. 1 greenhouse. 2 slang military prison.
Glass-paper n. Paper coated with glass particles, for smoothing and polishing.
Glassware n. Articles made of glass.
Glass wool n. Mass of fine glass fibres for packing and insulation.
Glassy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 like glass. 2 (of the eye, expression, etc.) Abstracted; dull; fixed.
Glaswegian —adj. Of glasgow. —n. Native of glasgow. [after norwegian]
Glaucoma n. Eye-condition with increased pressure in the eyeball and gradual loss of sight. glaucomatous adj. [greek glaukos greyish blue]
Glaze —v. (-zing) 1 fit (a window etc.) With glass or (a building) with windows. 2 a cover (pottery etc.) With a glaze. B fix (paint) on pottery thus. 3 cover
(pastry, cloth, etc.) With a glaze. 4 (often foll. By over) (of the eyes) become glassy. 5 give a glassy surface to. —n. 1 vitreous substance for glazing pottery. 2 smooth shiny coating on food etc. 3 thin coat of transparent paint to modify underlying tone. 4 surface formed by glazing. [from *glass]
Glazier n. Person whose trade is glazing windows etc.
Gleam —n. Faint or brief light or show. —v. Emit gleams, shine. [old english]
Glean v. 1 acquire (facts etc.) In small amounts. 2 gather (corn left by reapers). [french]
Gleanings n.pl. Things gleaned, esp. Facts.
Glebe n. Piece of land as part of a clergyman’s benefice and providing income. [latin gl(a)eba clod, soil]
Glee n. 1 mirth; delight. 2 part-song for three or more (esp. Male) voices. [old english]
Gleeful adj. Joyful. gleefully adv. Gleefulness n.
Glen n. Narrow valley. [gaelic]
Glengarry n. (pl. -ies) brimless scottish hat cleft down the centre and with ribbons at the back. [glengarry in scotland]
Glib adj. (glibber, glibbest) speaking or spoken quickly or fluently but without sincerity. glibly adv. Glibness n. [obsolete glibbery slippery, perhaps imitative]
Glide —v. (-ding) 1 move smoothly and continuously. 2 (of an aircraft or pilot) fly without engine-power. 3 pass gradually or imperceptibly. 4 go stealthily. 5 cause to glide. —n. Gliding movement. [old english]
Glide path n. Aircraft’s line of descent to land.
Glider n. Light aircraft without an engine.
Glimmer —v. Shine faintly or intermittently. —n. 1 feeble or wavering light. 2 (also glimmering) (usu. Foll. By of) small sign (of hope etc.). [probably scandinavian]
Glimpse —n. (often foll. By of, at) 1 brief view or look. 2 faint transient appearance (glimpses of the truth). —v. (-sing) have a brief view of (glimpsed his face in the crowd). [related to *glimmer]
Glissade —n. 1 controlled slide down a snow slope in mountaineering. 2 gliding
step in ballet. —v. (-ding) perform a glissade. [french]
Glissando n. (pl. -di or -s) mus. Continuous slide of adjacent notes. [french glissant sliding: related to *glissade]
Glisten —v. Shine like a wet or polished surface. —n. Glitter; sparkle. [old english]
Glitch n. Colloq. Sudden irregularity or malfunction (of equipment etc.). [origin unknown]
Glitter —v. 1 shine with a bright reflected light; sparkle. 2 (usu. Foll. By with) be showy or splendid. —n. 1 sparkle. 2 showiness. 3 tiny pieces of sparkling material as decoration etc. glittery adj. [old norse]
Global warming n. Increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere caused by the greenhouse effect.
Globe n. 1 a (prec. By the) the earth. B spherical representation of it with a map on the surface. 2 spherical object, e.g. A fish-bowl, lamp, etc. [latin globus]
Globe artichoke n. The partly edible head of the artichoke plant.
Globe-trotter n. Colloq. Person who travels widely. globe-trotting n. & attrib.
Adj.
Globular adj. 1 globe-shaped. 2 composed of globules.
Globule n. Small globe or round particle or drop. [latin globulus]
Globulin n. Molecule-transporting protein in plant and animal tissues.
Glockenspiel n. Musical instrument with bells or metal bars or tubes struck by hammers. [german, = bell-play]
hammers. [german, = bell-play]
Gloom n. 1 darkness; obscurity. 2 melancholy; despondency. [origin unknown]
Glorify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make glorious. 2 make seem better or more splendid than it is. 3 (as glorified adj.) Invested with more attractiveness, importance, etc. Than it has in reality (glorified waitress). 4 extol. glorification n. [latin: related to *glory]
Glorious adj. 1 possessing or conferring glory; illustrious. 2 colloq. Often iron.
Glory —n. (pl. -ies) 1 renown, fame; honour. 2 adoring praise. 3 resplendent majesty, beauty, etc. 4 thing that brings renown, distinction, or pride. 5 heavenly bliss and splendour. 6 colloq. State of exaltation, prosperity, etc. 7 halo of a saint etc. —v. (-ies, -ied) (often foll. By in) pride oneself. [latin gloria]
Glory-hole n. Colloq. Untidy room, cupboard, etc.
Gloss1 —n. 1 surface shine or lustre. 2 deceptively attractive appearance. 3 (in full gloss paint) paint giving a glossy finish. —v. Make glossy. gloss over seek to conceal, esp. By mentioning only briefly. [origin unknown]
Gloss2 —n. 1 explanatory comment added to a text, e.g. In the margin. 2 interpretation or paraphrase. —v. Add a gloss to (a text, word, etc.). [latin glossa tongue]
Glossary n. (pl. -ies) 1 list or dictionary of technical or special words. 2 collection of glosses. [latin: related to *gloss2]
Glossy —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 smooth and shiny (glossy paper). 2 printed on such paper. —n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Glossy magazine or photograph. glossily adv. Glossiness n.
Glottal adj. Of the glottis.
Glottal stop n. Sound produced by the sudden opening or shutting of the glottis.
Glottis n. Opening at the upper end of the windpipe and between the vocal cords. [greek]
Gloucester n. (usu. Double gloucester, orig. A richer kind) cheese made in gloucestershire. [gloucester in england]
Glove —n. 1 hand-covering for protection, warmth, etc., usu. With separate fingers. 2 boxing glove. —v. (-ving) cover or provide with gloves. [old english]
Glove compartment n. Recess for small articles in the dashboard of a car etc.
Glove puppet n. Small puppet fitted on the hand and worked by the fingers.
Glover n. Glove-maker.
Glow —v. 1 a emit light and heat without flame. B shine as if heated in this way. 2 (often foll. By with) a (of the body) be heated. B show or feel strong emotion (glowed with pride). 3 show a warm colour. 4 (as glowing adj.) Expressing pride or satisfaction (glowing report). —n. 1 glowing state. 2 bright warm colour. 3 feeling of satisfaction or well-being. [old english]
Glower —v. 1 (often foll. By at) look angrily. 2 look dark or threatening. —n. Glowering look. [origin uncertain]
Glow-worm n. Beetle whose wingless female emits light from the end of the abdomen.
Gloxinia n. American tropical plant with large bell-shaped flowers. [gloxin, name of a botanist]
Glucose n. Sugar found in the blood or in fruit juice etc., and as a constituent of starch, cellulose, etc. [greek gleukos sweet wine]
Glue —n. Adhesive substance. —v. (glues, glued, gluing or glueing) 1 fasten or join with glue. 2 keep or put very close (eye glued to the keyhole). gluey adj. (gluier, gluiest). [latin glus: related to *gluten]
Glue ear n. Blocking of the eustachian tube, esp. In children.
Glue-sniffing n. Inhalation of fumes from adhesives as an intoxicant. glue-sniffer n.
Glum adj. (glummer, glummest) dejected; sullen. glumly adv. Glumness n. [var. Of *gloom]
Glut —v. (-tt-) 1 feed (a person, one’s stomach, etc.) Or indulge (a desire etc.) To the full; satiate. 2 fill to excess. 3 overstock (a market). —n. 1 supply exceeding demand. 2 full indulgence; surfeit. [french gloutir swallow: related to *glutton]
Glutamate n. Salt or ester of glutamic acid, esp. A sodium salt used to enhance the flavour of food.
Glutamic acid n. Amino acid normally found in proteins. [from gluten, amine]
Gluten n. Mixture of proteins present in cereal grains; sticky protein substance left when starch is washed out of flour. [latin gluten -tin-glue]
Glutinous adj. Sticky; like glue. [latin: related to *gluten]
Glutton n. 1 greedy eater. 2 (often foll. By for) colloq. Person insatiably eager (glutton for work). 3 voracious animal of the weasel family. gluttonous adj.
Gluttonously adv. [latin gluttio *swallow1]
Glutton for punishment n. Person eager to take on hard or unpleasant tasks.
Gluttony n. Greed or excess in eating. [french: related to *glutton]
Glycerin n. (also glycerol, brit. Glycerine) thick sweet colourless liquid used as medicine, ointment, etc., and in explosives. [greek glukeros sweet]
Glycerine n. (also glycerol, us glycerin) thick sweet colourless liquid used as medicine, ointment, etc., and in explosives. [greek glukeros sweet]
Glycerol n. = *glycerine.
Glycogen n. Polysaccharide serving as a store of carbohydrates, esp. In animal tissues.
Glycolysis n. Breakdown of glucose by enzymes with the release of energy.
Gm abbr. George medal.
Gm abbr. Gram(s).
G-man n. Us colloq. Federal criminal-investigation officer. [from government]
Gms abbr. Grant maintained status.
Gmt abbr. Greenwich mean time.
Gnarled adj. (of a tree, hands, etc.) Knobbly, twisted, rugged. [var. Of knarled:
related to *knurl]
Gnash v. 1 grind (the teeth). 2 (of the teeth) strike together. [old norse]
Gnat n. Small two-winged biting fly. [old english]
Gnaw v. 1 a (usu. Foll. By away etc.) Wear away by biting. B (often foll. By at, into) bite persistently. 2 a corrode; wear away. B (of pain, fear, etc.) Torment. [old english]
Gneiss n. Coarse-grained metamorphic rock of feldspar, quartz, and mica. [german]
Gnome n. 1 a dwarfish legendary spirit or goblin living underground. B figure of this as a garden ornament. 2 (esp. In pl.) Colloq. Person with sinister influence, esp. Financial (gnomes of zurich). gnomish adj. [french]
Gnomic adj. Of aphorisms; sententious. [greek gnome opinion]
Gnomon n. Rod or pin etc. On a sundial, showing the time by its shadow. [greek, = indicator]
Gnostic —adj. 1 of knowledge; having special mystical knowledge. 2 (gnostic) concerning the gnostics. —n. (gnostic) (usu. In pl.) Early christian heretic claiming mystical knowledge. gnosticism n. [greek gnosis knowledge]
Gnp abbr. Gross national product.
Gnu n. (pl. Same or -s) oxlike antelope. [bushman nqu]
Go1 —v. (3rd sing. Present goes; past went; past part. Gone) 1 a start moving or be moving from one place or point in time to another; travel, proceed. B (foll. By and + verb) colloq. Expressing annoyance (you went and told him). 2 (foll. By verbal noun) make a special trip for; participate in (went skiing; goes running). 3 lie or extend in a certain direction (the road goes to london). 4 leave; depart (they had to go). 5 move, act, work, etc. (clock doesn’t go). 6 a make a specified movement (go like this with your foot). B make a sound (often of a specified kind) (gun went bang; door bell went). C (of an animal) make (its characteristic cry) (the cow went ‘moo’). D colloq. Say (so he goes to me ‘why didn’t you like it?’). 7 be in a specified state (go hungry; went in fear of his life). 8 a pass into a specified condition (gone bad; went to sleep). B colloq. Die. C proceed or escape in a specified condition (poet went unrecognized). 9 (of time or distance) pass, elapse; be traversed (ten days to go before easter; the last mile went quickly). 10 a (of a document, verse, song, etc.) Have a specified content or wording (the tune goes like this). B be current or accepted (so the story goes). C be suitable; fit; match (the shoes don’t go with the hat; those pinks don’t go). D be regularly kept or put (the forks go here). E find room; fit (this won’t go into the cupboard).
11 a turn out, proceed; take a course or view (things went well; liverpool went labour). B be successful (make the party go). 12 a be sold (went for £1; went cheap). B (of money) be spent. 13 a be relinquished or abolished (the car will have to go). B fail, decline; give way, collapse (his sight is going; the bulb has gone). 14 be acceptable or permitted; be accepted without question (anything goes; what i say goes). 15 (often foll. By by, with, on, upon) be guided by; judge or act on or in harmony with (have nothing to go on; a good rule to go by). 16 attend regularly (goes to school). 17 (foll. By pres. Part.) Colloq. Proceed (often foolishly) to do (went running to the police; don’t go making him angry). 18 act or proceed to a certain point (will go so far and no further; went as high as £100). 19 (of a number) be capable of being contained in another (6 into 5 won’t go). 20 (usu. Foll. By to) be allotted or awarded; pass (first prize went to the girl). 21 (foll. By to, towards) amount to; contribute to (12 inches go to make a foot; this will go towards your holiday). 22 (in imper.) Begin motion (a starter’s order in a race) (ready, steady, go!). 23 (usu. Foll. By by, under) be known or called (goes by the name of droopy). 24 colloq. Proceed to (go jump in the lake). 25 (foll. By for) apply to (that goes for me too). —n. (pl. Goes) 1 mettle; animation (has a lot of go in her). 2 vigorous activity (it’s all go). 3 colloq. Success (made a go of it). 4 colloq. Turn; attempt (i’ll have a go; it’s my go). — adj. Colloq. Functioning properly (all systems are go). go about 1 set to work at. 2 be socially active. 3 (foll. By pres. Part.) Make a habit of doing. Go ahead proceed without hesitation. Go along with agree to or with. Go back on fail to keep (a promise etc.). Go begging see *beg. Go down 1 a (of an amount) become less through use (coffee has gone down). B subside (the flood went down). C decrease in price. 2 a (of a ship) sink. B (of the sun) set. C (of a curtain) fall. 3 deteriorate; (of a computer system etc.) Cease to function. 4 be recorded in writing. 5 be swallowed. 6 (often foll. By with) find acceptance. 7 colloq. Leave university.
Goad —v. 1 urge on with a goad. 2 (usu. Foll. By on, into) irritate; stimulate. — n. 1 spiked stick used for urging cattle forward. 2 anything that torments or incites. [old english]
Go-ahead —n. Permission to proceed. —adj. Enterprising.
Goal n. 1 object of ambition or effort; destination. 2 a structure into or through
which the ball has to be sent to score in certain games. B point won. 3 point marking the finish of a race. [origin unknown]
Goalie n. Colloq. = *goalkeeper.
Goalkeeper n. Player defending a goal.
Goalpost n. Either of the two upright posts of a goal.
Goat n. 1 hardy domesticated mammal, with horns and (in the male) a beard. 2 lecherous man. 3 colloq. Foolish person. 4 (the goat) zodiacal sign or constellation capricorn. get a person’s goat colloq. Irritate a person. [old english]
Goatee n. Small pointed beard.
Goatherd n. Person who tends goats.
Goatskin n. 1 skin of a goat. 2 garment or bottle made of goatskin.
Gobbet n. 1 piece or lump of flesh, food, etc. 2 extract from a text, esp. One set for translation or comment. [french diminutive of gobe *gob2]
Gobble1 v. (-ling) eat hurriedly and noisily. [from *gob2]
Gobble2 v. (-ling) 1 (of a turkeycock) make a characteristic guttural sound. 2 make such a sound when speaking. [imitative]
Gobbledegook n. (also gobbledygook) colloq. Pompous or unintelligible jargon. [probably imitative of a turkeycock]
Go-between n. Intermediary.
Goblet n. Drinking-vessel with a foot and stem. [french diminutive of gobel cup]
Goblin n. Mischievous ugly dwarflike creature of folklore. [anglo-french]
Gobsmacked adj. Slang flabbergasted.
Gob-stopper n. Large hard sweet.
Goby n. (pl. -ies) small fish with ventral fins joined to form a disc or sucker.
Goby n. (pl. -ies) small fish with ventral fins joined to form a disc or sucker. [greek kobios *gudgeon1]
Go-cart n. Var. Of *go-kart.
God n. 1 a (in many religions) superhuman being or spirit worshipped as having power over nature, human fortunes, etc. B image, idol, etc., symbolizing a god. 2 (god) (in christian and other monotheistic religions) creator and ruler of the universe. 3 adored or greatly admired person. 4 (in pl.) Theatr. Gallery. god forbid may it not happen! God knows 1 it is beyond all knowledge. 2 i call god to witness that. God willing if providence allows. [old english]
Godchild n. Person in relation to his or her godparent.
God-daughter n. Female godchild.
Goddess n. 1 female deity. 2 adored woman.
Godfather n. 1 male godparent. 2 esp. Us person directing an illegal organization, esp. The mafia.
God-fearing adj. Earnestly religious.
God-forsaken adj. Dismal. Godhead n. (also godhead) 1 a state of being god or a god. B divine nature. 2 deity. 3 (the godhead) god.
Godless adj. 1 impious; wicked. 2 without a god. 3 not recognizing god.
godlessness n.
Godlike adj. Resembling god or a god.
Godly adj. (-ier, -iest) pious, devout. godliness n.
Godmother n. Female godparent.
Godparent n. Person who presents a child at baptism and responds on the child’s behalf.
Godsend n. Unexpected but welcome event or acquisition.
Godson n. Male godchild.
Godspeed int. Expression of good wishes to a person starting a journey.
Goer n. 1 person or thing that goes (slow goer). 2 (often in comb.) Person who
Goer n. 1 person or thing that goes (slow goer). 2 (often in comb.) Person who attends, esp. Regularly (churchgoer). 3 colloq. A lively or persevering person. B sexually promiscuous person.
Go-getter n. Colloq. Aggressively enterprising person.
Goggle —v. (-ling) 1 a (often foll. By at) look with wide-open eyes. B (of the eyes) be rolled about; protrude. 2 roll (the eyes). —adj. (usu. Attrib.) (of the eyes) protuberant or rolling. —n. (in pl.) Spectacles for protecting the eyes. [probably imitative]
Goggle-box n. Colloq. Television set.
Go-go adj. Colloq. (of a dancer, music, etc.) In modern style; lively, erotic, and rhythmic.
Going —n. 1 act or process of going. 2 a condition of the ground for walking, riding, etc. B progress affected by this. —adj. 1 in or into action (set the clock going). 2 existing, available (there’s cold beef going). 3 current, prevalent (the going rate). get going start steadily talking, working, etc. Going on fifteen etc. Esp. Us approaching one’s fifteenth etc. Birthday. Going on for approaching (a time, age, etc.). Going strong continuing vigorously. Going to intending to; about to. To be going on with to start with; for the time being. While the going is good while conditions are favourable.
Going concern n. Thriving business.
Going-over n. (pl. Goings-over) 1 colloq. Inspection or overhaul. 2 slang thrashing.
Goings-on n.pl. (esp. Morally suspect) behaviour.
Goiter n. (brit. Goitre) morbid enlargement of the thyroid gland. [latin guttur throat]
Goitre n. (us goiter) morbid enlargement of the thyroid gland. [latin guttur throat]
Go-kart n. (also go-cart) miniature racing car with a skeleton body.
Gold —n. 1 precious yellow metallic element. 2 colour of gold. 3 a coins or articles made of gold. B wealth. 4 something precious or beautiful. 5 = *gold medal. —adj. 1 made wholly or chiefly of gold. 2 coloured like gold. [old english]
Goldcrest n. Tiny bird with a golden crest.
Gold-digger n. Slang woman who cultivates men to obtain money from them.
Gold-dust n. Gold in fine particles as often found naturally.
Golden adj. 1 a made or consisting of gold. B yielding gold. 2 coloured or shining like gold (golden hair). 3 precious; excellent.
Golden age n. Period of a nation’s greatest prosperity, cultural merit, etc.
Golden eagle n. Large eagle with yellow-tipped head-feathers.
Golden handshake n. Colloq. Payment given on redundancy or early retirement.
Golden jubilee n. Fiftieth anniversary.
Golden mean n. The principle of moderation.
Golden retriever n. Retriever with a thick golden-coloured coat.
Golden rod n. Plant with a spike of yellow flowers.
Golden rule n. Basic principle of action, esp. ‘do as you would be done by’.
Golden wedding n. Fiftieth anniversary of a wedding.
Gold-field n. District in which gold occurs naturally.
Goldfinch n. Songbird with a yellow band across each wing.
Goldfish n. (pl. Same or -es) small reddish-golden chinese carp.
Gold foil n. Gold beaten into a thin sheet.
Gold leaf n. Gold beaten into a very thin sheet.
Gold medal n. Medal of gold, usu. Awarded as first prize.
Gold-mine n. 1 place where gold is mined. 2 colloq. Source of great wealth.
Gold plate n. 1 vessels made of gold. 2 material plated with gold.
Gold-plate v. Plate with gold.
Gold-rush n. Rush to a newly-discovered gold-field.
Goldsmith n. Worker in gold.
Gold standard n. System by which the value of a currency is defined in terms of gold.
Golf —n. Game in which a small hard ball is driven with clubs into a series of 18 or 9 holes with the fewest possible strokes. —v. Play golf. golfer n. [origin unknown]
Golf ball n. 1 ball used in golf. 2 colloq. Small ball used in some electric typewriters to carry the type.
Golf club n. 1 club used in golf. 2 association for playing golf. 3 premises of this.
Golf-course n. (also golf-links) course on which golf is played.
Golliwog n. Black-faced soft doll with fuzzy hair. [origin uncertain]
Golly1 int. Expressing surprise. [euphemism for *god]
Golly2 n. (pl. -ies) colloq. = *golliwog. [abbreviation]
Golosh var. Of *galosh.
Gonad n. Animal organ producing gametes, esp. The testis or ovary. [greek gone seed]
Gondola n. 1 light flat-bottomed boat used on venetian canals. 2 car suspended from an airship or balloon, or attached to a ski-lift. [italian]
Gondolier n. Oarsman on a gondola. [italian: related to *gondola]
Gone adj. 1 (of time) past (not until gone nine). 2 a lost; hopeless. B dead. 3 colloq. Pregnant for a specified time (already three months gone). 4 slang completely enthralled or entranced, esp. By rhythmic music, drugs, etc. be gone depart; leave temporarily (cf. begone). Gone on slang infatuated with. [past part. Of go1]
Goner n. Slang person or thing that is doomed or irrevocably lost.
Gong n. 1 metal disc with a turned rim, giving a resonant note when struck. 2 saucer-shaped bell. 3 slang medal. [malay]
Gonorrhea n. (brit. Gonorrhoea) venereal disease with inflammatory discharge from the urethra or vagina. [greek, = semen-flux]
Gonorrhoea n. (us gonorrhea) venereal disease with inflammatory discharge from the urethra or vagina. [greek, = semen-flux]
Goo n. Colloq. 1 sticky or slimy substance. 2 sickly sentiment. [origin unknown]
Good —adj. (better, best) 1 having the right or desired qualities; adequate. 2 a (of a person) efficient, competent (good at french; good driver). B effective, reliable (good brakes). 3 a kind. B morally excellent; virtuous (good deed). C well-behaved (good child). 4 enjoyable, agreeable (good party; good news). 5 thorough, considerable (a good wash). 6 a not less than (waited a good hour). B considerable in number, quality, etc. (a good many people). 7 beneficial (milk is good for you). 8 a valid, sound (good reason). B financially sound (his credit is good). 9 in exclamations of surprise (good heavens!). 10 (sometimes patronizing) commendable, worthy (good old george; my good man). 11 in courteous greetings and farewells (good morning). —n. 1 (only in sing.) That which is good; what is beneficial or morally right (only good can come of it; what good will it do?). 2 (in pl.) A movable property or merchandise. B things to be transported. C (prec. By the) colloq. What one has undertaken to supply (esp. Deliver the goods). —adv. Us colloq. Well (doing pretty good). as good as practically. Be (a certain amount) to the good have as net profit or advantage. For good (and all) finally, permanently. Good for 1 beneficial to; having a good effect on. 2 able to perform. 3 able to be trusted to pay. Good riddance see *riddance. Have the goods on a person slang have information about a person giving one an advantage over him or her. In good faith with honest or sincere intentions. In good time 1 with no risk of being late. 2 (also all in good time) in due course but without haste. To the good having as profit or benefit. [old english]
Good book n. (prec. By the) the bible.
Goodby (brit. Goodbye) —int. Expressing good wishes on parting, ending a telephone conversation, etc. —n. (pl. -byes or us -bys) parting; farewell. [from god be with you!]
Goodbye (us goodby) —int. Expressing good wishes on parting, ending a telephone conversation, etc. —n. (pl. -byes or us -bys) parting; farewell. [from god be with you!]
Goodness —n. 1 virtue; excellence. 2 kindness (had the goodness to wait). 3 what is beneficial in a thing. —int. (esp. As a substitution for ‘god’) expressing surprise, anger, etc. (goodness me!; goodness knows).
Good-tempered adj. Having a good temper; not easily annoyed.
Goodwill n. 1 kindly feeling. 2 established reputation of a business etc. As enhancing its value. 3 willingness to undertake unpaid duties.
Good will n. Intention that good will result (see also *goodwill).
Good works n.pl. Charitable acts.
Goody —n. (also goodie) (pl. -ies) 1 colloq. Good or favoured person. 2 (usu. In pl.) Something good or attractive, esp. To eat. —int. Expressing childish delight.
Goody-goody colloq. —n. (pl. -ies) smug or obtrusively virtuous person. —adj.
Goofy adj. (-ier, -iest) slang 1 stupid. 2 having protruding or crooked front teeth.
Googly n. (pl. -ies) cricket ball bowled so as to bounce in an unexpected direction. [origin unknown]
Goon n. Slang 1 stupid person. 2 esp. Us ruffian hired by racketeers etc. [origin uncertain]
Goose n. (pl. Geese) 1 a large water-bird with webbed feet and a broad bill. B female of this (opp. *gander 1). C flesh of a goose as food. 2 colloq. Simpleton. [old english]
Gooseberry n. (pl. -ies) 1 yellowish-green berry with juicy flesh. 2 thorny shrub bearing this. play gooseberry colloq. Be an unwanted extra person. [origin uncertain]
Goose-flesh n. (also goose-pimples; us goose-bumps) bristling state of the skin produced by cold, fright, etc.
Goose-step n. Military marching step in which the knees are kept stiff.
Gopher n. American burrowing rodent, ground-squirrel, or burrowing tortoise.
[origin uncertain]
Gordian adj. cut the gordian knot solve a problem by force or by evasion. [gordius king of phrygia, who tied a knot later cut by alexander the great]
Gore1 n. Blood shed and clotted. [old english, = dirt]
Gore2 v. (-ring) pierce with a horn, tusk, etc. [origin unknown]
Gore3 —n. 1 wedge-shaped piece in a garment. 2 triangular or tapering piece in an umbrella etc. —v. (-ring) shape (a garment) with a gore. [old english, = triangle of land]
Gorge —n. 1 narrow opening between hills. 2 act of gorging. 3 contents of the stomach. —v. (-ging) 1 feed greedily. 2 a (often refl.) Satiate. B devour greedily. one’s gorge rises at one is sickened by. [french, = throat]
Gorgon n. 1 (in greek mythology) each of three snake-haired sisters (esp. Medusa) with the power to turn anyone who looked at them to stone. 2 frightening or repulsive woman. [greek gorgos terrible]
Gorgonzola n. Type of rich cheese with bluish-green veins. [gorgonzola in italy]
Gorilla n. Largest anthropoid ape, native to africa. [greek, perhaps from african = wild man]
Gosh int. Expressing surprise. [euphemism for *god]
Goshawk n. Large short-winged hawk. [old english: related to goose, hawk1]
Gosling n. Young goose. [old norse: related to *goose]
Go-slow n. Working slowly, as a form of industrial action.
Gospel n. 1 teaching or revelation of christ. 2 (gospel) a record of christ’s life in the first four books of the new testament. B each of these books. C portion from
the first four books of the new testament. B each of these books. C portion from one of them read at a service. 3 (also gospel truth) thing regarded as absolutely true. 4 (in full gospel music) black american religious singing. [old english: related to *good, *spell1 = news]
Gossamer —n. 1 filmy substance of small spiders’ webs. 2 delicate filmy material. —adj. Light and flimsy as gossamer. [origin uncertain]
Gossip —n. 1 a unconstrained talk or writing, esp. About persons or social incidents. B idle talk. 2 person who indulges in gossip. —v. (-p-) talk or write gossip. gossipy adj. [old english, originally ‘godparent’, hence ‘familiar acquaintance’]
Gossip column n. Section of a newspaper devoted to gossip about well-known people. gossip columnist n.
Got past and past part. Of *get.
Goth n. 1 member of a germanic tribe that invaded the roman empire in the 3rd– 5th c. 2 uncivilized or ignorant person. [old english gota and greek gothoi]
Goth n. 1 style of rock music with an intense or droning blend of guitars, bass, and drums, often with apocalyptic or mystical lyrics. 2 performer or devotee of this music, or member of the subculture favouring black clothing and white-painted faces with black make-up.
Gothic —adj. 1 of the goths. 2 in the style of architecture prevalent in w. Europe in the 12th–16th c., characterized by pointed arches. 3 (of a novel etc.) In a style
in the 12th–16th c., characterized by pointed arches. 3 (of a novel etc.) In a style popular in the 18th–19th c., with supernatural or horrifying events. 4 barbarous, uncouth. —n. 1 gothic language. 2 gothic architecture. [latin: related to *goth]
Gotten us past part. Of *get.
Gouache n. 1 method of painting in opaque pigments ground in water and thickened with a gluelike substance. 2 these pigments. [french from italian]
Gouda n. Flat round usu. Dutch cheese. [gouda in holland]
Gouge —n. Chisel with a concave blade. —v. (-ging) 1 cut with or as with a gouge. 2 (foll. By out) force out (esp. An eye with the thumb) with or as with a gouge. [latin gubia]
Goulash n. Highly-seasoned hungarian stew of meat and vegetables. [magyar gulyás-hús, = herdsman’s meat]
Gourd n. 1 a fleshy usu. Large fruit with a hard skin. B climbing or trailing plant of the cucumber family bearing this. 2 dried skin of the gourd-fruit, used as a drinking-vessel etc. [latin cucurbita]
Gourmand n. 1 glutton. 2 gourmet. [french]
Usage the use of gourmand in sense 2 is considered incorrect by some people.
Gourmandise n. Gluttony.
Gourmet n. Connoisseur of good food. [french]
Gout n. Disease with inflammation of the smaller joints, esp. Of the toe. gouty adj. [latin gutta drop]
Govern v. 1 rule or control with authority; conduct the policy and affairs of. 2 influence or determine (a person or course of action). 3 be a standard or principle for. 4 check or control (esp. Passions). 5 gram. (esp. Of a verb or preposition) have (a noun or pronoun or its case) depending on it. [greek kubernao steer]
Governance n. 1 act or manner of governing. 2 function of governing. [french:
related to *govern]
Governess n. Woman employed to teach children in a private household.
Government n. 1 act or manner of governing. 2 system by which a state is governed. 3 a body of persons governing a state. B (usu. Government) particular ministry in office. 4 the state as an agent. governmental adj.
Governor n. 1 ruler. 2 a official governing a province, town, etc. B representative of the crown in a colony. 3 executive head of each state of the us. 4 officer commanding a fortress etc. 5 head or member of the governing body of an institution. 6 official in charge of a prison. 7 a slang one’s employer. B slang
one’s father. 8 mech. Automatic regulator controlling the speed of an engine etc.
governorship n.
Governor-general n. Representative of the crown in a commonwealth country that regards the queen as head of state.
Gown n. 1 loose flowing garment, esp. A woman’s long dress. 2 official robe of an alderman, judge, cleric, academic, etc. 3 surgeon’s overall. [latin gunna fur]
Goy n. (pl. -im or -s) jewish name for a non-jew. [hebrew, = people]
Gp abbr. General practitioner.
Gpo abbr. General post office.
Gr abbr. (also gr.) 1 gram(s). 2 grains. 3 gross.
Grab —v. (-bb-) 1 seize suddenly. 2 take greedily or unfairly. 3 slang attract the attention of, impress. 4 (foll. By at) snatch at. 5 (of brakes) act harshly or jerkily. —n. 1 sudden clutch or attempt to seize. 2 mechanical device for clutching. [low german or dutch]
Grace —n. 1 attractiveness, esp. In elegance of proportion or manner or movement. 2 courteous good will (had the grace to apologize). 3 attractive feature; accomplishment (social graces). 4 a (in christian belief) the unmerited favour of god. B state of receiving this. 5 goodwill, favour. 6 delay granted as a favour (a year’s grace). 7 short thanksgiving before or after a meal. 8 (grace) (in
greek mythology) each of three beautiful sister goddesses, bestowers of beauty and charm. 9 (grace) (prec. By his, her, your) forms of description or address for a duke, duchess, or archbishop. —v. (-cing) (often foll. By with) add grace to; confer honour on (graced us with his presence). with good (or bad) grace as if willingly (or reluctantly). [latin gratia]
Graceful adj. Having or showing grace or elegance. gracefully adv. Gracefulness n.
Graceless adj. Lacking grace, elegance, or charm.
Grace-note n. Mus. Extra note as an embellishment.
Gracious —adj. 1 kind; indulgent and beneficent to inferiors. 2 (of god) merciful, benign. —int. Expressing surprise. graciously adv. Graciousness n. [latin: related to *grace]
Gracious living n. Elegant way of life.
Gradate v. (-ting) 1 (cause to) pass gradually from one shade to another. 2 arrange in steps or grades of size etc.
Gradation n. (usu. In pl.) 1 stage of transition or advance. 2 a certain degree in rank, intensity, etc. B arrangement in such degrees. gradational adj. [latin: related to *grade]
Grade —n. 1 a certain degree in rank, merit, proficiency, etc. B class of persons or things of the same grade. 2 mark indicating the quality of a student’s work. 3 us class in school. 4 gradient, slope. —v. (-ding) 1 arrange in grades. 2 (foll. By up, down, off, into, etc.) Pass gradually between grades, or into a grade. 3 give a grade to (a student). 4 reduce (a road etc.) To easy gradients. [latin gradus step]
Gradient n. 1 stretch of road, railway, etc., that slopes. 2 amount of such a slope. [probably from *grade after salient]
Gradual adj. 1 progressing by degrees. 2 not rapid, steep, or abrupt. gradually adv. [latin: related to *grade]
Gradualism n. Policy of gradual reform.
Graduate —n. Person holding an academic degree. —v. (-ting) 1 obtain an academic degree. 2 (foll. By to) move up to (a higher grade of activity etc.). 3 mark out in degrees or parts. 4 arrange in gradations; apportion (e.g. Tax) according to a scale. graduation n. [medieval latin graduor take a degree: related to *grade]
Graeco-roman adj. Of the greeks and romans.
Graffiti n.pl. (sing. Graffito) writing or drawing scribbled, scratched, or sprayed on a surface. [italian graffio a scratch]
Usage the singular or collective use of the form graffiti is considered incorrect by some people, but it is frequently found, e.g. Graffiti has appeared.
Graft1 —n. 1 bot. A shoot or scion inserted into a slit of stock, from which it receives sap. B place where a graft is inserted. 2 surgery piece of living tissue, organ, etc., transplanted surgically. 3 slang hard work. —v. 1 (often foll. By into, on, together, etc.) Insert (a scion) as a graft. 2 transplant (living tissue). 3 (foll. By in, on) insert or fix (a thing) permanently to another. 4 slang work hard. [greek graphion stylus]
Graft2 colloq. —n. 1 practices, esp. Bribery, used to secure illicit gains in politics or business. 2 such gains. —v. Seek or make such gains. [origin unknown]
Grail n. (in full holy grail) (in medieval legend) cup or platter used by christ at the last supper. [medieval latin gradalis dish]
Grain —n. 1 fruit or seed of a cereal. 2 (collect.) Wheat or any allied grass used as food; corn. 3 small hard particle of salt, sand, etc. 4 unit of weight, 0.0648 gram. 5 smallest possible quantity (not a grain of truth in it). 6 roughness of surface. 7 texture of skin, wood, stone, etc. 8 a pattern of lines of fibre in wood or paper. B lamination in stone etc. —v. 1 paint in imitation of the grain of wood etc. 2 give a granular surface to. 3 form into grains. against the grain contrary toone’s natural inclination or feeling. grainy adj. (-ier, -iest). [latin granum]
Gram n. (also gramme) metric unit of mass equal to one-thousandth of a kilogram. [greek gramma small weight]
-gram comb. Form forming nouns denoting a thing written or recorded (often in a certain way) (anagram; epigram; telegram). [greek gramma thing written]
Graminaceous adj. Of or like grass. [latin gramen grass]
Graminivorous adj. Feeding on grass, cereals, etc.
Grammar n. 1 the study or rules of a language’s inflections or other means of showing the relation between words. 2 observance or application of the rules of grammar (bad grammar). 3 book on grammar. [greek gramma letter]
Grammarian n. Expert in grammar or linguistics.
Grammar school n. Esp. Hist. Selective state secondary school with a mainly academic curriculum.
Grammatical adj. Of or conforming to the rules of grammar. grammatically adv.
Gramme var. Of *gram.
Gramophone n. = *record-player. [inversion of phonogram: as phono-, -gram]
Gramophone record = *record n. 3.
Grampus n. (pl. -puses) a kind of dolphin with a blunt snout. [latin crassus piscis
Grampus n. (pl. -puses) a kind of dolphin with a blunt snout. [latin crassus piscis fat fish]
Gran n. Colloq. Grandmother. [abbreviation]
Granadilla n. Passion-fruit. [spanish, diminutive of granada pomegranate]
Granary n. (pl. -ies) 1 storehouse for threshed grain. 2 region producing, and esp. Exporting, much corn. [latin: related to *grain]
Grand —adj. 1 splendid, magnificent, imposing, dignified. 2 main; of chief importance. 3 (grand) of the highest rank (grand duke). 4 colloq. Excellent, enjoyable. 5 belonging to high society. 6 (in comb.) (in names of family relationships) denoting the second degree of ascent or descent (granddaughter). —n. 1 = *grand piano. 2 (pl. Same) (usu. In pl.) Esp. Us slang a thousand dollars or pounds. grandly adv. Grandness n. [latin grandis full-grown]
Grandad n. (also grand-dad) colloq. 1 grandfather. 2 elderly man.
Grandchild n. Child of one’s son or daughter.
Granddaughter n. Female grandchild.
Grandee n. 1 spanish or portuguese nobleman of the highest rank. 2 person of high rank. [spanish and portuguese grande: related to *grand]
Grandeur n. 1 majesty, splendour; dignity of appearance or bearing. 2 high rank, eminence. 3 nobility of character. [french: related to *grand]
Grandfather n. Male grandparent.
Grandfather clock n. Clock in a tall wooden case, driven by weights.
Grandiloquent adj. Pompous or inflated in language. grandiloquence n. [latin:
related to *grand, -loquus from loquor speak]
Grandiose adj. 1 producing or meant to produce an imposing effect. 2 planned on an ambitious scale. grandiosity n. [italian: related to *grand]
Grand jury n. Esp. Us jury selected to examine the validity of an accusation prior to trial.
Grandma n. Colloq. Grandmother.
Grand mal n. Serious form of epilepsy with loss of consciousness. [french, = great sickness]
Grand master n. Chess-player of the highest class.
Grandmother n. Female grandparent.
Grandmother n. Female grandparent.
Grand national n. Steeplechase held annually at aintree, liverpool.
Grand opera n. Opera on a serious theme, or in which the entire libretto (including dialogue) is sung.
Grandpa n. Colloq. Grandfather.
Grandparent n. Parent of one’s father or mother.
Grand piano n. Large full-toned piano with horizontal strings.
Grand prix n. Any of several important international motor or motor-cycle racing events. [french, = great or chief prize]
Grandsire n. Archaic grandfather.
Grand slam n. 1 sport winning of all of a group of matches etc. 2 bridge winning of 13 tricks.
Grandson n. Male grandchild.
Grandstand n. Main stand for spectators at a racecourse etc.
Grand total n. Sum of other totals.
Grand tour n. Hist. Cultural tour of europe.
Grange n. Country house with farm-buildings. [latin granica: related to *grain]
Graniferous adj. Producing grain or a grainlike seed. [latin: related to *grain]
Granite n. Granular crystalline rock of quartz, mica, etc., used for building. [italian granito: related to *grain]
Granivorous adj. Feeding on grain. [latin: related to *grain]
Granny n. (also grannie) (pl. -ies) colloq. Grandmother. [diminutive of grannam from archaic grandam: related to *grand, *dame]
Granny flat n. Part of a house made into self-contained accommodation for an elderly relative.
Granny knot n. Reef-knot crossed the wrong way and therefore insecure.
Grant —v. 1 a consent to fulfil (a request etc.). B allow (a person) to have (a thing). 2 give formally; transfer legally. 3 (often foll. By that) admit as true; concede. —n. 1 process of granting. 2 sum of money given by the state. 3 legal conveyance by written instrument. take for granted 1 assume something to be true or valid. 2 cease to appreciate through familiarity. grantor n. (esp. In sense 2 of v.). [french gr(e)anter var. Of creanter from latin credo entrust]
Grant-maintained adj. (of a school) funded by central rather than local government.
Granular adj. Of or like grains or granules. granularity n. [latin: related to *granule]
Granulate v. (-ting) 1 form into grains. 2 roughen the surface of. granulation n.
Granule n. Small grain. [latin diminutive of granum: related to *grain]
Grape n. Berry (usu. Green, purple, or black) growing in clusters on a vine, used as fruit and in making wine. [french, probably from grappe hook]
Grapefruit n. (pl. Same) large round usu. Yellow citrus fruit.
Grape hyacinth n. Plant of the lily family with clusters of usu. Blue flowers.
Grapeshot n. Hist. Small balls used as charge in a cannon and scattering when fired.
Grapevine n. 1 vine. 2 colloq. The means of transmission of a rumour.
Graph —n. Diagram showing the relation between variable quantities, usu. Of two variables, each measured along one of a pair of axes. —v. Plot or trace on a graph. [abbreviation of graphic formula]
-graph comb. Form forming nouns and verbs meaning: 1 thing written or drawn etc. In a specified way (photograph). 2 instrument that records (seismograph).
-grapher comb. Form forming nouns denoting a person concerned with a subject (geographer; radiographer). [greek -grapho write]
Grape hyacinth n. Plant of the lily family with clusters of usu. Blue flowers.
Grapeshot n. Hist. Small balls used as charge in a cannon and scattering when fired.
Grapevine n. 1 vine. 2 colloq. The means of transmission of a rumour.
Graph —n. Diagram showing the relation between variable quantities, usu. Of two variables, each measured along one of a pair of axes. —v. Plot or trace on a graph. [abbreviation of graphic formula]
-graph comb. Form forming nouns and verbs meaning: 1 thing written or drawn etc. In a specified way (photograph). 2 instrument that records (seismograph).
-grapher comb. Form forming nouns denoting a person concerned with a subject (geographer; radiographer). [greek -grapho write]
Graphic adj. 1 of or relating to the visual or descriptive arts, esp. Writing and drawing. 2 vividly descriptive. graphically adv. [greek graphe writing]
-graphic comb. Form (also -graphical) forming adjectives corresponding to nouns in -graphy.
Graphic arts n.pl. Visual and technical arts involving design or the use of lettering.
Graphic novel n. Novel in comic-strip format.
Graphics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) 1 products of the graphic arts. 2 use of diagrams in calculation and design.
Graphite n. Crystalline allotropic form of carbon used as a lubricant, in pencils, etc. graphitic adj. [german graphit from greek grapho write]
Graphology n. The study of handwriting, esp. As a supposed guide to character. graphologist n. [greek: related to *graphic]
Graph paper n. Paper printed with a network of lines as a basis for drawing graphs.
-graphy comb. Form forming nouns denoting: 1 descriptive science (geography).
2 technique of producing images (photography). 3 style or method of writing etc.
(calligraphy).
Grapnel n. 1 device with iron claws, for dragging or grasping. 2 small anchor with several flukes. [french grapon: related to *grape]
Grapple —v. (-ling) 1 (often foll. By with) fight in close combat. 2 (foll. By with) try to manage (a difficult problem etc.). 3 a grip with the hands; come to close quarters with. B seize with or as with a grapnel. —n. 1 a hold or grip in or as in wrestling. B contest at close quarters. 2 clutching-instrument; grapnel. [french grapil: related to *grapnel]
Grappling-iron n. (also grappling-hook) = *grapnel.
Grasp —v. 1 a clutch at; seize greedily. B hold firmly. 2 (foll. By at) try to seize; accept avidly. 3 understand or realize (a fact or meaning). —n. 1 firm hold; grip. 2 (foll. By of) a mastery (a grasp of the situation). B mental hold. grasp the nettle tackle a difficulty boldly. [earlier grapse: related to *grope]
Grasping adj. Avaricious.
Grass —n. 1 a any of a group of wild plants with green blades that are eaten by ruminants. B plant of the family which includes cereals, reeds, and bamboos. 2 pasture land. 3 grass-covered ground, lawn. 4 grazing (out to grass). 5 slang marijuana. 6 slang informer. —v. 1 cover with turf. 2 us provide with pasture. 3 slang a betray, esp. To the police. B inform the police. grassy adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Grasshopper n. Jumping and chirping insect.
Grassland n. Large open area covered with grass, esp. Used for grazing.
Grass roots n.pl. 1 fundamental level or source. 2 ordinary people; rank and file of an organization, esp. A political party.
Grass snake n. Common harmless european snake.
Grass widow n. (also grass widower) person whose husband (or wife) is away for a prolonged period.
Grate1 v. (-ting) 1 reduce to small particles by rubbing on a serrated surface. 2 (often foll. By against, on) rub with a harsh scraping sound. 3 utter in a harsh tone. 4 (often foll. By on) a sound harshly. B have an irritating effect.
Grate2 n. 1 fireplace or furnace. 2 metal frame confining fuel in this. [latin cratis hurdle]
gratefully adv. [obsolete grate from latin gratus]
Gratify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 a please, delight. B please by compliance. 2 yield to (a feeling or desire). gratification n. [latin: related to *grateful]
Grating n. 1 framework of parallel or crossed metal bars. 2 optics set of parallel wires, lines ruled on glass, etc.
Gratis adv. & adj. Free; without charge. [latin]
Gratitude n. Being thankful; readiness to return kindness. [latin: related to *grateful]
Gratuitous adj. 1 given or done free of charge. 2 uncalled-for; lacking good reason. gratuitously adv. Gratuitousness n. [latin, = spontaneous]
Gratuity n. (pl. -ies) = tip3 n. 1. [latin: related to grateful]
Grave1 n. 1 trench dug in the ground for the burial of a corpse; mound or memorial stone placed over this. 2 (prec. By the) death. [old english]
Grave2 —adj. 1 a serious, weighty, important. B dignified, solemn, sombre. 2 extremely serious or threatening. —n. = *grave accent. gravely adv. [latin gravis heavy]
Grave3 v. (-ving; past part. Graven or graved) 1 (foll. By in, on) fix indelibly (on one’s memory). 2 archaic engrave, carve. [old english]
Grave accent n. A mark (`) placed over a vowel to denote pronunciation, length, etc.
Gravedigger n. Person who digs graves.
Gravel —n. 1 mixture of coarse sand and small stones, used for paths etc. 2 med. Aggregations of crystals formed in the urinary tract. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) lay or strew with gravel. [french diminutive, perhaps of grave shore]
Gravelly adj. 1 of or like gravel. 2 (of a voice) deep and rough-sounding.
Graven past part. Of *grave3.
Graven image n. Idol.
Graves n. Light usu. White wine from graves in france.
Gravestone n. Stone (usu. Inscribed) marking a grave.
Graveyard n. Burial ground.
Gravid adj. Pregnant. [latin gravidus: related to *grave2]
Gravimeter n. Instrument measuring the difference in the force of gravity between two places. [latin: related to *grave2]
Gravimetry n. Measurement of weight. gravimetric adj.
Gravitate v. (-ting) 1 (foll. By to, towards) move or be attracted to. 2 a move or tend by force of gravity towards. B sink by or as if by gravity. [related to *grave2]
Gravitation n. Physics 1 force of attraction between any particle of matter in the universe and any other. 2 effect of this, esp. The falling of bodies to the earth. gravitational adj.
Gravity n. 1 a force that attracts a body to the centre of the earth etc. B degree of intensity of this. C gravitational force. 2 property of having weight. 3 a importance, seriousness. B solemnity. [latin: related to *grave2]
Gravy n. (pl. -ies) 1 juices exuding from meat during and after cooking. 2 sauce for food, made from these etc. [perhaps from a misreading of french grané from grain spice, *grain]
Gravy-boat n. Boat-shaped vessel for serving gravy.
Gravy train n. Slang source of easy financial benefit.
Gray (brit. Grey) —adj. 1 of a colour intermediate between black and white. 2 dull, dismal. 3 a (of hair) turning white with age etc. B having grey hair. 4 anonymous, unidentifiable. —n. 1 a grey colour or pigment. B grey clothes or material (dressed in grey). 2 grey or white horse. —v. Make or become grey. greyish adj. Greyness n. [old english]
Grayling n. (pl. Same) silver-grey freshwater fish. [from *grey, *-ling]
Graze1 v. (-zing) 1 (of cattle, sheep, etc.) Eat growing grass. 2 a feed (cattle etc.) On growing grass. B feed on (grass). 3 pasture cattle. [old english: related to *grass]
Graze2 —v. (-zing) 1 rub or scrape (part of the body, esp. The skin). 2 a touch lightly in passing. B (foll. By against, along, etc.) Move with a light passing contact. —n. Abrasion. [perhaps from *graze1, as if ‘take off the grass close to the ground’]
Grazier n. 1 person who feeds cattle for market. 2 austral. Large-scale sheep-farmer etc. [from *grass]
Grazing n. Grassland suitable for pasturage.
Grease —n. 1 oily or fatty matter, esp. As a lubricant. 2 melted fat of a dead
animal. —v. (-sing) smear or lubricate with grease. grease the palm of colloq.
animal. —v. (-sing) smear or lubricate with grease. grease the palm of colloq. Bribe. [latin crassus (adj.) Fat]
Greasepaint n. Make-up used by actors.
Greaseproof adj. Impervious to grease.
Greaser n. Slang member of a gang of youths with long hair and motor cycles.
Greasy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 a of or like grease. B smeared or covered with grease. C containing or having too much grease. 2 a slippery. B (of a person or manner) unpleasantly unctuous. greasily adv. Greasiness n.
Great —adj. 1 a of a size, amount, extent, or intensity considerably above the normal or average (a great hole; great fun). B also with implied admiration, contempt, etc., esp. In exclamations (you great idiot!; great stuff!). C reinforcing other words denoting size, quantity, etc. (great big hole). 2 important, pre-eminent (the great thing is not to get caught). 3 grand, imposing (great occasion). 4 distinguished. 5 remarkable in ability, character, etc. (great men; great thinker). 6 (foll. By at, on) competent, well-informed. 7 fully deserving the name of; doing a thing extensively (great reader; great believer in tolerance). 8 (also greater) the larger of the name, species, etc. (great auk; greater celandine). 9 colloq. Very enjoyable or satisfactory (had a great time). 10 (in comb.) (in names of family relationships) denoting one degree further removed upwards or downwards (great-uncle; great-great-grandmother). —n. 1 great or outstanding person or thing. 2 (in pl.) (greats) colloq. (at oxford university) honours course or final examinations in classics and philosophy. greatness n. [old english]
Great bear see *bear2.
Great circle n. Circle on the surface of a sphere whose plane passes through the sphere’s centre.
Greatcoat n. Heavy overcoat.
Great dane n. Dog of a large short-haired breed.
Great deal n. = *deal1 n. 1.
Greatly adv. Much; by a considerable amount (greatly admired; greatly superior).
Great tit n. Eurasian songbird with black and white head markings.
Great war n. World war of 1914–18.
Greave n. (usu. In pl.) Armour for the shin. [french, = shin]
Grebe n. A kind of diving bird. [french]
Grecian adj. (of architecture or facial outline) greek. [latin graecia greece]
Grecian nose n. Straight nose that continues the line of the forehead without a dip.
Greed n. Excessive desire, esp. For food or wealth. [from *greedy]
Greedy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 having or showing greed. 2 (foll. By for, or to + infin.) Very eager. greedily adv. Greediness n. [old english]
Greek —n. 1 a native or national of greece. B person of greek descent. 2 language of greece. —adj. Of greece or its people or language; hellenic. greek to me colloq. Incomprehensible to me. [old english ultimately from greek graikoi]
Greek cross n. Cross with four equal arms.
Green —adj. 1 of the colour between blue and yellow in the spectrum; coloured like grass. 2 covered with leaves or grass. 3 (of fruit etc. Or wood) unripe or unseasoned. 4 not dried, smoked, or tanned. 5 inexperienced, gullible. 6 a (of the complexion) pale, sickly-hued. B jealous, envious. 7 young, flourishing. 8 not withered or worn out (a green old age).
Green belt n. Area of open land round a city, designated for preservation.
Green card n. International insurance document for motorists.
Greenery n. Green foliage or growing plants.
Green-eyed adj. Colloq. Jealous.
Greenfinch n. Finch with green and yellow plumage.
Green fingers n. Colloq. Skill in growing plants.
Greenfly n. 1 green aphid. 2 these collectively.
Greengage n. Roundish green variety of plum. [sir w. Gage, name of a botanist]
Greengrocer n. Retailer of fruit and vegetables.
Greengrocery n. (pl. -ies) 1 greengrocer’s business. 2 goods sold by a greengrocer.
Greenhorn n. Inexperienced person; new recruit.
Greenhouse n. Light structure with the sides and roof mainly of glass, for rearing plants.
Greenhouse effect n. Trapping of the sun’s warmth in the lower atmosphere of the earth, caused by an increase in carbon dioxide, methane, etc.
Greenhouse gas n. Any of the gases, esp. Carbon dioxide and methane, that contribute to the greenhouse effect.
Green light n. 1 signal to proceed on a road, railway, etc. 2 colloq. Permission to proceed with a project.
Green paper n. Preliminary report of government proposals, for discussion.
Green pound n. Exchange rate for the pound for payments for agricultural produce in the ec.
Green revolution n. Greatly increased crop production in underdeveloped countries.
Green-room n. Room in a theatre for actors and actresses who are off stage.
Green-stick fracture n. Bone-fracture, esp. In children, in which one side of the bone is broken and one only bent.
Greenstuff n. Vegetation; green vegetables.
Greensward n. Expanse of grassy turf.
Green tea n. Tea made from steam-dried leaves.
Greenwich mean time n. Local time on the meridian of greenwich, used as an international basis of time-reckoning.
Greenwood n. A wood in summer.
Greeny adj. Greenish.
Greet1 v. 1 address politely or welcomingly on meeting or arrival. 2 receive or acknowledge in a specified way. 3 (of a sight, sound, etc.) Become apparent to or noticed by. [old english]
Greet2 v. Scot. Weep. [old english]
Greeting n. 1 act or instance of welcoming etc. 2 words, gestures, etc., used to greet a person. 3 (often in pl.) Expression of goodwill.
Greetings card n. Decorative card sent to convey greetings.
Gregarious adj. 1 fond of company. 2 living in flocks or communities. gregariousness n. [latin grex gregis flock]
gregariousness n. [latin grex gregis flock]
Gregorian calendar n. Calendar introduced in 1582 by pope gregory xiii.
Gregorian chant n. Plainsong ritual music, named after pope gregory i.
Gremlin n. Colloq. Imaginary mischievous sprite regarded as responsible for mechanical faults etc. [origin unknown]
Grenade n. Small bomb thrown by hand (hand-grenade) or shot from a rifle. [french: related to *pomegranate]
Grenadier n. 1 (grenadiers or grenadier guards) first regiment of the royal household infantry. 2 hist. Soldier armed with grenades.
Grew past of *grow.
Grey (us gray) —adj. 1 of a colour intermediate between black and white. 2 dull, dismal. 3 a (of hair) turning white with age etc. B having grey hair. 4 anonymous, unidentifiable. —n. 1 a grey colour or pigment. B grey clothes or material (dressed in grey). 2 grey or white horse. —v. Make or become grey. greyish adj. Greyness n. [old english]
Grey area n. Situation or topic not clearly defined.
Grey friar n. Franciscan friar.
Greyhound n. Dog of a tall slender breed capable of high speed. [old english, = bitch-hound]
Greylag n. (in full greylag goose) european wild goose. [from *grey]
Grey matter n. 1 the darker tissues of the brain and spinal cord. 2 colloq.
Intelligence.
Grey squirrel n. American squirrel brought to europe in the 19th c.
Grid n. 1 grating. 2 system of numbered squares printed on a map and forming the basis of map references. 3 network of lines, electric-power connections, gas-supply lines, etc. 4 pattern of lines marking the starting-places on a motor-racing track. 5 perforated electrode controlling the flow of electrons in a thermionic valve etc. 6 arrangement of town streets in a rectangular pattern. [from *gridiron]
Griddle n. Circular iron plate placed over a source of heat for baking etc. [latin cratis hurdle]
Gridiron n. Cooking utensil of metal bars for broiling or grilling. [related to *griddle]
Grief n. 1 intense sorrow. 2 cause of this. come to grief meet with disaster.
[french: related to *grieve]
Grievance n. Real or fancied cause for complaint. [french: related to *grief]
Grieve v. (-ving) 1 cause grief to. 2 suffer grief. [latin: related to *grave2]
Grievous bodily harm n. Law serious injury inflicted intentionally.
Griffin n. (also gryphon) fabulous creature with an eagle’s head and wings and a lion’s body. [latin gryphus from greek]
Griffon n. 1 dog of a small terrier-like breed. 2 large vulture. 3 = griffin. [french,
griffin]
Grill —n. 1 a device on a cooker for radiating heat downwards. B = gridiron. 2 food cooked on a grill. 3 (in full grill room) restaurant specializing in grilled food. —v. 1 cook or be cooked under a grill or on a gridiron. 2 subject or be subjected to extreme heat. 3 subject to severe questioning. [french: related to griddle]
Grille n. (also grill) 1 grating or latticed screen, used as a partition etc. 2 metal grid protecting the radiator of a vehicle.
Grilse n. (pl. Same or -s) young salmon that has returned to fresh water from the sea for the first time. [origin unknown]
Grim adj. (grimmer, grimmest) 1 of stern or forbidding appearance. 2 harsh, merciless. 3 ghastly, joyless (has a grim truth in it). 4 unpleasant, unattractive. grimly adv. Grimness n. [old english]
Grimace —n. Distortion of the face made in disgust etc. Or to amuse. —v. (-cing) make a grimace. [french from spanish]
Grime —n. Soot or dirt ingrained in a surface. —v. (-ming) blacken with grime; befoul. griminess n. Grimy adj. (-ier, -iest). [low german or dutch]
Grin —v. (-nn-) 1 a smile broadly, showing the teeth. B make a forced, unrestrained, or stupid smile. 2 express by grinning. —n. Act of grinning. grin and bear it take pain etc. Stoically. [old english]
Grind —v. (past and past part. Ground) 1 reduce to small particles or powder by crushing. 2 a sharpen or smooth by friction. B rub or rub together gratingly. 3 (often foll. By down) oppress; harass with exactions. 4 a (often foll. By away) work or study hard. B (foll. By out) produce with effort. —n. 1 act or instance of grinding. 2 colloq. Hard dull work (the daily grind). 3 size of ground particles. grind to a halt stop laboriously.
Grinder n. 1 person or thing that grinds, esp. A machine. 2 molar tooth.
Grindstone n. 1 thick revolving disc used for grinding, sharpening, and
polishing. 2 a kind of stone used for this. keep one’s nose to the grindstone work hard and continuously.
Grip —v. (-pp-) 1 a grasp tightly. B take a firm hold, esp. By friction. 2 compel the attention of. —n. 1 a firm hold; tight grasp. B manner of grasping or holding. 2 power of holding attention. 3 a intellectual mastery. B effective control of one’s behaviour etc. (lose one’s grip). 4 a part of a machine that grips. B part by which a weapon etc. Is held. 5 = *hairgrip. 6 travelling bag. come (or get) to grips with approach purposefully; begin to deal with. [old english]
Grit —n. 1 particles of stone or sand, esp. As irritating or hindering. 2 coarse sandstone. 3 colloq. Pluck, endurance. —v. (-tt-) 1 spread grit on (icy roads etc.). 2 clench (the teeth). 3 make a grating sound. gritter n. Gritty adj. (-ier, -iest). [old english]
Grits n.pl. 1 coarsely ground grain, esp. Oatmeal. 2 oats that have been husked but not ground. [old english]
Grizzle v. (-ling) colloq. 1 (esp. Of a child) cry fretfully. 2 complain whiningly. grizzly adj. [origin unknown]
Grizzled adj. 1 (of hair) grey or streaked with grey. 2 having grizzled hair. [grizzle grey from french grisel]
Grizzly —adj. (-ier, -iest) grey, grey-haired. —n. (pl. -ies) (in full grizzly bear) large variety of brown bear, found in n. America and n. Russia.
Groan —v. 1 a make a deep sound expressing pain, grief, or disapproval. B utter with groans. 2 (usu. Foll. By under, beneath, with) be loaded or oppressed. —n. Sound made in groaning. [old english]
Groat n. Hist. Silver coin worth four old pence. [low german or dutch: related to *great]
Groats n.pl. Hulled or crushed grain, esp. Oats. [old english]
Grocer n. Dealer in food and household provisions. [anglo-french grosser from latin grossus *gross]
Grocery n. (pl. -ies) 1 grocer’s trade or shop. 2 (in pl.) Goods, esp. Food, sold by a grocer.
Grog n. Drink of spirit (orig. Rum) and water. [origin uncertain]
Groggy adj. (-ier, -iest) incapable or unsteady. groggily adv. Grogginess n.
Groin1 —n. 1 depression between the belly and the thigh. 2 archit. A edge formed by intersecting vaults. B arch supporting a vault. —v. Archit. Build with groins. [origin uncertain]
Groin n. (brit. Groyne) timber, stone, or concrete wall built at right angles to the coast to check beach erosion. [dial. Groin snout, from french]
Grommet n. (also grummet) 1 metal, plastic, or rubber eyelet placed in a hole to protect or insulate a rope or cable etc. Passed through it. 2 tube passed through the eardrum to make a communication with the middle ear. [french]
Groom —n. 1 person employed to take care of horses. 2 = *bridegroom. 3 mil. Any of certain officers of the royal household. —v. 1 a curry or tend (a horse). B give a neat appearance to (a person etc.).
Groove —n. 1 channel or elongated hollow, esp. One made to guide motion or receive a corresponding ridge. 2 spiral track cut in a gramophone record. —v. (-ving) 1 make a groove or grooves in. 2 slang enjoy oneself. [dutch]
Groovy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 slang excellent. 2 of or like a groove.
Grope —v. (-ping) 1 (usu. Foll. By for) feel about or search blindly. 2 (foll. By for, after) search mentally. 3 feel (one’s way) towards something. 4 slang fondle clumsily for sexual pleasure. —n. Act of groping. [old english]
Grosgrain n. Corded fabric of silk etc. [french, = coarse grain: related to *gross, *grain]
Gros point n. Cross-stitch embroidery on canvas. [french: related to *gross, *point]
Gross —adj. 1 overfed, bloated. 2 (of a person, manners, or morals) coarse, unrefined, or indecent. 3 flagrant (gross negligence). 4 total; not net (gross tonnage). 5 (of the senses etc.) Dull. —v. Produce as gross profit. —n. (pl.
Same) amount equal to twelve dozen. grossly adv. Grossness n. [latin grossus]
Gross domestic product n. Total value of goods produced and services provided in a country in one year.
Gross national product n. Gross domestic product plus the total of net income from abroad.
Grotesque —adj. 1 comically or repulsively distorted. 2 incongruous, absurd. — n. 1 decorative form interweaving human and animal features. 2 comically distorted figure or design. grotesquely adv. Grotesqueness n. [italian: related to *grotto]
Grotto n. (pl. -es or -s) 1 picturesque cave. 2 artificial ornamental cave. [italian grotta from greek krupte *crypt]
Grouch colloq. —v. Grumble. —n. 1 discontented person. 2 fit of grumbling or the sulks. grouchy adj. (-ier, -iest). [related to *grudge]
Ground1 —n. 1 a surface of the earth, esp. As contrasted with the air around it. B part of this specified in some way (low ground). 2 a position, area, or distance on the earth’s surface. B extent of a subject dealt with (the book covers a lot of ground). 3 (often in pl.) Reason, justification. 4 area of a special kind or use (often in comb.: cricket-ground; fishing-grounds). 5 (in pl.) Enclosed land attached to a house etc. 6 area or basis for agreement etc. (common ground). 7 (in painting etc.) The surface giving the predominant colour. 8 (in pl.) Solid particles, esp. Of coffee, forming a residue. 9 us electr. = *earth n. 4. 10 bottom of the sea. 11 floor of a room etc. 12 (in full ground bass) mus. Short theme in the bass constantly repeated with the upper parts of the music varied. 13 (attrib.) (of animals) living on or in the ground; (of plants) dwarfish or trailing. —v. 1 refuse authority for (a pilot or an aircraft) to fly. 2 a run (a ship) aground; strand. B (of a ship) run aground. 3 (foll. By in) instruct thoroughly (in a subject). 4 (often as grounded adj.) (foll. By on) base (a principle, conclusion, etc.) On. 5 us electr. = *earth v. break new (or fresh) ground treat a subject previously not dealt with. Get off the ground colloq. Make a successful start. Give (or lose) ground retreat, decline. Go to ground 1 (of a fox etc.) Enter its earth etc. 2 (of a person) become inaccessible for a prolonged period. Hold one’s ground not retreat. On the grounds of because of. [old english]
Ground2 past and past part. Of *grind.
Ground control n. Personnel directing the landing etc. Of aircraft etc.
Ground cover n. Low-growing plants covering the surface of the earth.
Ground elder n. Garden weed spreading by means of underground stems.
Ground floor n. Floor of a building at ground level.
Ground frost n. Frost on the surface of the ground or in the top layer of soil.
Ground glass n. 1 glass made non-transparent by grinding etc. 2 glass ground to a powder.
Grounding n. Basic training or instruction.
Groundless adj. Without motive or foundation.
Groundnut n. = *peanut 1, 2.
Ground-plan n. 1 plan of a building at ground level. 2 general outline of a scheme.
Ground-rent n. Rent for land leased for building.
Groundsel n. Wild plant with small yellow flowers, used as a food for cage-birds etc. [old english]
Groundsheet n. Waterproof sheet for spreading on the ground.
Groundsman n. Person who maintains a sports ground.
Ground speed n. Aircraft’s speed relative to the ground.
Ground swell n. Heavy sea caused by a distant or past storm or an earthquake.
Groundwater n. Water found in soil or in pores, crevices, etc., in rock.
Groundwork n. Preliminary or basic work.
Group —n. 1 number of persons or things located close together, or considered or classed together. 2 number of people working together etc. 3 number of commercial companies under common ownership. 4 ensemble playing popular music. 5 division of an air force etc. —v. 1 form or be formed into a group. 2 (often foll. By with) place in a group or groups. [italian gruppo]
Group captain n. Raf officer next below air commodore.
Group captain n. Raf officer next below air commodore.
Groupie n. Slang ardent follower of touring pop groups, esp. A young woman seeking sexual relations with them.
Group therapy n. Therapy in which people are brought together to assist one another psychologically.
Grouse1 n. (pl. Same) 1 game-bird with a plump body and feathered legs. 2 its flesh as food. [origin uncertain]
Grout —n. Thin fluid mortar. —v. Provide or fill with grout. [origin uncertain]
Grove n. Small wood or group of trees. [old english]
Grovel v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 behave obsequiously. 2 lie prone in abject humility. grovelling adj. [obsolete grovelling (adv.) From old norse á grúfu face down]
Grow v. (past grew; past part. Grown) 1 increase in size, height, quantity, degree, etc. 2 develop or exist as a living plant or natural product. 3 a produce (plants etc.) By cultivation. B allow (a beard etc.) To develop. 4 become gradually (grow rich). 5 (foll. By on) become gradually more favoured by. 6 (in
passive; foll. By over etc.) Be covered with a growth. grow out of 1 become too large to wear. 2 become too mature to retain (a habit etc.). 3 develop from. Grow up 1 advance to maturity. 2 (of a custom) arise. [old english]
Grower n. 1 (often in comb.) Person growing produce (fruit-grower). 2 plant that grows in a specified way (fast grower).
Growing pains n.pl. 1 early difficulties in the development of a project etc. 2 neuralgic pain in children’s legs due to fatigue etc.
Growl —v. 1 a (often foll. By at) make a low guttural sound, usu. Of anger. B murmur angrily. 2 rumble. 3 (often foll. By out) utter with a growl. —n. 1 growling sound. 2 angry murmur. 3 rumble. [probably imitative]
Grown past part. Of *grow.
Grown-up —adj. Adult. —n. Adult person.
Growth n. 1 act or process of growing. 2 increase in size or value. 3 something that has grown or is growing. 4 med. Morbid formation.
Growth industry n. Industry that is developing rapidly.
Groyne n. (us groin) timber, stone, or concrete wall built at right angles to the coast to check beach erosion. [dial. Groin snout, from french]
Grub —n. 1 larva of an insect. 2 colloq. Food. —v. (-bb-) 1 dig superficially. 2 (foll. By up, out) a extract by digging. B extract (information etc.) By searching in books etc. 3 rummage. [old english]
Grubby adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 dirty. 2 of or infested with grubs. grubbily adv.
Grubbiness n.
Grudge —n. Persistent feeling of ill will or resentment. —v. (-ging) 1 be resentfully unwilling to give or allow. 2 (foll. By verbal noun or to + infin.) Be reluctant to do. [french]
Gruel n. Liquid food of oatmeal etc. Boiled in milk or water. [french from germanic]
Grueling adj. (brit. Gruelling) extremely demanding or tiring.
Gruelling adj. (us grueling) extremely demanding or tiring.
Grunt —n. 1 low guttural sound made by a pig. 2 similar sound. —v. 1 make a grunt. 2 make a similar sound, esp. To express discontent. 3 utter with a grunt. [old english, imitative]
Gruyère n. A firm pale cheese. [gruyère in switzerland]
Gryphon var. Of *griffin.
Gstring n. 1 mus. String sounding the note g. 2 narrow strip of cloth etc.
Covering only the genitals and attached to a string round the waist.
G-suit n. Garment with inflatable pressurized pouches, worn by pilots and astronauts to enable them to withstand high acceleration. [g = gravity, *suit]
Gt n. High-performance saloon car. [italian gran turismo great touring]
Guano n. (pl. -s) 1 excrement of sea birds, used as manure. 2 artificial manure, esp. That made from fish. [spanish from quechua]
Guarantee —n. 1 a formal promise or assurance, esp. That something is of a specified quality and durability. B document giving such an undertaking. 2 = *guaranty. 3 person making a guaranty or giving a security. —v. (-tees, -teed) 1 a give or serve as a guarantee for. B provide with a guarantee. 2 give a promise or assurance. 3 (foll. By to) secure the possession of (a thing) for a person. [related to *warrant]
Guarantor n. Person who gives a guarantee or guaranty.
Guaranty n. (pl. -ies) 1 written or other undertaking to answer for the payment of a debt or for the performance of an obligation by another person liable in the first instance. 2 thing serving as security.
Guard —v. 1 (often foll. By from, against) watch over and defend or protect. 2 keep watch by (a door etc.) To control entry or exit. 3 supervise (prisoners etc.) And prevent from escaping. 4 keep (thoughts or speech) in check. 5 (foll. By against) take precautions. —n. 1 state of vigilance. 2 person who protects or keeps watch. 3 soldiers etc. Protecting a place or person; escort. 4 official in general charge of a train. 5 part of an army detached for some purpose (advance guard). 6 (in pl.) (usu. Guards) body of troops nominally employed to guard a monarch. 7 thing that protects (fire-guard). 8 us prison warder. 9 defensive posture or motion in boxing etc. be on (or keep or stand) guard keep watch. Off (or off one’s) guard unprepared for some surprise or difficulty. On (or on one’s) guard prepared for all contingencies. [germanic: related to *ward]
Guarded adj. (of a remark etc.) Cautious. guardedly adv.
Guardhouse n. Building used to accommodate a military guard or to detain prisoners.
prisoners.
Guardian n. 1 protector, keeper. 2 person having legal custody of another, esp. A minor. guardianship n. [french: related to ward, warden]
Guardroom n. Room serving the same purpose as a guardhouse.
Guardsman n. Soldier belonging to a body of guards or regiment of guards.
Guava n. 1 edible pale orange fruit with pink flesh. 2 tree bearing this. [spanish]
Gubernatorial adj. Esp. Us of or relating to a governor. [latin gubernator governor]
Gudgeon1 n. Small freshwater fish often used as bait. [french goujon from latin gobio *goby]
Gudgeon2 n. 1 a kind of pivot. 2 tubular part of a hinge. 3 socket for a rudder. 4 pin holding two blocks of stone etc. Together. [french diminutive: related to *gouge]
Guelder rose n. Shrub with round bunches of creamy-white flowers. [dutch from gelderland in the netherlands]
Guernsey n. (pl. -s) 1 one of a breed of dairy cattle from guernsey in the channel islands. 2 (guernsey) type of thick woollen sweater.
Guerrilla n. (also guerilla) member of a small independently acting (usu. Political) group taking part in irregular fighting. [spanish diminutive: related to *war]
Guess —v. 1 (often absol.) Estimate without calculation or measurement. 2 form a hypothesis or opinion about; conjecture; think likely. 3 conjecture or estimate correctly. 4 (foll. By at) make a conjecture about. —n. Estimate, conjecture. i guess colloq. I think it likely; i suppose. [origin uncertain]
Guesswork n. Process of or results got by guessing.
Guest n. 1 person invited to visit another’s house or to have a meal etc. At another’s expense. 2 person lodging at a hotel etc. 3 outside performer invited to take part with a regular body of performers. [old norse]
Guest-house n. Private house offering paid accommodation.
Guestimate n. (also guesstimate) colloq. Estimate based on a mixture of guesswork and calculation. [from *guess, *estimate]
Guff n. Slang empty talk. [imitative]
Guffaw —n. Boisterous laugh. —v. Utter a guffaw. [imitative]
Guidance n. 1 advice or direction for solving a problem etc. 2 guiding or being guided.
Guide —n. 1 person who leads or shows the way. 2 person who conducts tours. 3 adviser. 4 directing principle. 5 book with essential information on a subject, esp. = *guidebook. 6 thing marking a position or guiding the eye. 7 bar etc.
Directing the motion of something. 8 (guide) member of a girls’ organization similar to the scouts. —v. (-ding) 1 act as guide to. 2 be the principle or motive of. [french from germanic]
Guidebook n. Book of information about a place for tourists etc.
Guided missile n. Missile under remote control or directed by equipment within itself.
Guide-dog n. Dog trained to guide a blind person.
Guideline n. Principle directing action.
Guider n. Adult leader of guides.
Guild n. (also gild) 1 association of people for mutual aid or the pursuit of a common goal. 2 medieval association of craftsmen or merchants. [low german or dutch gilde]
Guilder n. Chief monetary unit of the netherlands. [alteration of dutch gulden golden]
Guildhall n. Meeting-place of a medieval guild; town hall.
Guile n. Cunning or sly behaviour; treachery, deceit. guileful adj. Guileless adj. [french from scandinavian]
Guillemot n. Fast-flying sea bird nesting on cliffs etc. [french]
Guillotine —n. 1 machine with a blade sliding vertically in grooves, used for beheading. 2 device for cutting paper etc. 3 method of preventing delay in the discussion of a legislative bill by fixing times at which various parts of it must be voted on. —v. (-ning) use a guillotine on. [guillotin, name of a physician]
Guilt n. 1 fact of having committed a specified or implied offence. 2 feeling of having done wrong. [old english]
Guiltless adj. (often foll. By of an offence) innocent.
Guilty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 culpable of or responsible for a wrong. 2 conscious of or affected by guilt. 3 causing a feeling of guilt (a guilty secret). 4 (often foll. By of) having committed a (specified) offence. guiltily adv. Guiltiness n. [old english: related to *guilt]
Guinea n. 1 hist. Sum of 21 old shillings (£1.05). 2 hist. Former british gold coin first coined for the african trade. [guinea in w. Africa]
Guineafowl n. African fowl with slate-coloured white-spotted plumage.
Guinea-pig n. 1 domesticated s. American cavy. 2 person used in an experiment.
Guipure n. Heavy lace of linen pieces joined by embroidery. [french]
Guise n. 1 assumed appearance; pretence. 2 external appearance. [germanic:
related to *wise2]
Guitar n. Usu. Six-stringed musical instrument played with the fingers or a plectrum. guitarist n. [greek kithara harp]
Gujarati (also gujerati) —n. (pl. -s) 1 native of gujarat. 2 language of gujarat. — adj. Of gujarat, its people, or language. [gujarat, state in india]
Gulch n. Us ravine, esp. One in which a torrent flows. [origin uncertain]
Gulf n. 1 stretch of sea consisting of a deep inlet with a narrow mouth. 2 deep hollow; chasm. 3 wide difference of feelings, opinion, etc. [greek kolpos]
Gulf stream n. Warm current flowing from the gulf of mexico to newfoundland
Gulf stream n. Warm current flowing from the gulf of mexico to newfoundland where it is deflected across the atlantic ocean.
Gull1 n. Long-winged web-footed sea bird. [probably welsh gwylan]
Gull2 v. Dupe, fool. [perhaps from obsolete gull yellow from old norse]
Gullet n. Food-passage extending from the mouth to the stomach. [latin gula throat]
Gullible adj. Easily persuaded or deceived. gullibility n. [from *gull2]
Gully n. (pl. -ies) 1 water-worn ravine. 2 gutter or drain. 3 cricket fielding position between point and slips. [french goulet: related to *gullet]
Gulp —v. 1 (often foll. By down) swallow hastily, greedily, or with effort. 2 swallow gaspingly or with difficulty; choke. 3 (foll. By down, back) suppress (esp. Tears). —n. 1 act of gulping. 2 large mouthful of a drink. [dutch gulpen, imitative]
Gum1 —n. 1 a viscous secretion of some trees and shrubs. B adhesive substance made from this. 2 us chewing gum. 3 = gumdrop. 4 = gum arabic. 5 = *gum-tree. —v. (-mm-) 1 (usu. Foll. By down, together, etc.) Fasten with gum. 2 apply gum to. gum up colloq. Interfere with the smooth running of. [greek kommi from egyptian kemai]
Gum2 n. (usu. In pl.) Firm flesh around the roots of the teeth. [old english]
Gum3 n. by gum! Colloq. By god! [corruption of god]
Gum arabic n. Gum exuded by some kinds of acacia.
Gumboil n. Small abscess on the gum.
Gumboot n. Rubber boot.
Gumdrop n. Hard translucent sweet made with gelatin etc.
Gumption n. Colloq. 1 resourcefulness, initiative. 2 common sense. [origin unknown]
Gum-tree n. Tree exuding gum, esp. A eucalyptus. up a gum-tree colloq. In great difficulties.
Gun —n. 1 weapon consisting of a metal tube from which bullets or other missiles are propelled with great force, esp. By a contained explosion. 2 starting pistol. 3 device for discharging insecticide, grease etc., in the required direction. 4 member of a shooting-party. 5 us gunman. —v. (-nn-) 1 a (usu. Foll. By down) shoot (a person) with a gun. B shoot at with a gun. 2 go shooting. 3 (foll. By for) seek out determinedly to attack or rebuke. go great guns colloq. Proceed vigorously or successfully. Stick to one’s guns colloq. Maintain one’s position under attack. [perhaps an abbreviation of the scandinavian woman’s name gunnhildr, applied to cannon etc.]
Gunboat n. Small vessel with heavy guns.
Gunboat diplomacy n. Political negotiation backed by the threat of force.
Gun-carriage n. Wheeled support for a gun.
Gun-cotton n. Explosive made by steeping cotton in acids.
Gun dog n. Dog trained to retrieve game shot by sportsmen.
Gunfight n. Us fight with firearms. gunfighter n.
Gunfire n. Firing of a gun or guns.
Gunge colloq. —n. Sticky or viscous matter. —v. (-ging) (usu. Foll. By up) clog
with gunge. gungy adj. [origin uncertain]
Gung-ho adj. Zealous, arrogantly eager. [chinese gonghe work together]
Gunman n. Man armed with a gun, esp. When committing a crime Gun-metal n. 1 a dull bluish-grey colour. 2 alloy formerly used for guns.
Gunnel var. Of *gunwale.
Gunner n. 1 artillery soldier (esp. As an official term for a private). 2 naut. Warrant-officer in charge of a battery, magazine, etc. 3 member of an aircraft crew who operates a gun.
Gunnery n. 1 construction and management of large guns. 2 firing of guns.
Gunny n. (pl. -ies) 1 coarse sacking, usu. Of jute fibre. 2 sack made of this. [hindi and marathi]
Gunpoint n. at gunpoint threatened with a gun or an ultimatum etc.
Gunpowder n. Explosive made of saltpetre, sulphur, and charcoal.
Gunrunner n. Person engaged in the illegal sale or importing of firearms.
gunrunning n.
Gunshot n. 1 shot fired from a gun. 2 range of a gun (within gunshot).
Gunslinger n. Esp. Us slang gunman.
Gunsmith n. Maker and repairer of small firearms.
Gunwale n. (also gunnel) upper edge of the side of a boat or ship. [from gun, wale, because it was formerly used to support guns]
Guppy n. (pl. -ies) freshwater fish of the w. Indies and s. America frequently kept in aquariums. [guppy, name of a clergyman]
Gurgle —v. (-ling) 1 make a bubbling sound as of water from a bottle. 2 utter with such a sound. —n. Gurgling sound. [probably imitative]
Gurkha n. 1 member of the dominant hindu race in nepal. 2 nepalese soldier serving in the british army. [sanskrit]
Gurnard n. (pl. Same or -s) marine fish with a large spiny head and finger-like pectoral rays. [french]
Guru n. (pl. -s) 1 hindu spiritual teacher or head of a religious sect. 2 influential
Guru n. (pl. -s) 1 hindu spiritual teacher or head of a religious sect. 2 influential or revered teacher. [hindi]
Gush —v. 1 emit or flow in a sudden and copious stream. 2 speak or behave effusively. —n. 1 sudden or copious stream. 2 effusive manner. [probably imitative]
Gusher n. 1 oil well from which oil flows without being pumped. 2 effusive person.
Gusset n. 1 piece let into a garment etc. To strengthen or enlarge it. 2 bracket strengthening an angle of a structure. [french]
Gust —n. 1 sudden strong rush of wind. 2 burst of rain, smoke, emotion, etc. — v. Blow in gusts. gusty adj. (-ier, -iest). [old norse]
Gusto n. Zest; enjoyment. [latin gustus taste]
Gut —n. 1 the intestine. 2 (in pl.) The bowel or entrails. 3 (in pl.) Colloq. Personal courage and determination; perseverance. 4 slang stomach, belly. 5 (in pl.) A contents. B essence. 6 a material for violin strings etc. B material for fishing-lines made from the silk-glands of silkworms. 7 (attrib.) A instinctive (a gut reaction). B fundamental (a gut issue). —v. (-tt-) 1 remove or destroy the internal fittings of (a house etc.). 2 remove the guts of (a fish). hate a person’s guts colloq. Dislike a person intensely. [old english]
Gutta-percha n. Tough rubbery substance obtained from latex. [malay]
Gutted adj. Slang utterly exhausted or fed-up.
Gutter —n. 1 shallow trough below the eaves of a house, or a channel at the side of a street, to carry off rainwater. 2 (prec. By the) poor or degraded background or environment. 3 open conduit. 4 groove. —v. (of a candle) burn unsteadily and melt away rapidly. [latin gutta drop]
Guttering n. 1 gutters of a building etc. 2 material for gutters.
Gutter press n. Sensational newspapers.
Guttersnipe n. Street urchin.
Guttural —adj. 1 throaty, harsh-sounding. 2 phonet. (of a consonant) produced in the throat or by the back of the tongue and palate. 3 of the throat. —n. Phonet. Guttural consonant (e.g. K, g). gutturally adv. [latin guttur throat]
Guv n. Slang = *governor 7. [abbreviation]
Guy1 —n. 1 colloq. Man; fellow. 2 effigy of guy fawkes burnt on 5 nov. —v. Ridicule. [guy fawkes, name of a conspirator]
Guy2 —n. Rope or chain to secure a tent or steady a crane-load etc. —v. Secure with a guy or guys. [probably low german]
Guzzle v. (-ling) eat or drink greedily. [probably french gosiller from gosier throat]
Gybe v. (us jibe) (-bing) 1 (of a fore-and-aft sail or boom) swing across. 2 cause (a sail) to do this. 3 (of a ship or its crew) change course so that this happens. [dutch]
Gym n. Colloq. 1 gymnasium. 2 gymnastics. [abbreviation]
Gymkhana n. Horse-riding competition. [hindustani gendkhana ball-house, assimilated to *gymnasium]
Gymnasium n. (pl. -s or -sia) room or building equipped for gymnastics. [greek gumnos naked]
Gymnast n. Person who does gymnastics, esp. An expert.
Gymnastic adj. Of or involving gymnastics. gymnastically adv.
Gymnastics n.pl. (also treated as sing.) 1 exercises performed in order to develop or display physical agility. 2 other forms of physical or mental agility.
Gymnosperm n. Any of a group of plants having seeds unprotected by an ovary, including conifers, cycads, and ginkgos. [greek gumnos naked]
Gymp var. Of *gimp.
Gymslip n. Sleeveless tunic worn by schoolgirls.
Gynae n. (also gynie) colloq. Gynaecology. [abbreviation]
Gynaecology n. (us gynecology) science of the physiological functions and diseases of women. gynaecological adj. Gynaecologist n. [greek gune gunaik-woman, *-logy]
Gynecology n. (brit. Gynaecology) science of the physiological functions and diseases of women. gynaecological adj. Gynaecologist n. [greek gune gunaik-woman, *-logy]
Gypsum n. Mineral used esp. To make plaster of paris. [greek gupsos]
Gypsy n. (also gipsy) (pl. -ies) member of a nomadic people of europe and n. America, of hindu origin with dark skin and hair. [from *egyptian]
America, of hindu origin with dark skin and hair. [from *egyptian]
Gyrate v. (-ting) move in a circle or spiral; revolve, whirl. gyration n. Gyratory adj. [greek: related to *gyro-]
Gyrfalcon n. Large falcon of the northern hemisphere. [french from old norse]
Gyro n. (pl. -s) colloq. = *gyroscope. [abbreviation]
Gyro-comb. Form rotation. [greek guros ring]
Gyrocompass n. Compass giving true north and bearings from it by means of a gyroscope. Gyroscope n. Rotating wheel whose axis is free to turn but maintains a fixed direction unless perturbed, esp. Used for stabilization or with the compass in an aircraft, ship, etc.
H
H1 n. (also h) (pl. Hs or h’s) 1 eighth letter of the alphabet (see *aitch). 2 anything having the form of an h (esp. In comb.: h-girder).
Ha1 (also hah) —int. Expressing surprise, derision, triumph, etc. (cf. *ha ha). — v. In hum and ha: see *hum. [imitative]
Ha2 abbr. Hectare(s).
Habeas corpus n. Writ requiring a person to be brought before a judge or into court, esp. To investigate the lawfulness of his or her detention. [latin, = you must have the body]
Haberdasher n. Dealer in dress accessories and sewing-goods. haberdashery n. (pl. -ies). [probably anglo-french]
Habiliment n. (usu. In pl.) Archaic clothes. [french from habiller fit out]
Habit n. 1 settled or regular tendency or practice (often foll. By of + verbal noun: has a habit of ignoring me). 2 practice that is hard to give up. 3 mental constitution or attitude. 4 dress, esp. Of a religious order. [latin habeo habit-have]
Habitable adj. Suitable for living in. habitability n. [latin habito inhabit]
Habitat n. Natural home of an animal or plant. [latin, = it dwells]
Habitation n. 1 inhabiting (fit for habitation). 2 house or home.
Habit-forming adj. Causing addiction.
Habitual adj. 1 done constantly or as a habit. 2 regular, usual. 3 given to a (specified) habit (habitual smoker). habitually adv.
Habituate v. (-ting) (often foll. By to) accustom. habituation n. [latin: related to *habit]
Habitué n. Habitual visitor or resident. [french]
Hácek n. Diacritic ( ) placed over a letter to modify its sound in some languages. [czech, diminutive of hák hook]
Hachures n.pl. Parallel lines on a map indicating the degree of steepness of hills. [french: related to *hatch3]
Hacienda n. (in spanish-speaking countries) estate with a dwelling-house. [spanish, from latin facienda things to be done]
Hack1 —v. 1 cut or chop roughly. 2 football etc. Kick the shin of (an opponent). 3 (often foll. By at) deliver cutting blows. 4 cut (one’s way) through foliage etc. 5 colloq. Gain unauthorized access to (data in a computer). 6 slang manage, cope with; tolerate. 7 (as hacking adj.) (of a cough) short, dry, and frequent. —n. 1 kick with the toe of a boot. 2 gash or wound, esp. From a kick. 3 a mattock. B miner’s pick. [old english]
Hack2 —n. 1 a = *hackney. B horse let out for hire. 2 person hired to do dull routine work, esp. Writing. —attrib. Adj. 1 used as a hack. 2 typical of a hack; commonplace (hack work). —v. Ride on horseback on a road at an ordinary pace. [abbreviation of *hackney]
Hacker n. 1 person or thing that hacks or cuts roughly. 2 colloq. A person whose hobby is computing or computer programming. B person who uses a computer to gain unauthorized access to a computer network.
Hackle n. 1 a (in pl.) Erectile hairs on an animal’s neck, rising when it is angry
or alarmed. B feather(s) on the neck of a domestic cock etc. 2 steel comb for dressing flax. make one’s hackles rise cause one to be angry or indignant. [old english]
Hackney n. (pl. -s) horse for ordinary riding. [hackney in london]
Hackney carriage n. Taxi.
Hackneyed adj. (of a phrase etc.) Made trite by overuse.
Hacksaw n. Saw with a narrow blade set in a frame, for cutting metal.
Had past and past part. Of *have.
Haddock n. (pl. Same) n. Atlantic marine fish used as food. [probably french]
Hades n. (in greek mythology) the underworld. [greek, originally a name of pluto]
Hadj var. Of *hajj.
Hadji var. Of *hajji.
Hadn’t contr. Had not.
Haemal adj. (us hem-) of the blood. [greek haima blood]
Haematite n. (us hem-) a ferric oxide ore. [latin: related to *haemal]
Haematology n. (us hem-) the study of the blood. haematologist n.
Haemoglobin n. (us hem-) oxygen-carrying substance in the red blood cells of vertebrates. [from *globulin]
Haemophilia n. (us hem-) hereditary failure of the blood to clot normally with the tendency to bleed severely from even a slight injury. [greek haima blood, philia loving]
Haemophiliac n. (us hem-) person with haemophilia.
Haemorrhage (us hem-) —n. 1 profuse loss of blood from a ruptured blood-vessel. 2 damaging loss, esp. Of people or assets. —v. (-ging) suffer a haemorrhage. [greek haima blood, rhegnumi burst]
Haemorrhoids n.pl. (us hem-) swollen veins in the wall of the anus; piles. [greek haima blood, -rhoos -flowing]
Hafnium n. Silvery lustrous metallic element. [latin hafnia copenhagen]
Haft n. Handle of a dagger, knife, etc. [old english]
Hag n. 1 ugly old woman. 2 witch. [old english]
Haggard adj. Looking exhausted and distraught. [french hagard]
Haggis n. Scottish dish of offal boiled in a sheep’s stomach with suet, oatmeal, etc. [origin unknown]
Hagiography n. Writing about saints’ lives. hagiographer n.
Hagiology n. Literature dealing with the lives and legends of saints.
Hagridden adj. Afflicted by nightmares or anxieties.
Hah var. Of *ha1.
Ha ha int. Representing laughter (iron. When spoken). [old english]
Ha-ha n. Ditch with a wall in it, forming a boundary or fence without interrupting the view. [french]
Hahnium n. Artificially produced radioactive element. [hahn, name of a chemist]
Haiku n. (pl. Same) japanese three-part poem of usu. 17 syllables. [japanese]
Hail1 —n. 1 pellets of frozen rain. 2 (foll. By of) barrage or onslaught. —v. 1 a (prec. By it as subject) hail falls. B come down forcefully. 2 pour down (blows, words, etc.). [old english]
Hail2 —v. 1 signal to (a taxi etc.) To stop. 2 greet enthusiastically. 3 acclaim (hailed him king). 4 (foll. By from) originate or come (hails from leeds). —int. Archaic or joc. Expressing greeting. —n. Act of hailing. [old norse heill: related to *wassail]
Hail-fellow-well-met adj. Friendly, esp. Too friendly towards strangers.
Hail mary n. The ave maria (see *ave).
Hailstone n. Pellet of hail.
Hailstorm n. Period of heavy hail.
Hair n. 1 a any of the fine threadlike strands growing from the skin of mammals, esp. From the human head. B these collectively (has long hair). 2 thing resembling a hair. 3 elongated cell growing from a plant. 4 very small quantity or extent (also attrib.: hair crack). get in a person’s hair colloq. Annoy a person. Keep one’s hair on colloq. Keep calm; not get angry. Let one’s hair down colloq. Enjoy oneself by abandoning restraint. Make one’s hair stand on end colloq. Horrify one. Not turn a hair remain unmoved or unaffected. hairless adj. [old english]
Hairbrush n. Brush for tidying the hair.
Haircloth n. Stiff cloth woven from hair.
Haircut n. 1 act of cutting the hair (needs a haircut). 2 style in which the hair is cut.
Hairdo n. (pl. -s) style of or act of styling the hair.
Hairdresser n. 1 person who cuts and styles the hair, esp. For a living. 2 hairdresser’s shop. hairdressing n.
Hairdrier n. (also hair-dryer) device for drying the hair with warm air.
Hairgrip n. Flat hairpin with the ends close together.
Hairline n. 1 edge of a person’s hair, esp. On the forehead. 2 very narrow line, crack (usu. Hairline crack), etc.
Hairnet n. Piece of netting for confining the hair.
Hair of the dog n. Further alcoholic drink taken to cure the effects of drink.
Hairpiece n. Quantity of hair augmenting a person’s natural hair.
Hairpin n. U-shaped pin for fastening the hair.
Hairpin bend n. Sharp u-shaped bend in a road.
Hair-raising adj. Terrifying.
Hair’s breadth n. A tiny amount or margin.
Hair shirt n. Shirt of haircloth, worn formerly by penitents and ascetics.
Hair-slide n. Clip for keeping the hair in place.
Hair-splitting adj. & n. Quibbling.
Hairspray n. Liquid sprayed on the hair to keep it in place.
Hairspring n. Fine spring regulating the balance-wheel in a watch.
Hairstyle n. Particular way of arranging the hair. hairstylist n.
Hair-trigger n. Trigger of a firearm set for release at the slightest pressure.
Hajj n. (also hadj) islamic pilgrimage to mecca. [arabic]
Hajji n. (also hadji) (pl. -s) muslim who has made the pilgrimage to mecca. [persian from arabic]
Haka n. Nz 1 maori ceremonial war dance with chanting. 2 imitation of this by a
sports team before a match. [maori]
Hake n. (pl. Same) marine fish resembling the cod, used as food. [origin uncertain]
Halal n. (also hallal) (often attrib.) Meat from an animal killed according to muslim law. [arabic]
Halberd n. Hist. Combined spear and battleaxe. [french from german]
Halcyon adj. Calm, peaceful, happy (halcyon days). [greek, = kingfisher, because it was reputed to calm the sea at midwinter]
Hale adj. Strong and healthy (esp. In hale and hearty). [var. Of *whole]
Half —n. (pl. Halves) 1 either of two (esp. Equal) parts into which a thing is divided. 2 colloq. Half a pint, esp. Of beer. 3 sport either of two equal periods of play. 4 colloq. Half-price fare or ticket, esp. For a child. 5 colloq. = half-back. — adj. 1 amounting to half (half the men). 2 forming a half (a half share). —adv. 1 (often in comb.) To the extent of half; partly (half cooked). 2 to some extent (esp. In idiomatic phrases: half dead; am half convinced). 3 (in reckoning time) by the amount of half (an hour etc.) (half past two). at half cock see cock1. By half(prec. By too + adj.) Excessively (too clever by half). By halves imperfectly or incompletely (does nothing by halves). Half a mind see mind. Half the time see time. Not half 1 slang extremely, violently (he didn’t half swear). 2 not nearly (not half long enough). 3 colloq. Not at all (not half bad). [old english]
Usage in sense 3 of the adverb, the word ‘past’ is often omitted in colloquial
usage, e.g. Came at half two. In some parts of scotland and ireland this means ‘half past one’.
Half-and-half adj. Being half one thing and half another.
Half-back n. Sport player between the forwards and full backs.
Half-baked adj. Colloq. 1 not thoroughly thought out; foolish. 2 (of enthusiasm etc.) Only partly committed.
Half board n. Provision of bed, breakfast, and one main meal at a hotel etc.
Half-breed n. Offens. = *half-caste.
Half-brother n. Brother with whom one has only one parent in common.
Half-caste n. Offens. Person of mixed race.
Half-crown n. (also half a crown) former coin and monetary unit worth 2s. 6d.
(121/2p).
Half-cut adj. Slang fairly drunk.
Half-dozen n. (also half a dozen) colloq. Six, or about six.
Half-duplex n. Computing (of a circuit) allowing the two-way transmission of signals but not simultaneously.
Half-hardy adj. (of a plant) able to grow in the open except in severe frost.
Half-hearted adj. Lacking enthusiasm. half-heartedly adv. Half-heartedness n.
Half hitch n. Knot formed by passing the end of a rope round its standing part and then through the loop.
Half holiday n. Half a day as holiday.
Half-hour n. 1 (also half an hour) period of 30 minutes. 2 point of time 30 minutes after any hour o’clock. half-hourly adj. & adv.
Half-life n. Time taken for radioactivity etc. To fall to half its original value.
Half-light n. Dim imperfect light.
Half-mast n. Position of a flag halfway down a mast, as a mark of respect for a
Half-mast n. Position of a flag halfway down a mast, as a mark of respect for a deceased person.
Half measures n.pl. Unsatisfactory compromise or inadequate policy.
Half moon n. 1 moon when only half its surface is illuminated. 2 time when this occurs. 3 semicircular object.
Half nelson see *nelson.
Halfpenny n. (pl. -pennies or -pence) former coin worth half a penny.
Usage the halfpenny was withdrawn from circulation in 1984.
Half-sister n. Sister with whom one has only one parent in common.
Half-term n. Short holiday halfway through a school term.
Half-timbered adj. Having walls with a timber frame and a brick or plaster filling.
Half-time n. 1 mid-point of a game or contest. 2 short break occurring at this time.
Half-title n. Title or short title of a book printed on the front of the leaf preceding the title-page.
Halftone n. Photographic illustration in which various tones of grey are produced from small and large black dots.
Half-truth n. Statement that (esp. Deliberately) conveys only part of the truth.
Half-volley n. (in ball games) playing of the ball as soon as it bounces off the ground.
Halfway —adv. 1 at a point midway between two others (halfway to rome). 2 to some extent, more or less (is halfway acceptable). —adj. Situated halfway (reached a halfway point).
Halfway house n. 1 compromise. 2 halfway point in a progression. 3 centre for rehabilitating ex-prisoners etc. 4 inn midway between two towns.
Halfwit n. Foolish or stupid person. halfwitted adj.
Halibut n. (pl. Same) large marine flat-fish used as food. [from *holy (perhaps because eaten on holy days), butt flat-fish]
Halitosis n. = *bad breath. [latin halitus breath]
Hall n. 1 area into which the front entrance of a house etc. Opens. 2 large room or building for meetings, concerts, etc. 3 large country house or estate. 4 (in full hall of residence) residence for students. 5 (in a college etc.) Dining-room. 6 premises of a guild (fishmongers’ hall). 7 large public room in a palace etc. [old english]
Hallal var. Of *halal.
Hallelujah var. Of *alleluia.
Halliard var. Of *halyard.
Hallmark —n. 1 mark indicating the standard of gold, silver, and platinum. 2 distinctive feature. —v. Stamp with a hallmark.
Hallo var. Of *hello.
Halloo int. Inciting dogs to the chase or calling attention. [perhaps from hallow pursue with shouts]
Hallow v. 1 make holy, consecrate. 2 honour as holy. [old english: related to *holy]
Hallowe’en n. Eve of all saints’ day, 31 oct.
Hallowe’en n. Eve of all saints’ day, 31 oct.
Hallucinate v. (-ting) experience hallucinations. hallucinant adj. & n. [greek alusso be uneasy]
Hallucination n. Illusion of seeing or hearing something not actually present.
hallucinatory adj.
Hallucinogen n. Drug causing hallucinations. hallucinogenic adj.
Hallway n. Entrance-hall or corridor.
Halm var. Of *haulm.
Halo —n. (pl. -es) 1 disc or circle of light shown surrounding the head of a sacred person. 2 glory associated with an idealized person etc. 3 circle of white or coloured light round a luminous body, esp. The sun or moon. —v. (-es, -ed) surround with a halo. [greek halos threshing-floor, disc of the sun or moon]
Halogen n. Any of the non-metallic elements (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine) which form a salt (e.g. Sodium chloride) when combined with a metal. [greek hals halos salt, *-gen]
Halon n. Any of various gaseous compounds of carbon, bromine, and other halogens, used to extinguish fires. [related to *halogen]
Halt1 —n. 1 stop (usu. Temporary) (come to a halt). 2 minor stopping-place on a local railway line. —v. Stop; come or bring to a halt. call a halt (to) decide to stop. [german: related to *hold1]
Halter n. 1 headstall and rope for leading or tying up a horse etc. 2 a strap round the neck holding a dress etc. Up and leaving the shoulders and back bare. B (also halterneck) dress etc. Held by this. [old english]
Halva n. Confection of sesame flour and honey etc. [yiddish from turkish helva from arabic halwa]
Halve v. (-ving) 1 divide into two halves or parts; share equally between two. 2 reduce by half. 3 golf use the same number of strokes as one’s opponent in (a hole or match).
Halves pl. Of *half.
Halyard n. (also halliard) rope or tackle for raising or lowering a sail, yard, etc. [archaic hale drag forcibly]
Ham —n. 1 a upper part of a pig’s leg salted and dried or smoked for food. B meat from this. 2 back of the thigh; thigh and buttock. 3 colloq. (often attrib.)
Inexpert or unsubtle actor or piece of acting. 4 colloq. Operator of an amateur radio station. —v. (-mm-) (usu. In ham it up) colloq. Overact. [old english]
Hamburger n. Cake of minced beef, usu. Eaten in a soft bread roll. [hamburg in germany]
Ham-fisted adj. (also ham-handed) colloq. Clumsy.
Hamitic —n. Group of african languages including ancient egyptian and berber. —adj. Of this group. [from the name ham (gen. 10:6 ff.)]
Hamlet n. Small village, esp. Without a church. [french hamelet diminutive]
Hammer —n. 1 a tool with a heavy metal head at right angles to its handle, used for driving nails etc. B similar device, as for exploding the charge in a gun, striking the strings of a piano, etc. 2 auctioneer’s mallet. 3 metal ball attached to a wire for throwing in an athletic contest. —v. 1 a hit or beat with or as with a hammer. B strike loudly. 2 a drive in (nails) with a hammer. B fasten or secure by hammering (hammered the lid down). 3 (usu. Foll. By in) inculcate (ideas, knowledge, etc.) Forcefully or repeatedly. 4 colloq. Defeat utterly; beat up. 5 (foll. By at, away at) work hard or persistently at. come under the hammer be sold at auction. Hammer out 1 make flat or smooth by hammering. 2 work out details of (a plan etc.) Laboriously. 3 play (a tune, esp. On the piano) loudly or clumsily. hammering n. (esp. In sense 4 of v.). [old english]
Hammer and sickle n. Symbols of the industrial worker and peasant used as an emblem of the former ussr and international communism.
Hammer and tongs adv. Colloq. With great vigour and commotion.
Hammerhead n. Shark with a flattened head and with eyes in lateral extensions of it.
Hammerlock n. Wrestling hold in which the arm is twisted and bent behind the back.
Hammer-toe n. Toe bent permanently downwards.
Hammock n. Bed of canvas or rope network suspended by cords at the ends. [spanish from carib]
Hammy adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Over-theatrical.
Hamper1 n. Large basket, usu. With a hinged lid and containing food. [french hanap goblet]
Hamper2 v. Prevent the free movement of; hinder. [origin unknown]
Hamster n. Mouselike rodent with a short tail and large cheek-pouches for storing food. [german]
Hamstring —n. 1 each of five tendons at the back of the knee. 2 great tendon at the back of the hock in quadrupeds. —v. (past and past part. -strung or -stringed)
the back of the hock in quadrupeds. —v. (past and past part. -strung or -stringed) 1 cripple by cutting the hamstrings of (a person or animal). 2 impair the activity or efficiency of.
Hand —n. 1 a end part of the human arm beyond the wrist. B (in other primates) end part of a forelimb. 2 a (often in pl.) Control, management, custody, disposal (is in good hands). B agency or influence (suffered at their hands). C share in an action; active support (had a hand in it; give me a hand). 3 thing like a hand, esp. The pointer of a clock. 4 right or left side or direction relative to a person or thing. 5 a skill (has a hand for making pastry). B person skilful in some respect.
6 person who does or makes something, esp. Distinctively (picture by the same hand). 7 person’s writing or its style. 8 person etc. As a source (at first hand). 9 pledge of marriage. 10 manual worker, esp. At a factory or farm; member of a ship’s crew. 11 a playing-cards dealt to a player. B round of play. 12 colloq. Burst of applause. 13 unit of measure of a horse’s height, 4 inches (10.16 cm).
14 forehock of pork. 15 (attrib.) A operated by or held in the hand (hand-drill). B done by hand, not machine (hand-knitted). —v. 1 (foll. By in, to, over, etc.) Deliver; transfer by hand or otherwise. 2 colloq. Give away too readily (handed them the advantage). all hands entire crew or workforce. At hand 1 close by. 2 about to happen. By hand 1 by a person, not a machine. 2 delivered privately, not by post. From hand to mouth satisfying only one’s immediate needs. Get (or have or keep) one’s hand in become (or be or remain) in practice. Hand down 1 pass ownership or use of to a later generation etc. 2 a transmit (a decision) from a higher court etc. B us express (an opinion or verdict). Hand it to colloq. Award deserved praise to. Hand on pass (a thing) to the next in a series. Hand out 1 serve, distribute.
Handbag n. Small bag carried esp. By a woman.
Handball n. 1 game with a ball thrown by hand among players or against a wall.
2 football intentional touching of the ball, constituting a foul.
Handbell n. Small bell for ringing by hand, esp. One of a set.
Handbill n. Printed notice distributed by hand.
Handbook n. Short manual or guidebook.
Handbrake n. Brake operated by hand.
H. & c. Abbr. Hot and cold (water).
Handcart n. Small cart pushed or drawn by hand.
Handclap n. Clapping of the hands.
Handcraft —n. = *handicraft. —v. Make by handicraft.
Handcuff —n. Each of a pair of linked metal rings for securing a prisoner’s wrist(s). —v. Put handcuffs on.
Handful n. (pl. -s) 1 quantity that fills the hand. 2 small number or amount. 3 colloq. Troublesome person or task.
Hand-grenade see *grenade.
Handgun n. Small firearm held in and fired with one hand.
Handhold n. Something for the hand to grip on (in climbing etc.).
Handicap —n. 1 physical or mental disability. 2 thing that makes progress or success difficult. 3 a disadvantage imposed on a superior competitor to make chances more equal. B race etc. In which this is imposed. 4 number of strokes by which a golfer normally exceeds par for a course. —v. (-pp-) 1 impose a handicap on. 2 place at a disadvantage. [hand i’ (= in) cap describing a kind of sporting lottery]
Handicapped adj. Suffering from a physical or mental disability.
Handicraft n. Work requiring manual and artistic skill. [from earlier *handcraft]
Hand in glove adj. In collusion or association.
Hand in hand adv. 1 in close association (power and money go hand in hand). 2 (hand-in-hand) holding hands.
Handiwork n. Work done or a thing made by hand, or by a particular person. [old english]
Handkerchief n. (pl. -s or -chieves) square of cloth for wiping one’s nose etc.
Handle —n. 1 part by which a thing is held, carried, or controlled. 2 fact that may be taken advantage of (gave a handle to his critics). 3 colloq. Personal title. —v. (-ling) 1 touch, feel, operate, or move with the hands. 2 manage, deal with (can handle people). 3 deal in (goods). 4 treat (a subject). [old english: related to *hand]
Handlebar n. (usu. In pl.) Steering-bar of a bicycle etc.
Handlebar moustache n. Thick moustache with curved ends.
Handler n. 1 person who handles or deals in something. 2 person who trains and looks after an animal (esp. A police dog).
Handmade adj. Made by hand (as opposed to machine).
Handmaid n. (also handmaiden) archaic female servant.
Hand-me-down n. Article of clothing etc. Passed on from another person.
Hand-out n. 1 thing given free to a needy person. 2 statement given to the press etc.; notes given out in a class etc.
Hand-over n. Handing over.
Hand-over-fist adv. Colloq. With rapid progress.
Hand-pick v. Choose carefully or personally.
Handrail n. Narrow rail for holding as a support.
Handsaw n. Saw worked by one hand.
Handset n. Telephone mouthpiece and earpiece as one unit.
Handshake n. Clasping of a person’s hand as a greeting etc.
Hands off —int. Warning not to touch or interfere with something. —adj. & adv.
(also hands-off) not requiring the manual use of controls.
Handsome adj. (handsomer, handsomest) 1 (usu. Of a man) good-looking. 2 (of an object) imposing, attractive. 3 a generous, liberal (handsome present). B (of a price, fortune, etc.) Considerable. handsomely adv.
Hands on (also hands-on) —adj. & adv. Of or requiring personal operation at a keyboard. —attrib. Adj. Practical rather than theoretical (lacks hands-on experience).
experience).
Handspring n. Gymnastic feat consisting of a handstand, somersaulting, and landing in a standing position.
Handstand n. Supporting oneself on one’s hands with one’s feet in the air.
Hand-to-hand adj. (of fighting) at close quarters.
Handwork n. Work done with the hands. handworked adj.
Handwriting n. 1 writing done with a pen, pencil, etc. 2 person’s particular style of this. handwritten adj.
Handy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 convenient to handle or use; useful. 2 ready to hand. 3 clever with the hands. handily adv. Handiness n.
Handyman n. Person able to do occasional repairs etc.; odd-job man.
Hang —v. (past and past part. Hung except in sense 7) 1 a secure or cause to be supported from above, esp. With the lower part free. B (foll. By up, on, on to, etc.) Attach by suspending from the top. 2 set up (a door etc.) On hinges. 3 place (a picture) on a wall or in an exhibition. 4 attach (wallpaper) to a wall. 5 (foll. By on) colloq. Blame (a thing) on (a person) (can’t hang that on me). 6 (foll. By with) decorate by suspending pictures etc. (hall hung with tapestries). 7 (past and past part. Hanged) a suspend or be suspended by the neck with a noosed rope until dead, esp. As a form of capital punishment. B as a mild oath (hang the
expense). 8 let droop (hang one’s head). 9 suspend (meat or game) from a hook and leave until dry, tender, or high. 10 be or remain hung (in various senses). 11 remain static in the air. 12 (often foll. By over) be present or imminent, esp.
Oppressively or threateningly (a hush hung over the room). 13 (foll. By on) a be contingent or dependent on (everything hangs on his reply). B listen closely to (hangs on my every word). —n. Way a thing hangs or falls. get the hang of colloq. Understand the technique or meaning of. Hang about (or around) 1 a stand about or spend time aimlessly; not move away. B linger near (a person or place). 2 (often foll. By with) colloq. Associate with. Hang back show reluctance to act or move. Hang fire be slow in taking action or in progressing. Hang heavily (or heavy) (of time) seem to pass slowly. Hang in us colloq. 1 persist, persevere. 2 linger. Hang on 1 (often foll. By to) continue to hold or grasp. 2 (foll. By to) retain; fail to give back. 3 colloq. A wait for a short time. B (in telephoning) not ring off during a pause in the conversation. 4 colloq. Continue; persevere. Hang out 1 suspend from a window, clothes-line, etc. 2 a protrude downwards (shirt hanging out). B (foll. By of) lean out of (a window etc.). 3 slang frequent or live in a place. Hang together 1 make sense. 2 remain associated. Hang up 1 hang from a hook etc. 2 (often foll. By on) end a telephone conversation by replacing the receiver (he hung up on me). 3 (usu. In passive, foll. By on) slang be a psychological problem or obsession for (is hung up on her father). Not care (or give) a hang colloq. Not care at all. [old english]
Hangar n. Building for housing aircraft etc. [french]
Hangdog adj. Shamefaced.
Hanger n. 1 person or thing that hangs. 2 (in full coat-hanger) shaped piece of wood etc. For hanging clothes on.
Hanger-on n. (pl. Hangers-on) follower or dependant, esp. An unwelcome one.
Hang-glider n. Glider with a fabric wing on a light frame, from which the operator is suspended. hang-glide v. Hang-gliding n.
Hanging n. 1 execution by suspending by the neck. 2 (usu. In pl.) Draperies hung on a wall etc.
Hangman n. 1 executioner who hangs condemned persons. 2 word-game for two players, with failed guesses recorded by drawing a representation of a gallows.
Hangnail n. = *agnail.
Hang-out n. Slang place frequented by a person; haunt.
Hangover n. 1 severe headache etc. From drinking too much alcohol. 2 survival from the past.
Hang-up n. Slang emotional problem or inhibition.
Hank n. Coil or skein of wool or thread etc. [old norse]
Hanker v. (foll. By for, after, or to + infin.) Long for; crave. hankering n. [from obsolete hank]
Hanky n. (also hankie) (pl. -ies) colloq. Handkerchief. [abbreviation]
Hanky n. (also hankie) (pl. -ies) colloq. Handkerchief. [abbreviation]
Hanoverian adj. Of british sovereigns from george i to victoria. [hanover in germany]
Hansard n. Official verbatim record of debates in the british parliament. [hansard, name of its first printer]
Hansen’s disease n. Leprosy. [hansen, name of a physician]
Hansom n. (in full hansom cab) hist. Two-wheeled horse-drawn cab. [hansom, name of an architect]
Hanukkah n. Jewish festival of lights, commemorating the purification of the temple in 165 bc. [hebrew hanukkah consecration]
Haphazard adj. Done etc. By chance; random. haphazardly adv. [archaic hap chance, luck, from old norse happ]
Hapless adj. Unlucky.
Haploid adj. (of an organism or cell) with a single set of chromosomes. [greek haplous single, eidos form]
Happen v. 1 occur (by chance or otherwise). 2 (foll. By to + infin.) Have the (good or bad) fortune to (i happened to meet her). 3 (foll. By to) be the (esp. Unwelcome) fate or experience of (what happened to you?). 4 (foll. By on) encounter or discover by chance. as it happens in fact; in reality. [related to *haphazard]
Happening n. 1 event. 2 improvised or spontaneous theatrical etc. Performance.
Happy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. 2 a fortunate; characterized by happiness. B (of words, behaviour, etc.) Apt, pleasing. happily adv. Happiness n.
Happy-go-lucky adj. Cheerfully casual.
Happy hour n. Time of the day when goods, esp. Drinks, are sold at reduced prices.
Happy medium n. Compromise; avoidance of extremes.
Hara-kiri n. Ritual suicide by disembowelment with a sword, formerly practised by samurai to avoid dishonour. [japanese hara belly, kiri cutting]
Harangue —n. Lengthy and earnest speech. —v. (-guing) make a harangue to; lecture. [french arenge from medieval latin]
Harass v. 1 trouble and annoy continually. 2 make repeated attacks on. harassment n. [french]
Usage the second pronunciation given, with the stress on the second syllable, is common, but is considered incorrect by some people.
Harbinger n. 1 person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another. 2 forerunner. [germanic: related to *harbour]
Harbor (brit. Harbour) —n. 1 place of shelter for ships. 2 shelter; refuge. —v. 1 give shelter to (esp. A criminal). 2 keep in one’s mind (esp. Resentment etc.). [old english, = army shelter]
Harbour (us harbor) —n. 1 place of shelter for ships. 2 shelter; refuge. —v. 1 give shelter to (esp. A criminal). 2 keep in one’s mind (esp. Resentment etc.). [old english, = army shelter]
Harbour-master n. Official in charge of a harbour.
Hard —adj. 1 (of a substance etc.) Firm and solid. 2 a difficult to understand, explain, or accomplish. B (foll. By to + infin.) Not easy to (hard to please). 3 difficult to bear (a hard life). 4 unfeeling; severely critical. 5 (of a season or the weather) severe. 6 unpleasant to the senses, harsh (hard colours). 7 a strenuous, enthusiastic, intense (a hard worker). B severe, uncompromising (a hard bargain). C polit. Extreme; most radical (the hard right). 8 a (of liquor) strongly alcoholic. B (of drugs) potent and addictive. C (of pornography) highly obscene.
9 (of water) containing mineral salts that make lathering difficult. 10 established; not disputable (hard facts). 11 (of currency, prices, etc.) High; not likely to fall in value. 12 (of a consonant) guttural (as c in cat, g in go). —adv. Strenuously, intensely, copiously (try hard; raining hard). be hard on 1 be difficult for. 2 be severe in one’s treatment or criticism of. 3 be unpleasant to (the senses). Be hard put to it (usu. Foll. By to + infin.) Find it difficult. Hard by close by. Hard on (or upon) close to in pursuit etc. hardish adj. Hardness n. [old english]
Hard and fast adj. (of a rule or distinction) definite, unalterable, strict.
Hardback —adj. Bound in boards covered with cloth etc. —n. Hardback book.
Hardbitten adj. Colloq. Tough and cynical.
Hardboard n. Stiff board made of compressed and treated wood pulp.
Hard-boiled adj. 1 (of an egg) boiled until the white and yolk are solid. 2 colloq.
(of a person) tough, shrewd.
Hard cash n. Negotiable coins and banknotes.
Hard copy n. Material printed by a computer on paper.
Hardcore n. Solid material, esp. Rubble, as road-foundation.
Hard core n. 1 irreducible nucleus. 2 colloq. A the most committed members of a society etc. B conservative or reactionary minority (see also *hardcore).
Hard disk n. Computing large-capacity rigid usu. Magnetic storage disk.
Hard-done-by adj. Unfairly treated.
Harden v. 1 make or become hard or harder. 2 become, or make (one’s attitude etc.), less sympathetic. 3 (of prices etc.) Cease to fall or fluctuate. harden off inure (a plant) to the cold by gradually increasing its exposure.
Hardening of the arteries n. = *arteriosclerosis.
Hard-headed adj. Practical; not sentimental. hard-headedness n.
Hard-hearted adj. Unfeeling. hard-heartedness n.
Hardihood n. Boldness, daring.
Hard labour n. Heavy manual work as a punishment, esp. In a prison.
Hard line n. Unyielding adherence to a policy. hard-liner n.
Hard luck n. Worse fortune than one deserves.
Hardly adv. 1 scarcely; only just (hardly knew me). 2 only with difficulty (can hardly see). 3 surely not (can hardly have realised). hardly any almost no; almost none. Hardly ever very seldom.
Hard-pressed adj. 1 closely pursued. 2 burdened with urgent business.
Hard roe see *roe1.
Hard sell n. Aggressive salesmanship.
Hardship n. 1 severe suffering or privation. 2 circumstance causing this.
Hard shoulder n. Hard surface alongside a motorway for stopping on in an emergency.
Hard tack n. Naut. Ship’s biscuit.
Hardtop n. Car with a rigid (usu. Detachable) roof.
Hard up adj. Short of money.
Hardware n. 1 tools and household articles of metal etc. 2 heavy machinery or armaments. 3 mechanical and electronic components of a computer etc.
Hard-wearing adj. Able to stand much wear.
Hardwood n. Wood from a deciduous broad-leaved tree.
Hard-working adj. Diligent.
Hardy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 robust; capable of enduring difficult conditions. 2 (of a plant) able to grow in the open air all year. hardiness n. [french hardi made bold]
Hardy annual n. Annual plant that may be sown in the open.
Hare —n. Mammal like a large rabbit, with long ears, short tail, and long hind legs. —v. (-ring) run rapidly. [old english]
Harebell n. Plant with pale-blue bell-shaped flowers.
Hare-brained adj. Rash, wild.
Harelip n. Often offens. Congenital cleft in the upper lip.
Harem n. 1 women of a muslim household. 2 their quarters. [arabic, = sanctuary]
Haricot n. (in full haricot bean) variety of french bean with small white seeds dried and used as a vegetable. [french]
Hark v. (usu. In imper.) Archaic listen attentively. hark back revert to earlier topic. [old english]
Harlequin —n. (harlequin) name of a mute character in pantomime, usu. Masked and dressed in a diamond-patterned costume. —attrib. Adj. In varied colours. [french]
Harlequinade n. 1 part of a pantomime featuring harlequin. 2 piece of buffoonery.
Harlot n. Archaic prostitute. harlotry n. [french, = knave]
Harm —n. Hurt, damage. —v. Cause harm to. out of harm’s way in safety. [old english]
Harmful adj. Causing or likely to cause harm. harmfully adv. Harmfulness n.
Harmless adj. 1 not able or likely to cause harm. 2 inoffensive. harmlessly adv.
Harmlessness n.
Harmonic —adj. Of or relating to harmony; harmonious. —n. Mus. Overtone accompanying (and forming a note with) a fundamental at a fixed interval. harmonically adv.
Harmonica n. Small rectangular musical instrument played by blowing and sucking air through it.
Harmonious adj. 1 sweet-sounding; tuneful. 2 forming a pleasing or consistent whole. 3 free from disagreement or dissent. harmoniously adv.
Harmonium n. Keyboard instrument in which the notes are produced by air driven through metal reeds by foot-operated bellows. [latin: related to *harmony]
Harmonize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 add notes to (a melody) to produce harmony. 2 bring into or be in harmony. 3 make or form a pleasing or consistent whole. harmonization n.
Harmony n. (pl. -ies) 1 combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce chords and chord progressions, esp. As creating a pleasing effect. 2 a apt or aesthetic arrangement of parts. B pleasing effect of this. 3 agreement, concord. in harmony 1 in agreement. 2 (of singing etc.) Producing chords; not discordant. [greek harmonia joining]
Harness —n. 1 equipment of straps etc. By which a horse is fastened to a cart etc. And controlled. 2 similar arrangement for fastening a thing to a person’sbody. —v. 1 a put a harness on. B (foll. By to) attach by harness to. 2 make use of (natural resources), esp. To produce energy. in harness in the routine of daily work. [french harneis military equipment]
Harp —n. Large upright stringed instrument plucked with the fingers. —v. (foll. By on, on about) talk repeatedly and tediously about. harpist n. [old english]
Harpoon —n. Barbed spearlike missile with a rope attached, for catching whales etc. —v. Spear with a harpoon. [greek harpe sickle]
Harpsichord n. Keyboard instrument with horizontal strings plucked
mechanically. harpsichordist n. [latin harpa harp, chorda string]
Harpy n. (pl. -ies) 1 mythological monster with a woman’s head and body and a bird’s wings and claws. 2 grasping unscrupulous person. [greek harpuiai snatchers]
Harridan n. Bad-tempered old woman. [origin uncertain]
Harrier n. 1 hound used for hunting hares. 2 group of cross-country runners. 3 hawklike bird of prey. [from *hare, *harry]
Harrow —n. Heavy frame with iron teeth dragged over ploughed land to break up clods etc. —v. 1 draw a harrow over (land). 2 (usu. As harrowing adj.) Distress greatly. [old norse hervi]
Harry v. (-ies, -ied) 1 ravage or despoil. 2 harass. [old english]
Harsh adj. 1 unpleasantly rough or sharp, esp. To the senses. 2 severe, cruel. harshen v. Harshly adv. Harshness n. [low german]
Hart n. (pl. Same or -s) male of the (esp. Red) deer, esp. After its 5th year. [old english]
Hartebeest n. Large african antelope with curving horns. [afrikaans]
Harum-scarum colloq. —adj. Wild and reckless. —n. Such a person. [rhyming formation on *hare, *scare]
Harvest —n. 1 a process of gathering in crops etc. B season of this. 2 season’s yield. 3 product of any action. —v. Gather as harvest, reap. [old english]
Harvester n. 1 reaper. 2 reaping-machine, esp. With sheaf-binding.
Harvest festival n. Christian thanksgiving service for the harvest.
Harvest moon n. Full moon nearest to the autumn equinox (22 or 23 sept.).
Harvest mouse n. Small mouse nesting in the stalks of growing grain.
Has 3rd sing. Present of *have.
Has-been n. Colloq. Person or thing of declined importance.
Hash1 —n. 1 dish of cooked meat cut into small pieces and reheated. 2 a mixture; jumble. B mess. 3 recycled material. —v. (often foll. By up) recycle (old material). make a hash of colloq. Make a mess of; bungle.
Hash2 n. Colloq. Hashish. [abbreviation]
Hashish n. Resinous product of hemp, smoked or chewed as a narcotic. [arabic]
Haslet n. Pieces of (esp. Pig’s) offal cooked together, usu. As a meat loaf. [french hastelet]
Hasn’t contr. Has not.
Hasp n. Hinged metal clasp fitting over a staple and secured by a padlock. [old english]
Hassock n. Thick firm cushion for kneeling on. [old english]
Haste —n. Urgency of movement or action; excessive hurry. —v. (-ting) archaic
*hasten 1. in haste quickly, hurriedly. Make haste hurry; be quick. [french from germanic]
Hasten v. 1 make haste; hurry. 2 cause to occur or be ready or be done sooner.
Hasty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 hurried; acting too quickly. 2 said, made, or done too quickly or too soon; rash. hastily adv. Hastiness n.
Hat n. 1 (esp. Outdoor) covering for the head. 2 colloq. Person’s present capacity (wearing his managerial hat). keep it under one’s hat colloq. Keep it secret. Pass the hat round collect contributions of money. Take one’s hat off to colloq. Acknowledge admiration for. [old english]
Hatband n. Band of ribbon etc. Round a hat above the brim.
Hatbox n. Box to hold a hat, esp. For travelling.
Hatch1 n. 1 opening in a wall between a kitchen and dining-room for serving food. 2 opening or door in an aircraft etc. 3 a = *hatchway. B cover for this. [old english]
Hatch2 —v. 1 a (often foll. By out) (of a young bird or fish etc.) Emerge from the egg. B (of an egg) produce a young animal. 2 incubate (an egg). 3 (also foll. By up) devise (a plot etc.). —n. 1 act of hatching. 2 brood hatched. [earlier hacche, from germanic]
Hatch3 v. Mark with close parallel lines. hatching n. [french hacher: related to *hash1]
Hatchback n. Car with a sloping back hinged at the top to form a door.
Hatchet n. Light short-handled axe. [french hachette]
Hatchet man n. Colloq. Person hired to kill, dismiss, or otherwise harm another.
Hatchway n. Opening in a ship’s deck for raising and lowering cargo.
Hate —v. (-ting) 1 dislike intensely. 2 colloq. A dislike. B be reluctant (to do something) (i hate to disturb you; i hate fighting). —n. 1 hatred. 2 colloq. Hated person or thing. [old english]
Hateful adj. Arousing hatred.
Hatpin n. Long pin for securing a hat to the hair.
Hatred n. Extreme dislike or ill will.
Hatstand n. Stand with hooks for hanging hats etc. On.
Hatter n. Maker or seller of hats.
Hat trick n. 1 cricket taking of three wickets by the same bowler with three successive balls. 2 three consecutive successes etc.
Haughty adj. (-ier, -iest) arrogant and disdainful. haughtily adv. Haughtiness n.
Haughty adj. (-ier, -iest) arrogant and disdainful. haughtily adv. Haughtiness n. [haught, haut from french, = high]
Haul —v. 1 pull or drag forcibly. 2 transport by lorry, cart, etc. 3 turn a ship’s course. 4 colloq. (usu. Foll. By up) bring for reprimand or trial. —n. 1 hauling. 2 amount gained or acquired. 3 distance to be traversed (a short haul). haul over the coals see *coal. [french haler from old norse hala]
Haulage n. 1 commercial transport of goods. 2 charge for this.
Haulier n. Person or firm engaged in the transport of goods.
Haulm n. (also halm) 1 stalk or stem. 2 stalks or stems of peas, beans, etc., collectively. [old english]
Haunch n. 1 fleshy part of the buttock with the thigh. 2 leg and loin of a deer etc. As food. [french from germanic]
Haunt —v. 1 (of a ghost) visit (a place) regularly. 2 frequent (a place). 3 linger in the mind of. —n. Place frequented by a person or animal. [french from germanic]
Haunting adj. (of a memory, melody, etc.) Tending to linger in the mind; poignant, evocative.
Haute couture n. High fashion; leading fashion houses or their products. [french]
Haute cuisine n. High-class cookery. [french]
Hauteur n. Haughtiness. [french]
Have —v. (-ving; 3rd sing. Present has; past and past part. Had) 1 as an auxiliary verb with past part. Or ellipt., to form the perfect, pluperfect, and future perfect tenses, and the conditional mood (has, had, will have, seen; had i known, i would have gone; yes, i have). 2 own or be able to use; be provided with (has a car; had no time). 3 hold in a certain relationship (has a sister; had no equals). 4 contain as a part or quality (box has a lid; has big eyes). 5 a experience (had a good time, a shock, a pain). B be subjected to a specified state (had my car stolen; book has a page missing). C cause (a person or thing) to be in a particular state or take particular action (had him sacked; had us worried; had my hair cut; had a copy made; had them to stay). 6 a engage in (an activity) (have an argument, sex). B hold (a meeting, party, etc.). 7 eat or drink (had a beer). 8 (usu. In neg.) Accept or tolerate; permit to (i won’t have it; won’t have you say that). 9 a feel (have no doubt; has nothing against me). B show (mercy, pity, etc.). C (foll. By to + infin.) Show by action that one is influenced by (a feeling, quality, etc.) (have the sense to stop). 10 a give birth to (offspring). B conceive mentally (an idea etc.). 11 receive, obtain (had a letter from him; not a ticket to be had). 12 be burdened with or committed to (has a job to do). 13 a have obtained (a qualification) (has six o levels). B know (a language) (has no latin). 14 slang a get the better of (i had him there). B (usu. In passive) cheat, deceive (you were had). 15 coarse slang have sexual intercourse with. —n. 1 (usu. In pl.) Colloq. Person with wealth or resources. 2 slang swindle. had best see best. Had better see better. Have got to colloq. = have to. Have had it colloq. 1 have missed one’schance. 2 have passed one’s prime. 3 have been killed, defeated, etc. Have it 1 (foll. By that) maintain that. 2 win a decision in a vote etc. 3 colloq. Have found the answer etc. Have it away (or off) coarse slang have sexual intercourse. Have it in for colloq. Be hostile or ill-disposed towards. Have it out (often foll. By with) colloq. Attempt to settle a dispute by argument. Have on 1 wear (clothes).
2 have (an engagement). 3 colloq. Tease, hoax. Have to be obliged to, must. Have up colloq. Bring (a person) before a judge, interviewer, etc. [old english]
Haven n. 1 refuge. 2 harbour, port. [old english]
Have-not n. (usu. In pl.) Colloq. Person lacking wealth or resources.
Haven’t contr. Have not.
Haver v. 1 vacillate, hesitate. 2 dial. Talk foolishly. [origin unknown]
Haversack n. Stout canvas bag carried on the back or over the shoulder. [german habersack, = oats-sack]
Havoc n. Widespread destruction; great disorder. [french havo(t)]
Haw1 n. Hawthorn berry. [old english]
Haw2 see *hum.
Hawfinch n. Large finch with a thick beak for cracking seeds. [from *haw1, *finch]
Hawk1 —n. 1 bird of prey with a curved beak, rounded short wings, and a long tail. 2 polit. Person who advocates aggressive policies. —v. Hunt with a hawk.
tail. 2 polit. Person who advocates aggressive policies. —v. Hunt with a hawk. hawkish adj. [old english]
Hawk2 v. Carry about or offer (goods) for sale. [back-formation from *hawker]
Hawk3 v. 1 clear the throat noisily. 2 (foll. By up) bring (phlegm etc.) Up from the throat. [imitative]
Hawker n. Person who travels about selling goods. [low german or dutch]
Hawk-eyed adj. Keen-sighted.
Hawser n. Thick rope or cable for mooring or towing a ship. [french, haucier hoist, from latin altus high]
Hawthorn n. Thorny shrub with small dark-red berries. [related to *haw1]
Health service n. Public service providing medical care.
Health visitor n. Trained nurse who visits mothers and babies, or the sick or elderly, at home.
Healthy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 having, showing, or promoting good health. 2 indicative of (esp. Moral or financial) health (a healthy sign). 3 substantial (won by a healthy 40 seconds). healthily adv. Healthiness n.
Heap —n. 1 disorderly pile. 2 (esp. In pl.) Colloq. Large number or amount. 3 slang dilapidated vehicle. —v. 1 (foll. By up, together, etc.) Collect or be collected in a heap. 2 (foll. By with) load copiously with. 3 (foll. By on, upon) give or offer copiously (heaped insults on them). [old english]
Hear v. (past and past part. Heard) 1 (also absol.) Perceive with the ear. 2 listen to (heard them on the radio). 3 listen judicially to (a case etc.). 4 be told or informed. 5 (foll. By from) be contacted by, esp. By letter or telephone. 6 be ready to obey (an order). 7 grant (a prayer). have heard of be aware of the existence of. Hear! Hear! Int. Expressing agreement. Hear a person out listen to all a person says. Will not hear of will not allow. hearer n. [old english]
Hearing n. 1 faculty of perceiving sounds. 2 range within which sounds may be heard (within hearing). 3 opportunity to state one’s case (a fair hearing). 4 trial of a case before a court.
Hearing-aid n. Small device to amplify sound, worn by a partially deaf person.
Hearken v. Archaic (often foll. By to) listen. [old english: related to *hark]
Hearsay n. Rumour, gossip.
Hearse n. Vehicle for conveying the coffin at a funeral. [french herse harrow, from latin hirpex large rake]
Heart n. 1 hollow muscular organ maintaining the circulation of blood by rhythmic contraction and dilation. 2 region of the heart; the breast. 3 a centre of
thought, feeling, and emotion (esp. Love). B capacity for feeling emotion (has no heart). 4 a courage or enthusiasm (take heart). B mood or feeling (change of heart). 5 a central or innermost part of something. B essence (heart of the matter). 6 compact tender inner part of a lettuce etc. 7 a heart-shaped thing. B conventional representation of a heart with two equal curves meeting at a point at the bottom and a cusp at the top. 8 a playing-card of the suit denoted by a red figure of a heart. B (in pl.) This suit. at heart 1 in one’s inmost feelings. 2 basically. Break a person’s heart overwhelm a person with sorrow. By heart from memory. Give (or lose) one’s heart (often foll. By to) fall in love (with). Have the heart (usu. With neg.; foll. By to + infin.) Be insensitive or hard-hearted enough (didn’t have the heart to ask him). Take to heart be much affected by. To one’s heart’s content see *content1. With all one’s heart sincerely; with all goodwill. [old english]
Heartache n. Mental anguish.
Heart attack n. Sudden occurrence of coronary thrombosis.
Heartbeat n. Pulsation of the heart.
Heartbreak n. Overwhelming distress. heartbreaking adj. Heartbroken adj.
Heartburn n. Burning sensation in the chest from indigestion.
Hearten v. Make or become more cheerful. heartening adj.
Heart failure n. Failure of the heart to function properly, esp. As a cause of
death.
Heartfelt adj. Sincere; deeply felt.
Hearth n. 1 floor of a fireplace. 2 the home. [old english]
Hearthrug n. Rug laid before a fireplace.
Heartily adv. 1 in a hearty manner. 2 very (am heartily sick of it).
Heart-lung machine n. Machine that temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and lungs.
Heart-rending adj. Very distressing.
Heart-searching n. Examination of one’s own feelings and motives.
Heartsick adj. Despondent.
Heartstrings n.pl. One’s deepest feelings.
Heartthrob n. Colloq. Person for whom one has (esp. Immature) romantic feelings.
Heart-to-heart —attrib. Adj. (of a conversation etc.) Candid, intimate. —n.
Candid or personal conversation.
Heart-warming adj. Emotionally rewarding or uplifting.
Heartwood n. Dense inner part of a tree-trunk, yielding the hardest timber.
Hearty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 strong, vigorous. 2 (of a meal or appetite) large. 3 warm, friendly. heartiness n.
Heat —n. 1 condition of being hot. 2 physics form of energy arising from the motion of bodies’ molecules. 3 hot weather. 4 warmth of feeling; anger or excitement. 5 (foll. By of) most intense part or period of activity (heat of battle). 6 (usu. Preliminary or trial) round in a race etc. —v. 1 make or become hot or warm. 2 inflame. on heat (of mammals, esp. Females) sexually receptive. [old english]
Heated adj. Angry; impassioned. heatedly adv.
Heater n. Stove or other heating device.
Heath n. 1 area of flattish uncultivated land with low shrubs. 2 plant growing on a heath, esp. Heather. [old english]
Heathen —n. 1 person not belonging to a predominant religion, esp. Not a christian, jew, or muslim. 2 person regarded as lacking culture or moral principles. —adj. 1 of heathens. 2 having no religion. [old english]
Heather n. Any of various shrubs growing esp. On moors and heaths. [origin unknown]
Heath robinson adj. Absurdly ingenious and impracticable. [name of a cartoonist]
Heating n. 1 imparting or generation of heat. 2 equipment used to heat a building etc.
Heatproof —adj. Able to resist great heat. —v. Make heatproof.
Heat shield n. Device to protect (esp. A spacecraft) from excessive heat.
Heatwave n. Period of unusually hot weather.
Heave —v. (-ving; past and past part. Heaved or esp. Naut. Hove) 1 lift or haul with great effort. 2 utter with effort (heaved a sigh). 3 colloq. Throw. 4 rise and fall rhythmically or spasmodically. 5 naut. Haul by rope. 6 retch. —n. Heaving. heave in sight come into view. Heave to esp. Naut. Bring or be brought to a standstill. [old english]
Heaven n. 1 place regarded in some religions as the abode of god and the angels, and of the blessed after death. 2 place or state of supreme bliss. 3 colloq. Delightful thing. 4 (usu. Heaven) god, providence (often as an exclamation or mild oath: heavens). 5 (the heavens) esp. Poet. The sky as seen from the earth, in which the sun, moon, and stars appear. heavenward adv. (also heavenwards). [old english]
Heavenly adj. 1 of heaven; divine. 2 of the heavens or sky. 3 colloq. Very pleasing; wonderful.
Heavenly bodies n.pl. The sun, stars, planets, etc.
Heavensent adj. Providential.
Heavier-than-air attrib. Adj. (of an aircraft) weighing more than the air it displaces.
Heavy —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of great or unusually high weight; difficult to lift. 2 of great density (heavy metal). 3 abundant, considerable (heavy crop; heavy traffic). 4 severe, intense, extensive (heavy fighting; a heavy sleep). 5 doing a thing to excess (heavy drinker). 6 striking or falling with force; causing strong impact (heavy blows; heavy rain; heavy sea; a heavy fall). 7 (of machinery,
artillery, etc.) Very large of its kind; large in calibre etc. 8 needing much physical effort (heavy work). 9 carrying heavy weapons (the heavy brigade). 10 serious or sombre in tone or attitude; dull, tedious. 11 a hard to digest. B hard to read or understand. 12 (of bread etc.) Too dense from not having risen. 13 (of ground) difficult to traverse or work. 14 oppressive; hard to endure (heavy demands). 15 a coarse, ungraceful (heavy features). B unwieldy. —n. (pl. -ies) 1 colloq. Large violent person; thug (esp. Hired). 2 villainous or tragic role or actor. 3 (usu. In pl.) Colloq. Serious newspaper. 4 anything large or heavy of its kind, e.g. A vehicle. —adv. Heavily (esp. In comb.: heavy-laden).
Heavy industry n. Industry producing metal, machinery, etc.
Heavy metal n. 1 heavy guns. 2 metal of high density. 3 colloq. Loud kind of rock music with a pounding rhythm.
Heavy petting n. Erotic fondling that stops short of intercourse.
Heavy water n. Water composed of deuterium and oxygen.
Heavyweight n. 1 a weight in certain sports, in amateur boxing over 81 kg. B sportsman of this weight. 2 person etc. Of above average weight. 3 colloq. Person of influence or importance.
Hebe n. Evergreen flowering shrub from new zealand. [greek goddess hebe]
Hebraic adj. Of hebrew or the hebrews.
Hebrew —n. 1 member of a semitic people orig. Centred in ancient palestine. 2 a their language. B modern form of this, used esp. In israel. —adj. 1 of or in hebrew. 2 of the hebrews or the jews. [hebrew, = one from the other side of the river]
Heck int. Colloq. Mild exclamation of surprise or dismay. [a form of *hell]
Heckle —v. (-ling) interrupt and harass (a public speaker). —n. Act of heckling. heckler n. [var. Of *hackle]
Hectare n. Metric unit of square measure, 100 ares (2.471 acres or 10,000 square
Hectogram n. (also hectogramme) metric unit of mass equal to 100 grams.
Hector —v. Bully, intimidate. —n. Bully. [from the name hector in the iliad]
He’d contr. 1 he had. 2 he would.
Hedge —n. 1 fence or boundary of dense bushes or shrubs. 2 protection against possible loss. —v. (-ging) 1 surround or bound with a hedge. 2 (foll. By in) enclose. 3 a reduce one’s risk of loss on (a bet or speculation) by compensating transactions on the other side. B avoid committing oneself. [old english]
Hedgehog n. Small insect-eating mammal with a piglike snout and a coat of spines, rolling itself up into a ball when attacked.
Hedge-hop v. Fly at a very low altitude.
Hedgerow n. Row of bushes etc. Forming a hedge.
Hedge sparrow n. Common grey and brown bird; the dunnock.
Hedonism n. 1 belief in pleasure as mankind’s proper aim. 2 behaviour based on this. hedonist n. Hedonistic adj. [greek hedone pleasure]
Hee-haw —n. Bray of a donkey. —v. Make a braying sound. [imitative]
Heel1 —n. 1 back of the foot below the ankle. 2 a part of a sock etc. Covering this. B part of a shoe etc. Supporting this. 3 thing like a heel in form or position. 4 crust end of a loaf of bread. 5 colloq. Scoundrel. 6 (as int.) Command to a dog to walk close to its owner’s heel. —v. 1 fit or renew a heel on (a shoe etc.). 2 touch the ground with the heel as in dancing. 3 (foll. By out) rugby pass the ball with the heel. at heel 1 (of a dog) close behind. 2 (of a person etc.) Under control. At (or on) the heels of following closely after (a person or event). Cool (or kick) one’s heels be kept waiting. Down at heel 1 (of a shoe) with the heel worn down. 2 (of a person) shabby. Take to one’s heels run away. To heel 1 (of a dog) close behind. 2 (of a person etc.) Under control. Turn on one’s heel turn sharply round. [old english]
Heel2 —v. (often foll. By over) 1 (of a ship etc.) Lean over. 2 cause (a ship etc.) To do this. —n. Act or amount of heeling. [obsolete heeld, from germanic]
Heel3 var. Of *hele.
Heelball n. 1 mixture of hard wax and lampblack used by shoemakers for polishing. 2 this or a similar mixture used in brass-rubbing.
Hefty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of a person) big and strong. 2 (of a thing) large, heavy, powerful. heftily adv. Heftiness n. [heft weight: related to *heave]
Hegemony n. Leadership, esp. By one state of a confederacy. [greek hegemon leader]
Hegira n. (also hejira) 1 muhammad’s flight from mecca in ad 622. 2 muslim era reckoned from this date. [arabic hijra departure]
Heifer n. Young cow, esp. One that has not had more than one calf. [old english]
Height n. 1 measurement from base to top or head to foot. 2 elevation above the ground or a recognized level. 3 considerable elevation (situated at a height). 4 high place or area. 5 top. 6 a most intense part or period (battle was at its height). B extreme example (the height of fashion). [old english]
Heighten v. Make or become higher or more intense.
Heinous adj. Utterly odious or wicked. [french haïr hate]
Heir n. (fem. Heiress) person entitled to property or rank as the legal successor of its former holder. [latin heres hered-]
Heir apparent n. Heir whose claim cannot be set aside by the birth of another heir.
Heirloom n. 1 piece of personal property that has been in a family for several generations. 2 piece of property as part of an inheritance.
Heir presumptive n. Heir whose claim may be set aside by the birth of another heir.
Hejira var. Of *hegira.
Held past and past part. Of *hold1.
Hele v. (-ling) (also heel) (foll. By in) set (a plant) in the ground temporarily and cover its roots. [old english]
Helical adj. Having the form of a helix.
Helices pl. Of *helix.
Helices pl. Of *helix.
Helicopter n. Wingless aircraft obtaining lift and propulsion from horizontally revolving overhead blades. [greek: related to *helix, pteron wing]
Helio-comb. Form sun. [greek helios sun]
Heliocentric adj. 1 regarding the sun as centre. 2 considered as viewed from the sun’s centre.
Heliograph —n. 1 signalling apparatus reflecting sunlight in flashes. 2 message sent by means of this. —v. Send (a message) by heliograph.
Heliotrope n. Plant with fragrant purple flowers. [greek: related to *helio-, trepo turn]
Heliport n. Place where helicopters take off and land.
Helium n. Light inert gaseous element used in airships and as a refrigerant. [related to *helio-]
Helix n. (pl. Helices) spiral curve (like a corkscrew) or coiled curve (like a watch spring). [latin from greek]
Hell —n. 1 place regarded in some religions as the abode of the dead, or of
devils and condemned sinners. 2 place or state of misery or wickedness. —int. Expressing anger, surprise, etc. the hell (usu. Prec. By what, where, who, etc.) Expressing anger, disbelief, etc. (who the hell is this?; the hell you are!). Beat etc. The hell out of colloq. Beat etc. Without restraint. Come hell or high waterno matter what the difficulties. For the hell of it colloq. Just for fun. Get hell colloq. Be severely scolded or punished. Give a person hell colloq. Scold or punish a person. A (or one) hell of a colloq. Outstanding example of (a hell of a mess; one hell of a party). Like hell colloq. 1 not at all. 2 recklessly, exceedingly. [old english]
He’ll contr. He will; he shall.
Hell-bent adj. (foll. By on) recklessly determined.
Hellebore n. Evergreen plant with usu. White, purple, or green flowers, e.g. The christmas rose. [greek (h)elleborus]
Hellene n. 1 native of modern greece. 2 ancient greek. hellenic adj. [greek]
Hellenism n. (esp. Ancient) greek character or culture. hellenist n.
Hellenistic adj. Of greek history, language, and culture of the late 4th to the late 1st c. Bc.
Hell-fire n. Fire(s) regarded as existing in hell.
Hell for leather adv. At full speed.
Hell-hole n. Oppressive or unbearable place.
Hellish —adj. 1 of or like hell. 2 colloq. Extremely difficult or unpleasant. — adv. Colloq. Extremely (hellish expensive). hellishly adv.
Hello (also hallo, hullo) —int. Expression of informal greeting, or of surprise, or to call attention. —n. (pl. -s) cry of ‘hello’. [var. Of earlier hollo]
Hell’s angel n. Member of a gang of male motor-cycle enthusiasts notorious for outrageous and violent behaviour.
Helm n. Tiller or wheel for controlling a ship’s rudder. at the helm in control; at the head of an organization etc. [old english]
Helmet n. Protective head-covering worn by a policeman, motor cyclist, etc. [french from germanic]
Helmsman n. Person who steers a ship.
Helot n. Serf, esp. (helot) of a class in ancient sparta. [latin from greek]
Help —v. 1 provide with the means towards what is needed or sought (helped
Help —v. 1 provide with the means towards what is needed or sought (helped me with my work; helped me (to) pay my debts; helped him on with his coat). 2 (often absol.) Be of use or service to (does that help?). 3 contribute to alleviating (a pain or difficulty). 4 prevent or remedy (it can’t be helped). 5 (usu. With neg.) A refrain from (can’t help it; could not help laughing). B refl. Refrain from acting (couldn’t help himself). 6 (often foll. By to) serve (a person with food). — n. 1 helping or being helped (need your help; came to our help). 2 person or thing that helps. 3 colloq. Domestic assistant or assistance. 4 remedy or escape (there is no help for it). help oneself (often foll. By to) 1 serve oneself (with food etc.). 2 take without permission. Help a person out give a person help, esp. In difficulty. helper n.
Helpful adj. Giving help; useful. helpfully adv. Helpfulness n.
Helping n. Portion of food at a meal.
Helpless adj. 1 lacking help or protection; defenceless. 2 unable to act without help. helplessly adv. Helplessness n.
Helpline n. Telephone service providing help with problems.
Helpmate n. Helpful companion or partner.
Helter-skelter —adv. & adj. In disorderly haste. —n. (at a fairground) external spiral slide round a tower. [imitative]
Hem1 —n. Border of cloth where the edge is turned under and sewn down. —v. (-mm-) turn down and sew in the edge of (cloth etc.). hem in confine; restrict the movement of. [old english]
Hem2 —int. Calling attention or expressing hesitation by a slight cough. —n. Utterance of this. —v. (-mm-) say hem; hesitate in speech. hem and haw = hum and haw (see *hum). [imitative]
Hemal adj. (brit. Haem-) of the blood. [greek haima blood]
He-man n. Masterful or virile man.
Hematite n. (brit. Haem-) a ferric oxide ore. [latin: related to *haemal]
Hematology n. (brit. Haem-) the study of the blood. haematologist n.
Hemi-comb. Form half. [greek, = latin semi-]
Hemipterous adj. Of the insect order including aphids, bugs, and cicadas, with piercing or sucking mouthparts. [greek pteron wing]
Hemisphere n. 1 half a sphere. 2 half of the earth, esp. As divided by the equator (into northern and southern hemisphere) or by a line passing through the poles (into eastern and western hemisphere). hemispherical adj. [greek: related to hemi-, sphere]
Hemline n. Lower edge of a skirt etc.
Hemlock n. 1 poisonous plant with fernlike leaves and small white flowers. 2 poison made from this. [old english]
Hemoglobin n. (brit. Haem-) oxygen-carrying substance in the red blood cells of vertebrates. [from *globulin]
Hemophilia n. (brit. Haem-) hereditary failure of the blood to clot normally with the tendency to bleed severely from even a slight injury. [greek haima blood, philia loving]
Hemophiliac n. (brit. Haem-) person with haemophilia.
Hemorrhage (brit. Haem-) —n. 1 profuse loss of blood from a ruptured blood-vessel. 2 damaging loss, esp. Of people or assets. —v. (-ging) suffer a haemorrhage. [greek haima blood, rhegnumi burst]
Hemorrhoids n.pl. (brit. Haem-) swollen veins in the wall of the anus; piles. [greek haima blood, -rhoos -flowing]
Hemp n. 1 (in full indian hemp) asian herbaceous plant. 2 its fibre used to make rope and stout fabrics. 3 narcotic drug made from the hemp plant. [old english]
Hempen adj. Made of hemp.
Hemstitch —n. Decorative stitch. —v. Hem with this stitch.
Hen n. Female bird, esp. Of a domestic fowl. [old english]
Henbane n. Poisonous hairy plant with an unpleasant smell.
Hence adv. 1 from this time (two years hence). 2 for this reason (hence we seem to be wrong). 3 archaic from here. [old english]
Henceforth adv. (also henceforward) from this time onwards.
Henchman n. Usu. Derog. Trusted supporter. [old english hengst horse, *man]
Henge n. Prehistoric monument consisting of a circle of stone or wood uprights. [stonehenge in s. England]
Henna —n. 1 tropical shrub. 2 reddish dye made from it and used to colour hair. —v. (hennaed, hennaing) dye with henna. [arabic]
Hen-party n. Colloq. Social gathering of women only.
Henpeck v. (usu. In passive) (of a wife) constantly nag her husband.
Henry n. (pl. -s or -ies) electr. Si unit of inductance. [henry, name of a physicist]
Henry n. (pl. -s or -ies) electr. Si unit of inductance. [henry, name of a physicist]
Hep var. Of *hip4.
Hepatic adj. Of the liver. [greek hepar -atos liver]
Hepatitis n. Inflammation of the liver. [related to *hepatic]
Hepta-comb. Form seven. [greek]
Heptagon n. Plane figure with seven sides and angles. heptagonal adj. [greek:
related to *hepta-, -gonos angled]
Her —pron. 1 objective case of she (i like her). 2 colloq. She (it’s her all right; am older than her). —poss. Pron. (attrib.) Of or belonging to her or herself (her house; her own business). [old english dative and genitive of she]
Herald —n. 1 official messenger bringing news. 2 forerunner, harbinger. 3 a hist. Officer responsible for state ceremonial and etiquette. B official concerned with pedigrees and coats of arms. —v. Proclaim the approach of; usher in. heraldic adj. [french from germanic]
Heraldry n. 1 art or knowledge of a herald. 2 coats of arms.
Herb n. 1 any non-woody seed-bearing plant. 2 plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for flavouring, food, medicine, scent, etc. herby adj. (-ier, -iest). [latin herba]
Herbaceous adj. Of or like herbs.
Herbaceous border n. Garden border containing esp. Perennial flowering plants.
Herbage n. Vegetation collectively, esp. As pasture.
Herbal —adj. Of herbs in medicinal and culinary use. —n. Book describing the medicinal and culinary uses of herbs.
Herbalist n. 1 dealer in medicinal herbs. 2 writer on herbs.
Herbarium n. (pl. -ria) 1 systematically arranged collection of dried plants. 2 book, room, etc. For these.
Herbicide n. Poison used to destroy unwanted vegetation.
Herbivore n. Animal that feeds on plants. herbivorous adj. [latin voro devour]
Herculean adj. Having or requiring great strength or effort. [from the name hercules, latin alteration of greek herakles]
hercules, latin alteration of greek herakles]
Herd —n. 1 a number of animals, esp. Cattle, feeding or travelling or kept together. 2 (prec. By the) derog. Large number of people; mob (tends to follow the herd). —v. 1 (cause to) go in a herd (herded together for warmth; herded the cattle into the field). 2 look after (sheep, cattle, etc.). [old english]
Herd instinct n. (prec. By the) tendency to think and act as a crowd.
Herdsman n. Man who owns or tends a herd.
Here —adv. 1 in or at or to this place or position (come here; sit here). 2 indicating a person’s presence or a thing offered (my son here will show you; here is your coat). 3 at this point in the argument, situation, etc. (here i have a question). —n. This place (get out of here; lives near here; fill it up to here). — int. 1 calling attention: short for come here, look here, etc. (here, where are you going with that?). 2 indicating one’s presence in a roll-call: short for i am here. here goes! Colloq. Expression indicating the start of a bold act. Here’s to i drink to the health of. Here we are colloq. Said on arrival at one’s destination. Here we go again colloq. The same, usu. Undesirable, events are recurring. Here you are said on handing something to somebody. Neither here nor there of no importance. [old english]
Hereabouts adv. (also hereabout) near this place.
Hereafter —adv. From now on; in the future. —n. 1 the future. 2 life after death.
Here and now adv. At this very moment; immediately.
Here and now adv. At this very moment; immediately.
Here and there adv. In various places.
Hereby adv. By this means; as a result of this.
Hereditable adj. That can be inherited. [latin: related to *heir]
Hereditary adj. 1 (of a disease, instinct, etc.) Able to be passed down genetically from one generation to another. 2 a descending by inheritance. B holding a position by inheritance. [latin: related to *heir]
Heredity n. 1 a passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically. B these characteristics. 2 genetic constitution.
Hereford n. Animal of a breed of red and white beef cattle. [hereford in england]
Herein adv. Formal in this matter, book, etc.
Hereinafter adv. Esp. Law formal 1 from this point on. 2 in a later part of this document etc.
Hereof adv. Formal of this.
Heresy n. (pl. -ies) 1 esp. Rc ch. Religious belief or practice contrary to orthodox doctrine. 2 opinion contrary to what is normally accepted or maintained. [greek hairesis choice]
Heretic n. 1 person believing in or practising religious heresy. 2 holder of an unorthodox opinion. heretical adj.
Hereto adv. Formal to this matter.
Heretofore adv. Formal before this time.
Hereupon adv. After this; in consequence of this.
Herewith adv. With this (esp. Of an enclosure in a letter etc.).
Heritable adj. 1 law capable of being inherited or of inheriting. 2 biol. Genetically transmissible from parent to offspring. [french: related to *heir]
Heritage n. 1 what is or may be inherited. 2 inherited circumstances, benefits, etc. 3 a nation’s historic buildings, monuments, countryside, etc., esp. Whenregarded as worthy of preservation.
Hermaphrodite —n. Person, animal, or plant having both male and female reproductive organs. —adj. Combining both sexes. hermaphroditic adj. [from hermaphroditus, son of hermes and aphrodite who became joined in one body to
a nymph]
Hermetic adj. With an airtight closure. hermetically adv. [from the greek god hermes, regarded as the founder of alchemy]
Hermit n. Person (esp. An early christian) living in solitude and austerity. hermitic adj. [greek eremos solitary]
Hermitage n. 1 hermit’s dwelling. 2 secluded dwelling.
Hermit-crab n. Crab that lives in a mollusc’s cast-off shell.
Hernia n. Protrusion of part of an organ through the wall of the body cavity containing it. [latin]
Hero n. (pl. -es) 1 person noted or admired for nobility, courage, outstanding achievements, etc. 2 chief male character in a play, story, etc. [greek heros]
Heroic —adj. Of, fit for, or like a hero; very brave. —n. (in pl.) 1 high-flown language or sentiments. 2 unduly bold behaviour. heroically adv.
Heroin n. Addictive analgesic drug derived from morphine, often used as a narcotic. [german: related to *hero, from the effect on the user’s self-esteem]
Heroine n. 1 woman noted or admired for nobility, courage, outstanding achievements, etc. 2 chief female character in a play, story, etc. [greek: related to *hero]
Heroism n. Heroic conduct or qualities. [french héroïsme: related to *hero]
Heron n. Long-legged wading bird with a long sshaped neck. [french from germanic]
Hero-worship —n. Idealization of an admired person. —v. Idolize.
Herpes n. Virus disease causing skin blisters. [greek herpo creep]
Herr n. (pl. Herren) 1 title of a german man; mr. 2 german man. [german]
Herring n. (pl. Same or -s) n. Atlantic fish used as food. [old english]
Herring-bone n. Stitch or weave consisting of a series of small ‘v’ shapes making a zigzag pattern.
Herring-gull n. Large gull with dark wing-tips.
Hers poss. Pron. The one or ones belonging to or associated with her (it is hers; hers are over there). of hers of or belonging to her (friend of hers).
hers are over there). of hers of or belonging to her (friend of hers).
Herself pron. 1 a emphat. Form of *she or her (she herself will do it). B refl. Form of her (she has hurt herself). 2 in her normal state of body or mind (doesnot feel quite herself today). be herself see oneself. By herself see by oneself. [old english: related to her, *self]
Hertz n. (pl. Same) si unit of frequency, equal to one cycle per second. [hertz, name of a physicist]
He’s contr. 1 he is. 2 he has.
Hesitant adj. Hesitating; irresolute. hesitance n. Hesitancy n. Hesitantly adv.
Hesitate v. (-ting) 1 show or feel indecision or uncertainty; pause in doubt (hesitated over her choice). 2 be reluctant (i hesitate to say so). hesitation n. [latin haereo haes-stick fast]
Hessian n. Strong coarse sacking made of hemp or jute. [hesse in germany]
Hetero-comb. Form other, different. [greek heteros other]
Heterodox adj. Not orthodox. heterodoxy n. [from *hetero-, greek doxa opinion]
Heterodyne adj. Radio relating to the production of a lower frequency from the combination of two almost equal high frequencies. [from *hetero-, greek
dunamis force]
Heterogeneous adj. 1 diverse in character. 2 varied in content. heterogeneity n. [latin from greek genos kind]
Heteromorphic adj. (also heteromorphous) biol. Of dissimilar forms.
heteromorphism n.
Heterosexual —adj. Feeling or involving sexual attraction to the opposite sex. — n. Heterosexual person. heterosexuality n.
Het up predic. Adj. Colloq. Excited, overwrought. [het, a dial. Word = heated]
Heuristic adj. 1 allowing or assisting to discover. 2 proceeding to a solution by trial and error. [greek heurisko find]
Hew v. (past part. Hewn or hewed) 1 chop or cut with an axe, sword, etc. 2 cut into shape. [old english]
Hexadecimal adj. Esp. Computing of a system of numerical notation that has 16
Hexadecimal adj. Esp. Computing of a system of numerical notation that has 16 (the figures 0 to 9 and the letters a to f) rather than 10 as a base.
Hexagon n. Plane figure with six sides and angles. hexagonal adj. [greek: related to *hexa-, -gonos angled]
Hexagram n. Figure formed by two intersecting equilateral triangles.
Hexameter n. Line of verse with six metrical feet.
Hey int. Calling attention or expressing joy, surprise, inquiry, etc. [imitative]
Heyday n. Time of greatest success or prosperity. [low german]
Hey presto! Int. Conjuror’s phrase on completing a trick.
Hezbollah n. (also hiz-) extreme shiite muslim group, active esp. In lebanon. [arabic hisbullah party of god]
Hf abbr. High frequency.
Hf symb. Hafnium.
Hg symb. Mercury.
Hg abbr. Hectogram(s).
Hgv abbr. Heavy goods vehicle.
Hh abbr. 1 her or his highness. 2 his holiness. 3 (of pencil-lead) double-hard.
Hi int. Calling attention or as a greeting.
Hiatus n. (pl. -tuses) 1 break or gap in a series or sequence. 2 break between two vowels coming together but not in the same syllable, as in though oft the ear. [latin hio gape]
Hibernate v. (-ting) (of an animal) spend the winter in a dormant state. hibernation n. [latin hibernus wintry]
Hibernian archaic poet. —adj. Of ireland. —n. Native of ireland. [latin hibernia ireland]
Hibiscus n. (pl. -cuses) cultivated shrub with large bright-coloured flowers. [greek hibiskos marsh mallow]
Hiccup (also hiccough) —n. 1 involuntary spasm of the diaphragm causing a characteristic sound ‘hic’. 2 temporary or minor stoppage or difficulty. —v. (-p-) make a hiccup. [imitative]
Hick n. (often attrib.) Esp. Us colloq. Country bumpkin, provincial. [familiar form of richard]
Hickory n. (pl. -ies) 1 n. American tree yielding wood and nutlike edible fruits. 2 the tough heavy wood of this. [virginian pohickery]
Hid past of *hide1.
Hidden past part. Of *hide1.
Hidden agenda n. Secret motivation behind a policy, statement, etc.; ulterior motive.
Hide1 —v. (-ding; past hid; past part. Hidden) 1 put or keep out of sight. 2 conceal oneself. 3 (usu. Foll. By from) keep (a fact) secret. 4 conceal. —n. Camouflaged shelter used for observing wildlife. hider n. [old english]
Hide2 n. 1 animal’s skin, esp. When tanned or dressed. 2 colloq. The human skin, esp. The backside. [old english]
Hide-and-seek n. Game in which players hide and another searches for them.
Hideaway n. Hiding-place or place of retreat.
Hidebound adj. 1 narrow-minded. 2 constricted by tradition.
Hideous adj. 1 very ugly, revolting. 2 colloq. Unpleasant. hideosity n. (pl. -ies). Hideously adv. [anglo-french hidous]
Hide-out n. Colloq. Hiding-place.
Hiding1 n. Colloq. A thrashing. on a hiding to nothing with no chance of succeeding. [from *hide2]
Hiding2 n. 1 act of hiding. 2 state of remaining hidden (go into hiding). [from *hide1]
Hiding-place n. Place of concealment.
Hierarchy n. (pl. -ies) system of grades of status or authority ranked one above the other. hierarchical adj. [greek hieros sacred, arkho rule]
Hieratic adj. 1 of priests. 2 of the ancient egyptian hieroglyphic writing as used by priests. [greek hiereus priest]
Hieroglyph n. Picture representing a word, syllable, or sound, as used in ancient egyptian etc. [greek hieros sacred, glupho carve]
Hieroglyphic —adj. Of or written in hieroglyphs. —n. (in pl.) Hieroglyphs; hieroglyphic writing.
Hi-fi colloq. —adj. Of high fidelity. —n. (pl. -s) set of high-fidelity equipment. [abbreviation]
Higgledy-piggledy adv. & adj. In confusion or disorder. [origin uncertain]
High —adj. 1 a of great vertical extent (high building). B (predic.; often in comb.) Of a specified height (one inch high; waist-high). 2 a far above ground or sea level etc. (high altitude). B inland, esp. When raised (high asia). 3 extending above the normal level (jersey with a high neck). 4 a of exalted quality (high minds). B lavish; superior (high living; high fashion). 5 of exalted rank (high society; is high in the government). 6 a great; intense; extreme; powerful (high praise; high temperature). B greater than normal (high prices). C extreme or very traditional in religious or political opinion (high tory). 7 performed at, to, or from a considerable height (high diving; high flying). 8 (often foll. By on) colloq. Intoxicated by alcohol or esp. Drugs. 9 (of a sound etc.) Of high frequency; shrill. 10 (of a period, age, time, etc.) At its peak (high noon; high summer; high renaissance). 11 a (of meat etc.) Beginning to go bad; off. B (of game) well-hung and slightly decomposed. —n. 1 high, or the highest, level or figure. 2 area of high pressure; anticyclone. 3 slang euphoric state, esp. Drug-induced (am on a high). —adv. 1 far up; aloft (flew the flag high). 2 in or to a high degree. 3 at a high price. 4 (of a sound) at or to a high pitch. high opinion of favourable opinion of. On high in or to heaven or a high place. On one’s high horse colloq. Acting arrogantly. [old english]
High altar n. Chief altar in a church.
High and dry adj. Stranded; aground.
High and low adv. Everywhere (searched high and low).
High and mighty adj. Colloq. Arrogant.
Highball n. Us drink of spirits and soda etc., served with ice in a tall glass.
Highbrow colloq. —adj. Intellectual; cultural. —n. Intellectual or cultured person.
High chair n. Infant’s chair with long legs and a tray for meals.
High church n. Section of the church of england emphasizing ritual, priestly authority, and sacraments.
High-class adj. Of high quality.
High colour n. Flushed complexion.
High command n. Army commander-in-chief and associated staff.
High commission n. Embassy from one commonwealth country to another. high commissioner n.
High court n. (also in england high court of justice) supreme court of justice for civil cases.
High day n. Festal day.
Higher animal n. (also higher plant) animal or plant evolved to a high degree.
Higher education n. Education at university etc.
High explosive n. Extremely explosive substance used in shells, bombs, etc.
High jump n. 1 athletic event consisting of jumping over a high bar. 2 colloq.
Drastic punishment (he’s for the high jump).
Highland —n. (usu. In pl.) 1 area of high land. 2 (the highlands) mountainous part of scotland. —adj. Of or in a highland or the highlands. highlander n. (also highlander). [old english, = promontory: related to *high]
Highland cattle n. Cattle of a shaggy-haired breed with long curved horns.
Highland fling see *fling n. 3.
High-level adj. 1 (of negotiations etc.) Conducted by high-ranking people. 2 computing (of a programming language) not machine-dependent and usu. At a level of abstraction close to natural language.
Highlight —n. 1 moment or detail of vivid interest; outstanding feature. 2 (in a painting etc.) Bright area. 3 (usu. In pl.) Light streak in the hair produced by bleaching. —v. 1 bring into prominence; draw attention to. 2 mark with a highlighter.
Highlighter n. Marker pen for emphasizing a printed word etc. By overlaying it with colour.
Highly adv. 1 in a high degree (highly amusing; commend it highly). 2 favourably (think highly of him).
Highly-strung adj. Very sensitive or nervous.
High-minded adj. Having high moral principles. high-mindedly adv. High-mindedness n.
Highness n. 1 state of being high (highness of taxation). 2 (highness) title used when addressing or referring to a prince or princess (her highness; your royal highness).
High-octane adj. (of fuel used in internal-combustion engines) not detonating readily during the power stroke.
High-pitched adj. 1 (of a sound) high. 2 (of a roof) steep.
High point n. The maximum or best state reached.
High-powered adj. 1 having great power or energy. 2 important or influential.
High pressure n. 1 high degree of activity or exertion. 2 atmospheric condition with the pressure above average.
High priest n. (fem. High priestess) 1 chief priest, esp. Jewish. 2 head of a cult.
High-ranking adj. Of high rank, senior.
High-rise —attrib. Adj. (of a building) having many storeys. —n. Such a building.
High-risk attrib. Adj. Involving or exposed to danger (high-risk sports).
High road n. Main road.
High road n. Main road.
High school n. 1 grammar school. 2 us & scot. Secondary school.
High sea n. (also high seas) open seas not under any country’s jurisdiction.
High season n. Busiest period at a resort etc.
High-speed attrib. Adj. Operating at great speed.
High-spirited adj. Vivacious; cheerful; lively.
High spot n. Important place or feature.
High street n. Principal shopping street of a town.
High table n. Dining-table for the most important guests or members.
High tea n. Evening meal usu. Consisting of a cooked dish, bread and butter, tea, etc.
High-tech adj. 1 employing, requiring, or involved in high technology. 2
imitating styles more usual in industry etc.
High technology n. Advanced technological development, esp. In electronics.
High tension n. = *high voltage.
High tide n. Time or level of the tide at its peak.
High time n. Time that is overdue (it is high time they arrived).
High treason n. = *treason.
High-up n. Colloq. Person of high rank.
High voltage n. Electrical potential large enough to injure or damage.
High water n. = *high tide.
High-water mark n. Level reached at high water.
Highway n. 1 a public road. B main route. 2 direct course of action (on the highway to success).
Highway code n. Official booklet of guidance for road-users.
Highwayman n. Hist. Robber of travellers etc., usu. Mounted.
High wire n. High tightrope.
Hijack —v. 1 seize control of (a vehicle etc.), esp. To force it to a different destination. 2 seize (goods) in transit. 3 take control of (talks etc.) By force or subterfuge. —n. A hijacking. hijacker n. [origin unknown]
Hike —n. 1 long walk, esp. In the country for pleasure. 2 rise in prices etc. —v. (-king) 1 go for a hike. 2 walk laboriously. 3 (usu. Foll. By up) hitch up (clothing etc.); become hitched up. 4 (usu. Foll. By up) raise (prices etc.). hiker n. [origin unknown]
Hill n. 1 naturally raised area of land, lower than a mountain. 2 (often in comb.) Heap, mound (anthill). 3 sloping piece of road. over the hill colloq. Past the prime of life. [old english]
Hill-billy n. Us colloq., often derog. Person from a remote rural area in a southern state.
Hillock n. Small hill, mound.
Hillside n. Sloping side of a hill.
Hilltop n. Top of a hill.
Hillwalking n. Hiking in hilly country. hillwalker n.
Hilly adj. (-ier, -iest) having many hills. hilliness n.
Hilt n. Handle of a sword, dagger, etc. up to the hilt completely. [old english]
Him pron. 1 objective case of he (i saw him). 2 colloq. He (it’s him again; taller than him). [old english, dative of he]
Himself pron. 1 a emphat. Form of *he or him (he himself will do it). B refl. Form of him (he has hurt himself). 2 in his normal state of body or mind (doesnot feel quite himself today). be himself see oneself. By himself see by oneself. [old english: related to him, *self]
Hind1 adj. At the back (hind leg). [old english hindan from behind]
Hind2 n. Female (esp. Red) deer, esp. In and after the third year. [old english]
Hinder1 v. Impede; delay. [old english]
Hinder2 adj. Rear, hind (the hinder part). [old english]
Hindi n. 1 group of spoken dialects of n. India. 2 literary form of hindustani, an official language of india. [urdu hind india]
Hindmost adj. Furthest behind.
Hindquarters n.pl. Hind legs and rump of a quadruped.
Hindrance n. 1 hindering; being hindered. 2 thing that hinders.
Hindsight n. Wisdom after the event.
Hindu —n. (pl. -s) follower of hinduism. —adj. Of hindus or hinduism. [urdu hind india]
Hinduism n. Main religious and social system of india, including the belief in reincarnation, several gods, and a caste system.
reincarnation, several gods, and a caste system.
Hindustani n. Language based on hindi, used as a lingua franca in much of india. [from *hindu, stan country]
Hinge —n. 1 movable joint on which a door, lid, etc., turns or swings. 2 principle on which all depends. —v. (-ging) 1 (foll. By on) depend (on a principle, an event, etc.). 2 attach or be attached by a hinge. [related to *hang]
Hinny n. (pl. -ies) offspring of a female donkey and a male horse. [greek hinnos]
Hint —n. 1 slight or indirect indication or suggestion. 2 small piece of practical information. 3 very small trace; suggestion (a hint of perfume). —v. Suggest slightly or indirectly. hint at give a hint of; refer indirectly to. Take a hint heed a hint. [obsolete hent grasp]
Hinterland n. 1 district beyond a coast or river’s banks. 2 area served by a port or other centre. [german]
Hip1 n. Projection of the pelvis and the upper part of the thigh-bone. [old english]
Hip2 n. Fruit of a rose, esp. Wild. [old english]
Hip3 int. Introducing a united cheer (hip, hip, hooray). [origin unknown]
Hip-bath n. Portable bath in which one sits immersed to the hips.
Hip-bone n. Bone forming the hip.
Hip-flask n. Small flask for spirits etc.
Hip hop n. (also hip-hop) subculture combining rap music, graffiti art, and break-dancing. [from *hip4]
Hippie n. (also hippy) (pl. -ies) colloq. (esp. In the 1960s) person rejecting convention, typically with long hair, jeans, beads, etc., and taking hallucinogenic drugs. [from *hip4]
Hippo n. (pl. -s) colloq. Hippopotamus. [abbreviation]
Hip-pocket n. Trouser-pocket just behind the hip.
Hippocratic oath n. Statement of ethics of the medical profession. [hippocrates, name of a greek physician]
Hippodrome n. 1 music-hall or dancehall. 2 (in classical antiquity) course for
chariot races etc. [greek hippos horse, dromos race]
Hippopotamus n. (pl. -muses or -mi) large african mammal with short legs and thick skin, living by rivers, lakes, etc. [greek hippos horse, potamos river]
Hippy1 var. Of *hippie.
Hippy2 adj. Having large hips.
Hipster1 —attrib. Adj. (of a garment) hanging from the hips rather than the waist. —n. (in pl.) Such trousers.
Hipster2 n. Slang hip person.
Hire —v. (-ring) 1 purchase the temporary use of (a thing) (hired a van). 2 esp. Us employ (a person). —n. 1 hiring or being hired. 2 payment for this. for (or on) hire ready to be hired. Hire out grant the temporary use of (a thing) for payment. hireable adj. Hirer n. [old english]
Hireling n. Usu. Derog. Person who works (only) for money.
Hire purchase n. System of purchase by paying in instalments.
Hirsute adj. Hairy. [latin]
Hirsute adj. Hairy. [latin]
His poss. Pron. 1 (attrib.) Of or belonging to him or himself (his house; his own business). 2 the one or ones belonging to or associated with him (it is his; his are over there). of his of or belonging to him (friend of his). [old english, genitive of *he]
Hispanic —adj. 1 of spain or spain and portugal. 2 of spain and other spanish-speaking countries. —n. Spanish-speaking person living in the us. [latin hispania spain]
Hiss —v. 1 make a sharp sibilant sound, as of the letter s. 2 express disapproval of by hisses. 3 whisper urgently or angrily. —n. 1 sharp sibilant sound as of the letter s. 2 electronics interference at audio frequencies. [imitative]
Histamine n. Chemical compound in body tissues etc., associated with allergic reactions. [from histology, amine]
Histogram n. Statistical diagram of rectangles with areas proportional to the value of a number of variables. [greek histos mast]
Histology n. The study of tissue structure. [greek histos web]
Historian n. 1 writer of history. 2 person learned in history.
Historic adj. 1 famous or important in history or potentially so (historic
moment). 2 gram. (of a tense) used to narrate past events.
Historical adj. 1 of or concerning history (historical evidence). 2 (of the study of a subject) showing its development over a period. 3 factual, not fictional or legendary. 4 belonging to the past, not the present. 5 (of a novel etc.) Dealing with historical events. historically adv.
Historicism n. 1 theory that social and cultural phenomena are determined by history. 2 belief that historical events are governed by laws.
Historicity n. Historical truth or authenticity.
Historiography n. 1 the writing of history. 2 the study of this. historiographer n.
History n. (pl. -ies) 1 continuous record of (esp. Public) events. 2 a the study of past events, esp. Human affairs. B total accumulation of past events, esp. Relating to human affairs or a particular nation, person, thing, etc. 3 eventful past (this house has a history). 4 (foll. By of) past record (had a history of illness). 5 a systematic or critical account of or research into past events etc. B similar record or account of natural phenomena. 6 historical play. make history do something memorable. [greek historia inquiry]
Histrionic —adj. (of behaviour) theatrical, dramatic. —n. (in pl.) Insincere and dramatic behaviour designed to impress. [latin histrio actor]
Hit —v. (-tt-; past and past part. Hit) 1 a strike with a blow or missile. B (of a moving body) strike with force (the plane hit the ground). C reach (a target etc.) With a directed missile (hit the wicket). 2 cause to suffer; affect adversely. 3
(often foll. By at, against) direct a blow. 4 (often foll. By against, on) knock (a part of the body) (hit his head). 5 achieve, reach (hit the right tone; can’t hit the high notes). 6 colloq. A encounter (hit a snag). B arrive at (hit town). C indulge heavily in, esp. Liquor etc. (hit the bottle). 7 esp. Us slang rob or kill. 8 occur forcefully to (it only hit him later). 9 a propel (a ball etc.) With a bat etc. To score runs or points. B score in this way (hit a six). —n. 1 a blow, stroke. B collision. 2 shot etc. That hits its target. 3 colloq. Popular success. hit back retaliate. Hit below the belt 1 esp. Boxing give a foul blow. 2 treat or behave unfairly. Hit the hay (or sack) colloq. Go to bed. Hit it off (often foll. By with, together) colloq. Get on well (with a person). Hit the nail on the head state the truth exactly. Hit on (or upon) find by chance. Hit out deal vigorous physical or verbal blows. Hit the road slang depart. Hit the roof see *roof. [old english from old norse]
Hit-and-run attrib. Adj. 1 (of a driver, raider, etc.) Causing damage or injury and leaving the scene immediately. 2 (of an accident, attack, etc.) Perpetrated by such a person or people.
Hitch —v. 1 fasten or be fastened with a loop, hook, etc.; tether. 2 move (a thing) slightly or with a jerk. 3 colloq. A = *hitchhike. B obtain (a lift) by hitchhiking. —n. 1 temporary obstacle or snag. 2 abrupt pull or push. 3 noose or knot of various kinds. 4 colloq. Free ride in a vehicle. get hitched colloq. Marry. Hitch up lift (esp. Clothing) with a jerk. [origin uncertain]
Hitchhike v. (-king) travel by seeking free lifts in passing vehicles. hitchhiker n.
Hi-tech adj. = *high-tech. [abbreviation]
Hither adv. Formal to or towards this place. [old english]
Hither and thither adv. To and fro.
Hitherto adv. Until this time, up to now.
Hit list n. Slang list of prospective victims.
Hit man n. Slang hired assassin.
Hit-or-miss adj. Liable to error, random.
Hit parade n. Colloq. List of the current best-selling pop records.
Hittite —n. Member or language of an ancient people of asia minor and syria. — adj. Of the hittites. [hebrew]
Hiv abbr. Human immunodeficiency virus, either of two viruses causing aids.
Hive n. Beehive. hive off (-ving) separate from a larger group. [old english]
Hmi abbr. Her (or his) majesty’s inspector (of schools).
Hms abbr. Her (or his) majesty’s ship.
Hmso abbr. Her (or his) majesty’s stationery office.
Hnc abbr. Higher national certificate.
Hnd abbr. Higher national diploma.
Ho symb. Holmium.
Ho int. Expressing triumph, derision, etc., or calling attention. [natural exclamation]
He abbr. 1 his or her excellency. 2 his eminence. 3 high explosive.
He symb. Helium.
He —pron. (obj. Him; poss. His; pl. They) 1 the man, boy, or male animal previously named or in question. 2 person etc. Of unspecified sex (if anyone comes he will have to wait; he who hesitates). —n. 1 male; man. 2 (in comb.) Male (he-goat). [old english]
Head —n. 1 upper part of the human body, or foremost or upper part of an animal’s body, containing the brain, mouth, and sense-organs. 2 a seat of intellect (use your head). B mental aptitude or tolerance (a good head for business; no head for heights). 3 thing like a head in form or position, esp.: a the operative part of a tool. B the top of a nail. C the leaves or flowers at the top of a stem. D foam on the top of a glass of beer etc. 4 a person in charge, esp. The principal teacher of a school. B position of command. 5 front part of a queue etc. 6 upper end of a table or bed etc. 7 top or highest part of a page, stairs, etc. 8 a individual person as a unit (£10 per head). B (pl. Same) individual animal as a unit (20 head). 9 a side of a coin bearing the image of a head. B (usu. In pl.) This as a choice when tossing a coin. 10 a source of a river etc. B end of a lake at which a river enters it. 11 height or length of a head as a measure. 12 part of a machine in contact with or very close to what is being worked on, esp.: a the part of a tape recorder that touches the moving tape and converts signals. B the part of a record-player that holds the playing cartridge and stylus. 13 (usu. In phr. Come to a head) climax, crisis. 14 a confined body of water or steam in an engine etc. B pressure exerted by this. 15 promontory (esp. In place-names) (beachy head). 16 heading or headline. 17 fully developed top of a boil etc. 18 colloq. Headache. 19 (attrib.) Chief, principal. —v. 1 be at the head or front of. 2 be in charge of. 3 provide with a head or heading. 4 (often foll. By for) face, move, or direct in a specified direction (is heading for trouble). 5 hit (a ball etc.) With the head. above (or over) one’s head beyond one’s understanding. Come to a head reach a crisis. Get it into one’s head (foll. By that) 1 adopt a mistaken idea. 2 form a definite plan. Give a person his (or her) head allow a person to act freely. Go to one’s head 1 make one slightly drunk. 2 make one conceited. Head
off 1 get ahead of so as to intercept and turn aside. 2 forestall. Keep (or lose) one’s head remain (or fail to remain) calm. Off one’s head slang crazy. Off the top of one’s head colloq. Impromptu. On one’s (or one’s own) head as one’s own responsibility. Out of one’s head slang crazy. Over one’s head 1 beyond one’s understanding. 2 without one’s rightful knowledge or involvement, esp. Of action taken by a subordinate consulting one’s own superior. 3 with disregard for one’s own (stronger) claim (was promoted over my head). Put heads together consult together. Take it into one’s head (foll. By that + clause or to + infin.) Decide, esp. Impetuously. Turn a person’s head make a person conceited. [old english]
Headache n. 1 continuous pain in the head. 2 colloq. Worrying problem.
headachy adj.
Headband n. Band worn round the head as decoration or to confine the hair.
Headbanger n. Slang 1 person who shakes his or her head violently to the rhythm of music; fan of loud music. 2 crazy or eccentric person.
Headboard n. Upright panel at the head of a bed.
Head-butt —n. Thrust with the head into the chin or body of another person. — v. Attack with a head-butt.
Headcount n. 1 counting of individual people. 2 total number of people, esp.
Employees.
Headdress n. Covering for the head.
Header n. 1 football shot or pass made with the head. 2 colloq. Headlong fall or dive. 3 brick etc. Laid at right angles to the face of a wall. 4 (in full header-tank) tank of water etc. Maintaining pressure in a plumbing system.
Head first adv. 1 with the head foremost. 2 precipitately.
Headgear n. Hat or headdress.
Head-hunting n. 1 collecting of the heads of dead enemies as trophies. 2 seeking of (esp. Senior) staff by approaching people employed elsewhere. head-hunt v. Head-hunter n.
Heading n. 1 a title at the head of a page or section of a book etc. B section of a subject of discourse etc. 2 horizontal passage made in preparation for building a tunnel, or in a mine.
Head in the sand n. Refusal to acknowledge danger or difficulty.
Headlamp n. = *headlight.
Headland n. Promontory.
Headlight n. 1 strong light at the front of a vehicle. 2 beam from this.
Headline n. 1 heading at the top of an article or page, esp. In a newspaper. 2 (in pl.) Summary of the most important items in a news bulletin.
Headlock n. Wrestling hold with an arm round the opponent’s head.
Headlong adv. & adj. 1 with the head foremost. 2 in a rush.
Headman n. Chief man of a tribe etc.
Headmaster n. (fem. Headmistress) = *head teacher.
Head-on adj. & adv. 1 with the front foremost (head-on crash). 2 in direct confrontation.
Head over heels —n. Turning over completely in forward motion as in a somersault etc. —adv. Utterly (head over heels in love).
Headphones n.pl. Set of earphones fitting over the head, for listening to audio equipment etc.
Headquarters n. (as sing. Or pl.) Administrative centre of an organization.
Headrest n. Support for the head, esp. On a seat.
Headroom n. Space or clearance above a vehicle, person’s head, etc.
Headscarf n. Scarf worn round the head and tied under the chin.
Headset n. Headphones, often with a microphone attached.
Headship n. Position of head or chief, esp. In a school.
Headshrinker n. Slang psychiatrist.
Headstall n. Part of a halter or bridle fitting round a horse’s head.
Head start n. Advantage granted or gained at an early stage.
Headstone n. Stone set up at the head of a grave.
Headstrong adj. Self-willed.
Head teacher n. Teacher in charge of a school.
Headwaters n.pl. Streams flowing from the sources of a river.
Headway n. 1 progress. 2 ship’s rate of progress. 3 headroom.
Heal v. 1 (often foll. By up) become sound or healthy again. 2 cause to heal. 3 put right (differences etc.). 4 alleviate (sorrow etc.). healer n. [old english: related to *whole]
Health n. 1 state of being well in body or mind. 2 person’s mental or physical condition. 3 soundness, esp. Financial or moral. [old english: related to *whole]
Health centre n. Building containing various local medical services and doctors’ practices.
Health farm n. Establishment offering improved health by a regime of dieting, exercise, etc.
Health food n. Natural food, thought to promote good health.
Healthful adj. Conducive to good health; beneficial.
Health service n. Public service providing medical care.
Health visitor n. Trained nurse who visits mothers and babies, or the sick or elderly, at home.
Healthy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 having, showing, or promoting good health. 2 indicative of (esp. Moral or financial) health (a healthy sign). 3 substantial (won by a healthy 40 seconds). healthily adv. Healthiness n.
Heap —n. 1 disorderly pile. 2 (esp. In pl.) Colloq. Large number or amount. 3 slang dilapidated vehicle. —v. 1 (foll. By up, together, etc.) Collect or be collected in a heap. 2 (foll. By with) load copiously with. 3 (foll. By on, upon) give or offer copiously (heaped insults on them). [old english]
Hear v. (past and past part. Heard) 1 (also absol.) Perceive with the ear. 2 listen to (heard them on the radio). 3 listen judicially to (a case etc.). 4 be told or informed. 5 (foll.
Hearing n. 1 faculty of perceiving sounds. 2 range within which sounds may be heard (within hearing). 3 opportunity to state one’s case (a fair hearing). 4 trial of a case before a court.
Hearing-aid n. Small device to amplify sound, worn by a partially deaf person.
Hearken v. Archaic (often foll. By to) listen. [old english: related to *hark]
Hearsay n. Rumour, gossip.
Hearse n. Vehicle for conveying the coffin at a funeral. [french herse harrow, from latin hirpex large rake]
Heart n. 1 hollow muscular organ maintaining the circulation of blood by rhythmic contraction and dilation. 2 region of the heart; the breast. 3 a centre of thought, feeling, and emotion (esp. Love). B capacity for feeling emotion (has no heart). 4 a courage or enthusiasm (take heart). B mood or feeling (change of heart). 5 a central or innermost part of something. B essence (heart of the matter). 6 compact tender inner part of a lettuce etc. 7 a heart-shaped thing. B conventional representation of a heart with two equal curves meeting at a point at the bottom and a cusp at the top. 8 a playing-card of the suit denoted by a red figure of a heart. B (in pl.) This suit. at heart 1 in one’s inmost feelings. 2 basically. Break a person’s heart overwhelm a person with sorrow. By heart from memory. Give (or lose) one’s heart (often foll. By to) fall in love (with). Have the heart (usu. With neg.; foll. By to + infin.) Be insensitive or hard-hearted enough (didn’t have the heart to ask him). Take to heart be much affected by. To one’s heart’s content see *content1. With all one’s heart sincerely; with all goodwill. [old english]
Heartache n. Mental anguish.
Heart attack n. Sudden occurrence of coronary thrombosis.
Heartbeat n. Pulsation of the heart.
Heartbreak n. Overwhelming distress. heartbreaking adj. Heartbroken adj.
Heartburn n. Burning sensation in the chest from indigestion.
Hearten v. Make or become more cheerful. heartening adj.
Heart failure n. Failure of the heart to function properly, esp. As a cause of death.
Heartfelt adj. Sincere; deeply felt.
Hearth n. 1 floor of a fireplace. 2 the home. [old english]
Hearthrug n. Rug laid before a fireplace.
Heartily adv. 1 in a hearty manner. 2 very (am heartily sick of it).
Heart-lung machine n. Machine that temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and lungs.
Heart-rending adj. Very distressing.
Heart-searching n. Examination of one’s own feelings and motives.
Heartsick adj. Despondent.
Heartstrings n.pl. One’s deepest feelings.
Heartthrob n. Colloq. Person for whom one has (esp. Immature) romantic feelings.
Heart-to-heart —attrib. Adj. (of a conversation etc.) Candid, intimate. —n.
Candid or personal conversation.
Heart-warming adj. Emotionally rewarding or uplifting.
Heartwood n. Dense inner part of a tree-trunk, yielding the hardest timber.
Heartwood n. Dense inner part of a tree-trunk, yielding the hardest timber.
Hearty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 strong, vigorous. 2 (of a meal or appetite) large. 3 warm, friendly. heartiness n.
Heat —n. 1 condition of being hot. 2 physics form of energy arising from the motion of bodies’ molecules. 3 hot weather. 4 warmth of feeling; anger or excitement. 5 (foll. By of) most intense part or period of activity (heat of battle). 6 (usu. Preliminary or trial) round in a race etc. —v. 1 make or become hot or warm. 2 inflame. on heat (of mammals, esp.
Heated adj. Angry; impassioned. heatedly adv.
Heater n. Stove or other heating device.
Heath n. 1 area of flattish uncultivated land with low shrubs. 2 plant growing on a heath, esp. Heather. [old english]
Heathen —n. 1 person not belonging to a predominant religion, esp. Not a christian, jew, or muslim. 2 person regarded as lacking culture or moral principles. —adj. 1 of heathens. 2 having no religion. [old english]
Heather n. Any of various shrubs growing esp. On moors and heaths. [origin unknown]
Heath robinson adj. Absurdly ingenious and impracticable. [name of a cartoonist]
Heating n. 1 imparting or generation of heat. 2 equipment used to heat a building etc.
Heatproof —adj. Able to resist great heat. —v. Make heatproof.
Heat shield n. Device to protect (esp. A spacecraft) from excessive heat.
Heatwave n. Period of unusually hot weather.
Heave —v. (-ving; past and past part. Heaved or esp. Naut. Hove) 1 lift or haul with great effort. 2 utter with effort (heaved a sigh). 3 colloq. Throw. 4 rise and fall rhythmically or spasmodically. 5 naut. Haul by rope. 6 retch. —n. Heaving. heave in sight come into view. Heave to esp. Naut. Bring or be brought to a standstill. [old english]
Heaven n. 1 place regarded in some religions as the abode of god and the angels, and of the blessed after death. 2 place or state of supreme bliss. 3 colloq. Delightful thing. 4 (usu. Heaven) god, providence (often as an exclamation or mild oath: heavens). 5 (the heavens) esp. Poet. The sky as seen from the earth, in which the sun, moon, and stars appear. heavenward adv. (also heavenwards). [old english]
Heavenly adj. 1 of heaven; divine. 2 of the heavens or sky. 3 colloq. Very pleasing; wonderful.
Heavenly bodies n.pl. The sun, stars, planets, etc.
Heavensent adj. Providential.
Heavier-than-air attrib. Adj. (of an aircraft) weighing more than the air it displaces.
Heavy —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of great or unusually high weight; difficult to lift. 2 of great density (heavy metal). 3 abundant, considerable (heavy crop; heavy traffic). 4 severe, intense, extensive (heavy fighting; a heavy sleep). 5 doing a thing to excess (heavy drinker). 6 striking or falling with force; causing strong impact (heavy blows; heavy rain; heavy sea; a heavy fall). 7 (of machinery, artillery, etc.) Very large of its kind; large in calibre etc. 8 needing much physical effort (heavy work). 9 carrying heavy weapons (the heavy brigade). 10 serious or sombre in tone or attitude; dull, tedious. 11 a hard to digest. B hard to read or understand. 12 (of bread etc.) Too dense from not having risen. 13 (of ground) difficult to traverse or work. 14 oppressive; hard to endure (heavy demands). 15 a coarse, ungraceful (heavy features). B unwieldy. —n. (pl. -ies) 1 colloq. Large violent person; thug (esp. Hired). 2 villainous or tragic role or actor. 3 (usu. In pl.) Colloq. Serious newspaper. 4 anything large or heavy of its kind, e.g. A vehicle. —adv. Heavily (esp. In comb.: heavy-laden). heavy on using a lot of (heavy on petrol). Make heavy weather of see *weather. heavily adv. Heaviness n. Heavyish adj. [old english]
Heavy industry n. Industry producing metal, machinery, etc.
Heavy metal n. 1 heavy guns. 2 metal of high density. 3 colloq. Loud kind of rock music with a pounding rhythm.
Heavy petting n. Erotic fondling that stops short of intercourse.
Heavy water n. Water composed of deuterium and oxygen.
Heavyweight n. 1 a weight in certain sports, in amateur boxing over 81 kg. B sportsman of this weight. 2 person etc. Of above average weight. 3 colloq. Person of influence or importance.
Hebe n. Evergreen flowering shrub from new zealand. [greek goddess hebe]
Hebraic adj. Of hebrew or the hebrews.
Hebraic adj. Of hebrew or the hebrews.
Hebrew —n. 1 member of a semitic people orig. Centred in ancient palestine. 2 a their language. B modern form of this, used esp. In israel. —adj. 1 of or in hebrew. 2 of the hebrews or the jews. [hebrew, = one from the other side of the river]
Heck int. Colloq. Mild exclamation of surprise or dismay. [a form of *hell]
Heckle —v. (-ling) interrupt and harass (a public speaker). —n. Act of heckling. heckler n. [var. Of *hackle]
Hectare n. Metric unit of square measure, 100 ares (2.471 acres or 10,000 square metres). [french: related to hecto-, are2]
Hectogram n. (also hectogramme) metric unit of mass equal to 100 grams.
Hector —v. Bully, intimidate. —n. Bully. [from the name hector in the iliad]
He’d contr. 1 he had. 2 he would.
Hedge —n. 1 fence or boundary of dense bushes or shrubs. 2 protection against possible loss. —v. (-ging) 1 surround or bound with a hedge. 2 (foll. By in) enclose. 3 a reduce one’s risk of loss on (a bet or speculation) by compensating transactions on the other side. B avoid committing oneself. [old english]
Hedgehog n. Small insect-eating mammal with a piglike snout and a coat of spines, rolling itself up into a ball when attacked.
Hedge-hop v. Fly at a very low altitude.
Hedgerow n. Row of bushes etc. Forming a hedge.
Hedge sparrow n. Common grey and brown bird; the dunnock.
Hedonism n. 1 belief in pleasure as mankind’s proper aim. 2 behaviour based on this. hedonist n. Hedonistic adj. [greek hedone pleasure]
Hee-haw —n. Bray of a donkey. —v. Make a braying sound. [imitative]
Heel1 —n. 1 back of the foot below the ankle. 2 a part of a sock etc. Covering this. B part of a shoe etc. Supporting this. 3 thing like a heel in form or position. 4 crust end of a loaf of bread. 5 colloq. Scoundrel. 6 (as int.) Command to a dog to walk close to its owner’s heel. —v. 1 fit or renew a heel on (a shoe etc.). 2 touch the ground with the heel as in dancing. 3 (foll. By out) rugby pass the ball with the heel. at heel 1 (of a dog) close behind. 2 (of a person etc.) Under control. At (or on) the heels of following closely after (a person or event). Cool (or kick) one’s heels be kept waiting. Down at heel 1 (of a shoe) with the heel worn down. 2 (of a person) shabby. Take to one’s heels run away. To heel 1 (of a dog) close behind. 2 (of a person etc.) Under control. Turn on one’s heel turn sharply round. [old english]
Heel2 —v. (often foll. By over) 1 (of a ship etc.) Lean over. 2 cause (a ship etc.) To do this. —n. Act or amount of heeling. [obsolete heeld, from germanic]
Heel3 var. Of *hele.
Heelball n. 1 mixture of hard wax and lampblack used by shoemakers for polishing. 2 this or a similar mixture used in brass-rubbing.
Hefty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of a person) big and strong. 2 (of a thing) large, heavy, powerful. heftily adv. Heftiness n. [heft weight: related to *heave]
Hegemony n. Leadership, esp. By one state of a confederacy. [greek hegemon leader]
Hegira n. (also hejira) 1 muhammad’s flight from mecca in ad 622. 2 muslim era reckoned from this date. [arabic hijra departure]
Heifer n. Young cow, esp. One that has not had more than one calf. [old english]
Height n. 1 measurement from base to top or head to foot. 2 elevation above the ground or a recognized level. 3 considerable elevation (situated at a height). 4 high place or area. 5 top. 6 a most intense part or period (battle was at its height). B extreme example (the height of fashion). [old english]
Heighten v. Make or become higher or more intense.
Heinous adj. Utterly odious or wicked. [french haïr hate]
Heir n. (fem. Heiress) person entitled to property or rank as the legal successor of its former holder. [latin heres hered-]
Heir apparent n. Heir whose claim cannot be set aside by the birth of another heir.
Heirloom n. 1 piece of personal property that has been in a family for several generations. 2 piece of property as part of an inheritance.
Heir presumptive n. Heir whose claim may be set aside by the birth of another
Heir presumptive n. Heir whose claim may be set aside by the birth of another heir.
Hejira var. Of *hegira.
Held past and past part. Of *hold1.
Hele v. (-ling) (also heel) (foll. By in) set (a plant) in the ground temporarily and cover its roots. [old english]
Helical adj. Having the form of a helix.
Helices pl. Of *helix.
Helicopter n. Wingless aircraft obtaining lift and propulsion from horizontally revolving overhead blades. [greek: related to *helix, pteron wing]
Helio-comb. Form sun. [greek helios sun]
Heliocentric adj. 1 regarding the sun as centre. 2 considered as viewed from the sun’s centre.
Heliograph —n. 1 signalling apparatus reflecting sunlight in flashes. 2 message sent by means of this. —v. Send (a message) by heliograph.
Heliotrope n. Plant with fragrant purple flowers. [greek: related to *helio-, trepo turn]
Heliport n. Place where helicopters take off and land.
Helium n. Light inert gaseous element used in airships and as a refrigerant. [related to *helio-]
Helix n. (pl. Helices) spiral curve (like a corkscrew) or coiled curve (like a watch spring). [latin from greek]
Hell —n. 1 place regarded in some religions as the abode of the dead, or of devils and condemned sinners. 2 place or state of misery or wickedness. —int. Expressing anger, surprise, etc. the hell (usu. Prec. By what, where, who, etc.) Expressing anger, disbelief, etc. (who the hell is this?; the hell you are!). Beat etc. The hell out of colloq. Beat etc. Without restraint. Come hell or high waterno matter what the difficulties. For the hell of it colloq. Just for fun. Get hell colloq. Be severely scolded or punished. Give a person hell colloq. Scold or punish a person. A (or one) hell of a colloq. Outstanding example of (a hell of a mess; one hell of a party). Like hell colloq. 1 not at all. 2 recklessly, exceedingly. [old english]
He’ll contr. He will; he shall.
Hell-bent adj. (foll. By on) recklessly determined.
Hellebore n. Evergreen plant with usu. White, purple, or green flowers, e.g. The christmas rose. [greek (h)elleborus]
Hellene n. 1 native of modern greece. 2 ancient greek. hellenic adj. [greek]
Hellenism n. (esp. Ancient) greek character or culture. hellenist n.
Hellenistic adj. Of greek history, language, and culture of the late 4th to the late 1st c. Bc.
Hell-fire n. Fire(s) regarded as existing in hell.
Hell for leather adv. At full speed.
Hell-hole n. Oppressive or unbearable place.
Hellish —adj. 1 of or like hell. 2 colloq. Extremely difficult or unpleasant. — adv. Colloq. Extremely (hellish expensive). hellishly adv.
Hello (also hallo, hullo) —int. Expression of informal greeting, or of surprise, or to call attention. —n. (pl. -s) cry of ‘hello’. [var. Of earlier hollo]
Hell’s angel n. Member of a gang of male motor-cycle enthusiasts notorious for outrageous and violent behaviour.
outrageous and violent behaviour.
Helm n. Tiller or wheel for controlling a ship’s rudder. at the helm in control; at the head of an organization etc. [old english]
Helmet n. Protective head-covering worn by a policeman, motor cyclist, etc. [french from germanic]
Helmsman n. Person who steers a ship.
Helot n. Serf, esp. (helot) of a class in ancient sparta. [latin from greek]
Help —v. 1 provide with the means towards what is needed or sought (helped me with my work; helped me (to) pay my debts; helped him on with his coat). 2 (often absol.) Be of use or service to (does that help?). 3 contribute to alleviating (a pain or difficulty). 4 prevent or remedy (it can’t be helped). 5 (usu. With neg.) A refrain from (can’t help it; could not help laughing). B refl. Refrain from acting (couldn’t help himself). 6 (often foll. By to) serve (a person with food). — n. 1 helping or being helped (need your help; came to our help). 2 person or thing that helps. 3 colloq. Domestic assistant or assistance. 4 remedy or escape (there is no help for it). help oneself (often foll. By to) 1 serve oneself (with food etc.). 2 take without permission. Help a person out give a person help, esp. In difficulty. helper n. [old english]
Helpful adj. Giving help; useful. helpfully adv. Helpfulness n.
Helping n. Portion of food at a meal.
Helpless adj. 1 lacking help or protection; defenceless. 2 unable to act without help. helplessly adv. Helplessness n.
Helpline n. Telephone service providing help with problems.
Helpmate n. Helpful companion or partner.
Helter-skelter —adv. & adj. In disorderly haste. —n. (at a fairground) external spiral slide round a tower. [imitative]
Hem1 —n. Border of cloth where the edge is turned under and sewn down. —v. (-mm-) turn down and sew in the edge of (cloth etc.). hem in confine; restrict the movement of. [old english]
Hem2 —int. Calling attention or expressing hesitation by a slight cough. —n. Utterance of this. —v. (-mm-) say hem; hesitate in speech. hem and haw = hum and haw (see *hum). [imitative]
Hemal adj. (brit. Haem-) of the blood. [greek haima blood]
He-man n. Masterful or virile man.
Hematite n. (brit. Haem-) a ferric oxide ore. [latin: related to *haemal]
Hematology n. (brit. Haem-) the study of the blood. haematologist n.
Hemi-comb. Form half. [greek, = latin semi-]
Hemipterous adj. Of the insect order including aphids, bugs, and cicadas, with piercing or sucking mouthparts. [greek pteron wing]
Hemisphere n. 1 half a sphere. 2 half of the earth, esp. As divided by the equator (into northern and southern hemisphere) or by a line passing through the poles (into eastern and western hemisphere). hemispherical adj. [greek: related to hemi-, sphere]
Hemline n. Lower edge of a skirt etc.
Hemlock n. 1 poisonous plant with fernlike leaves and small white flowers. 2 poison made from this. [old english]
Hemoglobin n. (brit. Haem-) oxygen-carrying substance in the red blood cells of vertebrates. [from *globulin]
Hemophilia n. (brit. Haem-) hereditary failure of the blood to clot normally with the tendency to bleed severely from even a slight injury. [greek haima blood, philia loving]
Hemophiliac n. (brit. Haem-) person with haemophilia.
Hemorrhage (brit. Haem-) —n. 1 profuse loss of blood from a ruptured blood-vessel. 2 damaging loss, esp. Of people or assets. —v. (-ging) suffer a haemorrhage. [greek haima blood, rhegnumi burst]
Hemorrhoids n.pl. (brit. Haem-) swollen veins in the wall of the anus; piles. [greek haima blood, -rhoos -flowing]
Hemp n. 1 (in full indian hemp) asian herbaceous plant. 2 its fibre used to make rope and stout fabrics. 3 narcotic drug made from the hemp plant. [old english]
Hempen adj. Made of hemp.
Hemstitch —n. Decorative stitch. —v. Hem with this stitch.
Hen n. Female bird, esp. Of a domestic fowl. [old english]
Henbane n. Poisonous hairy plant with an unpleasant smell.
Hence adv. 1 from this time (two years hence). 2 for this reason (hence we seem to be wrong). 3 archaic from here. [old english]
Henceforth adv. (also henceforward) from this time onwards.
Henchman n. Usu. Derog. Trusted supporter. [old english hengst horse, *man]
Henge n. Prehistoric monument consisting of a circle of stone or wood uprights. [stonehenge in s. England]
Henna —n. 1 tropical shrub. 2 reddish dye made from it and used to colour hair. —v. (hennaed, hennaing) dye with henna. [arabic]
Hen-party n. Colloq. Social gathering of women only.
Henpeck v. (usu. In passive) (of a wife) constantly nag her husband.
Henry n. (pl. -s or -ies) electr. Si unit of inductance. [henry, name of a physicist]
Hep var. Of *hip4.
Hepatic adj. Of the liver. [greek hepar -atos liver]
Hepatitis n. Inflammation of the liver. [related to *hepatic]
Hepta-comb. Form seven. [greek]
Heptagon n. Plane figure with seven sides and angles. heptagonal adj. [greek:
related to *hepta-, -gonos angled]
Her —pron. 1 objective case of she (i like her). 2 colloq. She (it’s her all right; am older than her). —poss. Pron. (attrib.) Of or belonging to her or herself (her house; her own business). [old english dative and genitive of she]
Herald —n. 1 official messenger bringing news. 2 forerunner, harbinger. 3 a hist. Officer responsible for state ceremonial and etiquette. B official concerned with pedigrees and coats of arms. —v. Proclaim the approach of; usher in. heraldic adj. [french from germanic]
Heraldry n. 1 art or knowledge of a herald. 2 coats of arms.
Herb n. 1 any non-woody seed-bearing plant. 2 plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for flavouring, food, medicine, scent, etc. herby adj. (-ier, -iest). [latin herba]
Herbaceous adj. Of or like herbs.
Herbaceous border n. Garden border containing esp. Perennial flowering plants.
Herbage n. Vegetation collectively, esp. As pasture.
Herbal —adj. Of herbs in medicinal and culinary use. —n. Book describing the medicinal and culinary uses of herbs.
Herbalist n. 1 dealer in medicinal herbs. 2 writer on herbs.
Herbarium n. (pl. -ria) 1 systematically arranged collection of dried plants. 2 book, room, etc. For these.
Herbicide n. Poison used to destroy unwanted vegetation.
Herbivore n. Animal that feeds on plants. herbivorous adj. [latin voro devour]
Herculean adj. Having or requiring great strength or effort. [from the name hercules, latin alteration of greek herakles]
Herd —n. 1 a number of animals, esp. Cattle, feeding or travelling or kept together. 2 (prec. By the) derog. Large number of people; mob (tends to follow the herd). —v. 1 (cause to) go in a herd (herded together for warmth; herded the cattle into the field). 2 look after (sheep, cattle, etc.). [old english]
Herd instinct n. (prec. By the) tendency to think and act as a crowd.
Herdsman n. Man who owns or tends a herd.
Here —adv. 1 in or at or to this place or position (come here; sit here). 2 indicating a person’s presence or a thing offered (my son here will show you; here is your coat). 3 at this point in the argument, situation, etc. (here i have a question). —n.
Hereabouts adv. (also hereabout) near this place.
Hereafter —adv. From now on; in the future. —n. 1 the future. 2 life after death.
Here and now adv. At this very moment; immediately.
Here and there adv. In various places.
Hereby adv. By this means; as a result of this.
Hereditable adj. That can be inherited. [latin: related to *heir]
Hereditary adj. 1 (of a disease, instinct, etc.) Able to be passed down genetically from one generation to another. 2 a descending by inheritance. B holding a position by inheritance. [latin: related to *heir]
Heredity n. 1 a passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically. B these characteristics. 2 genetic constitution.
Hereford n. Animal of a breed of red and white beef cattle. [hereford in england]
Herein adv. Formal in this matter, book, etc.
Hereinafter adv. Esp. Law formal 1 from this point on. 2 in a later part of this document etc.
Hereof adv. Formal of this.
Heresy n. (pl. -ies) 1 esp. Rc ch. Religious belief or practice contrary to orthodox doctrine. 2 opinion contrary to what is normally accepted or maintained. [greek hairesis choice]
Heretic n. 1 person believing in or practising religious heresy. 2 holder of an unorthodox opinion. heretical adj.
Hereto adv. Formal to this matter.
Heretofore adv. Formal before this time.
Hereupon adv. After this; in consequence of this.
Herewith adv. With this (esp. Of an enclosure in a letter etc.).
Heritable adj. 1 law capable of being inherited or of inheriting. 2 biol. Genetically transmissible from parent to offspring. [french: related to *heir]
Heritage n. 1 what is or may be inherited. 2 inherited circumstances, benefits, etc. 3 a nation’s historic buildings, monuments, countryside, etc., esp. Whenregarded as worthy of preservation.
Hermaphrodite —n. Person, animal, or plant having both male and female reproductive organs. —adj. Combining both sexes. hermaphroditic adj. [from hermaphroditus, son of hermes and aphrodite who became joined in one body to a nymph]
Hermetic adj. With an airtight closure. hermetically adv. [from the greek god hermes, regarded as the founder of alchemy]
Hermit n. Person (esp. An early christian) living in solitude and austerity. hermitic adj. [greek eremos solitary]
Hermitage n. 1 hermit’s dwelling. 2 secluded dwelling.
Hermit-crab n. Crab that lives in a mollusc’s cast-off shell.
Hernia n. Protrusion of part of an organ through the wall of the body cavity containing it. [latin]
Hero n. (pl. -es) 1 person noted or admired for nobility, courage, outstanding achievements, etc. 2 chief male character in a play, story, etc. [greek heros]
Heroic —adj. Of, fit for, or like a hero; very brave. —n. (in pl.) 1 high-flown language or sentiments. 2 unduly bold behaviour. heroically adv.
Heroin n. Addictive analgesic drug derived from morphine, often used as a narcotic. [german: related to *hero, from the effect on the user’s self-esteem]
Hay n. Grass mown and dried for fodder. make hay (while the sun shines) seize opportunities. [old english]
Haycock n. Conical heap of hay.
Hay fever n. Allergy with asthmatic symptoms etc., caused by pollen or dust.
Haymaking n. Mowing grass and spreading it to dry. haymaker n.
Haystack n. (also hayrick) packed pile of hay with a pointed or ridged top.
Haywire adj. Colloq. Badly disorganized, out of control.
Hazard —n. 1 danger or risk. 2 source of this. 3 golf obstacle, e.g. A bunker. —
v. 1 venture (hazard a guess). 2 risk. [arabic az-zahr chance, luck]
Hazardous adj. Risky.
Haze n. 1 thin atmospheric vapour. 2 mental obscurity or confusion. [back-formation from *hazy]
Hazel n. 1 hedgerow shrub bearing round brown edible nuts. 2 greenish-brown. [old english]
He abbr. 1 his or her excellency. 2 his eminence. 3 high explosive.
He symb. Helium.
He —pron. (obj. Him; poss. His; pl. They) 1 the man, boy, or male animal previously named or in question. 2 person etc. Of unspecified sex (if anyone comes he will have to wait; he who hesitates). —n. 1 male; man. 2 (in comb.) Male (he-goat). [old english]
Head —n. 1 upper part of the human body, or foremost or upper part of an animal’s body, containing the brain, mouth, and sense-organs. 2 a seat of intellect (use your head). B mental aptitude or tolerance (a good head for business; no head for heights). 3 thing like a head in form or position, esp.: a the operative part of a tool. B the top of a nail. C the leaves or flowers at the top of a stem. D foam on the top of a glass of beer etc. 4 a person in charge, esp. The principal teacher of a school. B position of command. 5 front part of a queue etc. 6 upper end of a table or bed etc. 7 top or highest part of a page, stairs, etc. 8 a individual person as a unit (£10 per head). B (pl. Same) individual animal as a unit (20 head). 9 a side of a coin bearing the image of a head. B (usu. In pl.) This as a choice when tossing a coin. 10 a source of a river etc. B end of a lake at which a river enters it. 11 height or length of a head as a measure. 12 part of a machine in contact with or very close to what is being worked on, esp.: a the part of a tape recorder that touches the moving tape and converts signals. B the part of a record-player that holds the playing cartridge and stylus. 13 (usu. In phr. Come to a head) climax, crisis. 14 a confined body of water or steam in an engine etc. B pressure exerted by this. 15 promontory (esp. In place-names) (beachy head). 16 heading or headline. 17 fully developed top of a boil etc. 18 colloq. Headache. 19 (attrib.) Chief, principal. —v. 1 be at the head or front of. 2 be in charge of. 3 provide with a head or heading. 4 (often foll. By for) face, move, or direct in a specified direction (is heading for trouble). 5 hit (a ball etc.) With the head. above (or over) one’s head beyond one’s understanding. Come to a head reach a crisis. Get it into one’s head (foll. By that) 1 adopt a mistaken idea. 2 form a definite plan. Give a person his (or her) head allow a person to act freely. Go to one’s head 1 make one slightly drunk. 2 make one conceited. Head off 1 get ahead of so as to intercept and turn aside. 2 forestall. Keep (or lose)
one’s head remain (or fail to remain) calm. Off one’s head slang crazy. Off the top of one’s head colloq. Impromptu. On one’s (or one’s own) head as one’s own responsibility. Out of one’s head slang crazy. Over one’s head 1 beyond one’s understanding.
Headache n. 1 continuous pain in the head. 2 colloq. Worrying problem.
headachy adj.
Headband n. Band worn round the head as decoration or to confine the hair.
Headbanger n. Slang 1 person who shakes his or her head violently to the rhythm of music; fan of loud music. 2 crazy or eccentric person.
Headboard n. Upright panel at the head of a bed.
Head-butt —n. Thrust with the head into the chin or body of another person. — v. Attack with a head-butt.
Headcount n. 1 counting of individual people. 2 total number of people, esp.
Employees.
Headdress n. Covering for the head.
Header n. 1 football shot or pass made with the head. 2 colloq. Headlong fall or dive. 3 brick etc. Laid at right angles to the face of a wall. 4 (in full header-tank) tank of water etc. Maintaining pressure in a plumbing system.
Head first adv. 1 with the head foremost. 2 precipitately.
Headgear n. Hat or headdress.
Head-hunting n. 1 collecting of the heads of dead enemies as trophies. 2 seeking of (esp. Senior) staff by approaching people employed elsewhere. head-hunt v. Head-hunter n.
Heading n. 1 a title at the head of a page or section of a book etc. B section of a subject of discourse etc. 2 horizontal passage made in preparation for building a tunnel, or in a mine.
Head in the sand n. Refusal to acknowledge danger or difficulty.
Headlamp n. = *headlight.
Headland n. Promontory.
Headlight n. 1 strong light at the front of a vehicle. 2 beam from this.
Headline n. 1 heading at the top of an article or page, esp. In a newspaper. 2 (in pl.) Summary of the most important items in a news bulletin.
Headlock n. Wrestling hold with an arm round the opponent’s head.
Headlong adv. & adj. 1 with the head foremost. 2 in a rush.
Headman n. Chief man of a tribe etc.
Headmaster n. (fem. Headmistress) = *head teacher.
Head-on adj. & adv. 1 with the front foremost (head-on crash). 2 in direct confrontation.
Head over heels —n. Turning over completely in forward motion as in a somersault etc. —adv. Utterly (head over heels in love).
Headphones n.pl. Set of earphones fitting over the head, for listening to audio equipment etc.
Headquarters n. (as sing. Or pl.) Administrative centre of an organization.
Headrest n. Support for the head, esp. On a seat.
Headroom n. Space or clearance above a vehicle, person’s head, etc.
Headscarf n. Scarf worn round the head and tied under the chin.
Headset n. Headphones, often with a microphone attached.
Headship n. Position of head or chief, esp. In a school.
Headshrinker n. Slang psychiatrist.
Headstall n. Part of a halter or bridle fitting round a horse’s head.
Head start n. Advantage granted or gained at an early stage.
Headstone n. Stone set up at the head of a grave.
Headstrong adj. Self-willed.
Head teacher n. Teacher in charge of a school.
Headwaters n.pl. Streams flowing from the sources of a river.
Headway n. 1 progress. 2 ship’s rate of progress. 3 headroom.
Heal v. 1 (often foll. By up) become sound or healthy again. 2 cause to heal. 3 put right (differences etc.). 4 alleviate (sorrow etc.). healer n. [old english: related to *whole]
Health n. 1 state of being well in body or mind. 2 person’s mental or physical condition. 3 soundness, esp. Financial or moral. [old english: related to *whole]
Health centre n. Building containing various local medical services and doctors’ practices.
Health farm n. Establishment offering improved health by a regime of dieting, exercise, etc.
Health food n. Natural food, thought to promote good health.
Healthful adj. Conducive to good health; beneficial.
Health service n. Public service providing medical care.
Health visitor n. Trained nurse who visits mothers and babies, or the sick or elderly, at home.
Healthy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 having, showing, or promoting good health. 2 indicative of (esp. Moral or financial) health (a healthy sign). 3 substantial (won by a healthy 40 seconds). healthily adv. Healthiness n.
Heap —n. 1 disorderly pile. 2 (esp. In pl.) Colloq. Large number or amount. 3 slang dilapidated vehicle. —v. 1 (foll. By up, together, etc.) Collect or be collected in a heap. 2 (foll. By with) load copiously with. 3 (foll. By on, upon) give or offer copiously (heaped insults on them). [old english]
Hear v. (past and past part. Heard) 1 (also absol.) Perceive with the ear. 2 listen to (heard them on the radio). 3 listen judicially to (a case etc.). 4 be told or informed. 5 (foll. By from) be contacted by, esp. By letter or telephone. 6 be ready to obey (an order). 7 grant (a prayer). have heard of be aware of the existence of. Hear! Hear! Int. Expressing agreement. Hear a person out listen to all a person says. Will not hear of will not allow. hearer n. [old english]
Hearing n. 1 faculty of perceiving sounds. 2 range within which sounds may be heard (within hearing). 3 opportunity to state one’s case (a fair hearing). 4 trial of a case before a court.
Hearing-aid n. Small device to amplify sound, worn by a partially deaf person.
Hearken v. Archaic (often foll. By to) listen. [old english: related to *hark]
Hearsay n. Rumour, gossip.
Hearse n. Vehicle for conveying the coffin at a funeral. [french herse harrow, from latin hirpex large rake]
Heart n. 1 hollow muscular organ maintaining the circulation of blood by rhythmic contraction and dilation. 2 region of the heart; the breast. 3 a centre of thought, feeling, and emotion (esp. Love). B capacity for feeling emotion (has no heart). 4 a courage or enthusiasm (take heart). B mood or feeling (change of heart). 5 a central or innermost part of something. B essence (heart of the matter). 6 compact tender inner part of a lettuce etc. 7 a heart-shaped thing. B conventional representation of a heart with two equal curves meeting at a point at the bottom and a cusp at the top. 8 a playing-card of the suit denoted by a red figure of a heart. B (in pl.) This suit. at heart 1 in one’s inmost feelings. 2 basically. Break a person’s heart overwhelm a person with sorrow. By heart from memory. Give (or lose) one’s heart (often foll. By to) fall in love (with). Have the heart (usu. With neg.; foll. By to + infin.) Be insensitive or hard-hearted enough (didn’t have the heart to ask him). Take to heart be much affected by. To one’s heart’s content see *content1. With all one’s heart sincerely; with all goodwill. [old english]
Heartache n. Mental anguish.
Heart attack n. Sudden occurrence of coronary thrombosis.
Heartbeat n. Pulsation of the heart.
Heartbreak n. Overwhelming distress. heartbreaking adj. Heartbroken adj.
Heartburn n. Burning sensation in the chest from indigestion.
Hearten v. Make or become more cheerful. heartening adj.
Heart failure n. Failure of the heart to function properly, esp. As a cause of death.
Heartfelt adj. Sincere; deeply felt.
Hearth n. 1 floor of a fireplace. 2 the home. [old english]
Hearthrug n. Rug laid before a fireplace.
Heartily adv. 1 in a hearty manner. 2 very (am heartily sick of it).
Heart-lung machine n. Machine that temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and lungs.
Heart-rending adj. Very distressing.
Heart-searching n. Examination of one’s own feelings and motives.
Heartsick adj. Despondent.
Heartstrings n.pl. One’s deepest feelings.
Heartthrob n. Colloq. Person for whom one has (esp. Immature) romantic feelings.
Heart-to-heart —attrib. Adj. (of a conversation etc.) Candid, intimate. —n.
Candid or personal conversation.
Heart-warming adj. Emotionally rewarding or uplifting.
Heartwood n. Dense inner part of a tree-trunk, yielding the hardest timber.
Hearty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 strong, vigorous. 2 (of a meal or appetite) large. 3 warm, friendly. heartiness n.
Heat —n. 1 condition of being hot. 2 physics form of energy arising from the motion of bodies’ molecules. 3 hot weather. 4 warmth of feeling; anger or excitement. 5 (foll. By of) most intense part or period of activity (heat of battle). 6 (usu. Preliminary or trial) round in a race etc. —v. 1 make or become hot or warm. 2 inflame. on heat (of mammals, esp. Females) sexually receptive. [old english]
Heated adj. Angry; impassioned. heatedly adv.
Heater n. Stove or other heating device.
Heath n. 1 area of flattish uncultivated land with low shrubs. 2 plant growing on a heath, esp. Heather. [old english]
Heathen —n. 1 person not belonging to a predominant religion, esp. Not a christian, jew, or muslim. 2 person regarded as lacking culture or moral principles. —adj. 1 of heathens. 2 having no religion. [old english]
Heather n. Any of various shrubs growing esp. On moors and heaths. [origin unknown]
Heath robinson adj. Absurdly ingenious and impracticable. [name of a
cartoonist]
Heating n. 1 imparting or generation of heat. 2 equipment used to heat a building etc.
Heatproof —adj. Able to resist great heat. —v. Make heatproof.
Heat shield n. Device to protect (esp. A spacecraft) from excessive heat.
Heatwave n. Period of unusually hot weather.
Heave —v. (-ving; past and past part. Heaved or esp. Naut. Hove) 1 lift or haul with great effort. 2 utter with effort (heaved a sigh). 3 colloq. Throw. 4 rise and fall rhythmically or spasmodically. 5 naut. Haul by rope. 6 retch. —n. Heaving. heave in sight come into view. Heave to esp. Naut. Bring or be brought to a standstill. [old english]
Heaven n. 1 place regarded in some religions as the abode of god and the angels, and of the blessed after death. 2 place or state of supreme bliss. 3 colloq. Delightful thing. 4 (usu. Heaven) god, providence (often as an exclamation or mild oath: heavens). 5 (the heavens) esp. Poet. The sky as seen from the earth, in which the sun, moon, and stars appear. heavenward adv. (also heavenwards). [old english]
Heavenly adj. 1 of heaven; divine. 2 of the heavens or sky. 3 colloq. Very pleasing; wonderful.
Heavenly bodies n.pl. The sun, stars, planets, etc.
Heavensent adj. Providential.
Heavier-than-air attrib. Adj. (of an aircraft) weighing more than the air it displaces.
Heavy —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of great or unusually high weight; difficult to lift. 2 of great density (heavy metal). 3 abundant, considerable (heavy crop; heavy traffic). 4 severe, intense, extensive (heavy fighting; a heavy sleep). 5 doing a thing to excess (heavy drinker). 6 striking or falling with force; causing strong impact (heavy blows; heavy rain; heavy sea; a heavy fall). 7 (of machinery, artillery, etc.) Very large of its kind; large in calibre etc. 8 needing much physical effort (heavy work). 9 carrying heavy weapons (the heavy brigade). 10 serious or sombre in tone or attitude; dull, tedious. 11 a hard to digest. B hard to read or understand. 12 (of bread etc.) Too dense from not having risen. 13 (of ground) difficult to traverse or work. 14 oppressive; hard to endure (heavy demands). 15 a coarse, ungraceful (heavy features). B unwieldy. —n. (pl. -ies) 1 colloq. Large violent person; thug (esp. Hired). 2 villainous or tragic role or actor. 3 (usu. In pl.) Colloq. Serious newspaper. 4 anything large or heavy of its kind, e.g. A vehicle. —adv. Heavily (esp. In comb.: heavy-laden).
Heavy industry n. Industry producing metal, machinery, etc.
Heavy metal n. 1 heavy guns. 2 metal of high density. 3 colloq. Loud kind of rock music with a pounding rhythm.
Heavy petting n. Erotic fondling that stops short of intercourse.
Heavy water n. Water composed of deuterium and oxygen.
Heavyweight n. 1 a weight in certain sports, in amateur boxing over 81 kg. B sportsman of this weight. 2 person etc. Of above average weight. 3 colloq. Person of influence or importance.
Hebe n. Evergreen flowering shrub from new zealand. [greek goddess hebe]
Hebraic adj. Of hebrew or the hebrews.
Hebraic adj. Of hebrew or the hebrews.
Hebrew —n. 1 member of a semitic people orig. Centred in ancient palestine. 2 a their language. B modern form of this, used esp. In israel. —adj. 1 of or in hebrew. 2 of the hebrews or the jews. [hebrew, = one from the other side of the river]
Heck int. Colloq. Mild exclamation of surprise or dismay. [a form of *hell]
Heckle —v. (-ling) interrupt and harass (a public speaker). —n. Act of heckling. heckler n. [var. Of *hackle]
Hectare n. Metric unit of square measure, 100 ares (2.471 acres or 10,000 square metres). [french: related to hecto-, are2]
Hectogram n. (also hectogramme) metric unit of mass equal to 100 grams.
Hector —v. Bully, intimidate. —n. Bully. [from the name hector in the iliad]
He’d contr. 1 he had. 2 he would.
Hedge —n. 1 fence or boundary of dense bushes or shrubs. 2 protection against possible loss. —v. (-ging) 1 surround or bound with a hedge. 2 (foll. By in) enclose. 3 a reduce one’s risk of loss on (a bet or speculation) by compensating transactions on the other side. B avoid committing oneself. [old english]
Hedgehog n. Small insect-eating mammal with a piglike snout and a coat of spines, rolling itself up into a ball when attacked.
Hedge-hop v. Fly at a very low altitude.
Hedgerow n. Row of bushes etc. Forming a hedge.
Hedge sparrow n. Common grey and brown bird; the dunnock.
Hedonism n. 1 belief in pleasure as mankind’s proper aim. 2 behaviour based on this. hedonist n. Hedonistic adj. [greek hedone pleasure]
Hee-haw —n. Bray of a donkey. —v. Make a braying sound. [imitative]
Heel1 —n. 1 back of the foot below the ankle. 2 a part of a sock etc. Covering this. B part of a shoe etc. Supporting this. 3 thing like a heel in form or position. 4 crust end of a loaf of bread. 5 colloq. Scoundrel. 6 (as int.) Command to a dog to walk close to its owner’s heel. —v. 1 fit or renew a heel on (a shoe etc.). 2 touch the ground with the heel as in dancing. 3 (foll. By out) rugby pass the ball with the heel. at heel 1 (of a dog) close behind. 2 (of a person etc.) Under control. At (or on) the heels of following closely after (a person or event). Cool (or kick) one’s heels be kept waiting. Down at heel 1 (of a shoe) with the heel worn down. 2 (of a person) shabby. Take to one’s heels run away. To heel 1 (of a dog) close behind. 2 (of a person etc.) Under control. Turn on one’s heel turn sharply round. [old english]
Heel2 —v. (often foll. By over) 1 (of a ship etc.) Lean over. 2 cause (a ship etc.) To do this. —n. Act or amount of heeling. [obsolete heeld, from germanic]
Heel3 var. Of *hele.
Heel3 var. Of *hele.
Heelball n. 1 mixture of hard wax and lampblack used by shoemakers for polishing. 2 this or a similar mixture used in brass-rubbing.
Hefty adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of a person) big and strong. 2 (of a thing) large, heavy, powerful. heftily adv. Heftiness n. [heft weight: related to *heave]
Hegemony n. Leadership, esp. By one state of a confederacy. [greek hegemon leader]
Hegira n. (also hejira) 1 muhammad’s flight from mecca in ad 622. 2 muslim era reckoned from this date. [arabic hijra departure]
Heifer n. Young cow, esp. One that has not had more than one calf. [old english]
Height n. 1 measurement from base to top or head to foot. 2 elevation above the ground or a recognized level. 3 considerable elevation (situated at a height). 4 high place or area. 5 top. 6 a most intense part or period (battle was at its height). B extreme example (the height of fashion). [old english]
Heighten v. Make or become higher or more intense.
Heinous adj. Utterly odious or wicked. [french haïr hate]
Heir n. (fem. Heiress) person entitled to property or rank as the legal successor of its former holder. [latin heres hered-]
Heir apparent n. Heir whose claim cannot be set aside by the birth of another heir.
Heirloom n. 1 piece of personal property that has been in a family for several generations. 2 piece of property as part of an inheritance.
Heir presumptive n. Heir whose claim may be set aside by the birth of another heir.
Hejira var. Of *hegira.
Held past and past part. Of *hold1.
Hele v. (-ling) (also heel) (foll. By in) set (a plant) in the ground temporarily and cover its roots. [old english]
Helical adj. Having the form of a helix.
Helices pl. Of *helix.
Helicopter n. Wingless aircraft obtaining lift and propulsion from horizontally revolving overhead blades. [greek: related to *helix, pteron wing]
Helio-comb. Form sun. [greek helios sun]
Heliocentric adj. 1 regarding the sun as centre. 2 considered as viewed from the sun’s centre.
Heliograph —n. 1 signalling apparatus reflecting sunlight in flashes. 2 message sent by means of this. —v. Send (a message) by heliograph.
Heliotrope n. Plant with fragrant purple flowers. [greek: related to *helio-, trepo turn]
Heliport n. Place where helicopters take off and land.
Helium n. Light inert gaseous element used in airships and as a refrigerant. [related to *helio-]
Helix n. (pl. Helices) spiral curve (like a corkscrew) or coiled curve (like a watch spring). [latin from greek]
Hell —n. 1 place regarded in some religions as the abode of the dead, or of devils and condemned sinners. 2 place or state of misery or wickedness. —int. Expressing anger, surprise, etc. the hell (usu. Prec. By what, where, who, etc.) Expressing anger, disbelief, etc. (who the hell is this?; the hell you are!). Beat etc. The hell out of colloq. Beat etc. Without restraint.
He’ll contr. He will; he shall.
Hell-bent adj. (foll. By on) recklessly determined.
Hellebore n. Evergreen plant with usu. White, purple, or green flowers, e.g. The christmas rose. [greek (h)elleborus]
Hellene n. 1 native of modern greece. 2 ancient greek. hellenic adj. [greek]
Hellenism n. (esp. Ancient) greek character or culture. hellenist n.
Hellenistic adj. Of greek history, language, and culture of the late 4th to the late 1st c. Bc.
Hell-fire n. Fire(s) regarded as existing in hell.
Hell for leather adv. At full speed.
Hell-hole n. Oppressive or unbearable place.
Hellish —adj. 1 of or like hell. 2 colloq. Extremely difficult or unpleasant. — adv. Colloq. Extremely (hellish expensive). hellishly adv.
Hello (also hallo, hullo) —int. Expression of informal greeting, or of surprise, or to call attention. —n. (pl. -s) cry of ‘hello’. [var. Of earlier hollo]
Hell’s angel n. Member of a gang of male motor-cycle enthusiasts notorious for outrageous and violent behaviour.
Helm n. Tiller or wheel for controlling a ship’s rudder. at the helm in control; at the head of an organization etc. [old english]
Helmet n. Protective head-covering worn by a policeman, motor cyclist, etc. [french from germanic]
Helmsman n. Person who steers a ship.
Helot n. Serf, esp. (helot) of a class in ancient sparta. [latin from greek]
Help —v. 1 provide with the means towards what is needed or sought (helped me with my work; helped me (to) pay my debts; helped him on with his coat). 2 (often absol.) Be of use or service to (does that help?). 3 contribute to alleviating (a pain or difficulty). 4 prevent or remedy (it can’t be helped). 5 (usu. With neg.) A refrain from (can’t help it; could not help laughing). B refl. Refrain from acting (couldn’t help himself). 6 (often foll. By to) serve (a person with food). — n. 1 helping or being helped (need your help; came to our help). 2 person or thing that helps. 3 colloq. Domestic assistant or assistance. 4 remedy or escape (there is no help for it). help oneself (often foll. By to) 1 serve oneself (with food etc.). 2 take without permission. Help a person out give a person help, esp. In difficulty. helper n. [old english]
Helpful adj. Giving help; useful. helpfully adv. Helpfulness n.
Helping n. Portion of food at a meal.
Helpless adj. 1 lacking help or protection; defenceless. 2 unable to act without
help. helplessly adv. Helplessness n.
Helpline n. Telephone service providing help with problems.
Helpmate n. Helpful companion or partner.
Helter-skelter —adv. & adj. In disorderly haste. —n. (at a fairground) external spiral slide round a tower. [imitative]
Hem1 —n. Border of cloth where the edge is turned under and sewn down. —v. (-mm-) turn down and sew in the edge of (cloth etc.). hem in confine; restrict the movement of. [old english]
Hem2 —int. Calling attention or expressing hesitation by a slight cough. —n. Utterance of this. —v. (-mm-) say hem; hesitate in speech. hem and haw = hum and haw (see *hum). [imitative]
Hemal adj. (brit. Haem-) of the blood. [greek haima blood]
He-man n. Masterful or virile man.
Hematite n. (brit. Haem-) a ferric oxide ore. [latin: related to *haemal]
Hematology n. (brit. Haem-) the study of the blood. haematologist n.
Hemi-comb. Form half. [greek, = latin semi-]
Hemipterous adj. Of the insect order including aphids, bugs, and cicadas, with piercing or sucking mouthparts. [greek pteron wing]
Hemisphere n. 1 half a sphere. 2 half of the earth, esp. As divided by the equator (into northern and southern hemisphere) or by a line passing through the poles (into eastern and western hemisphere). hemispherical adj. [greek: related to hemi-, sphere]
Hemline n. Lower edge of a skirt etc.
Hemlock n. 1 poisonous plant with fernlike leaves and small white flowers. 2 poison made from this. [old english]
Hemoglobin n. (brit. Haem-) oxygen-carrying substance in the red blood cells of vertebrates. [from *globulin]
Hemophilia n. (brit. Haem-) hereditary failure of the blood to clot normally with the tendency to bleed severely from even a slight injury. [greek haima blood, philia loving]
Hemophiliac n. (brit. Haem-) person with haemophilia.
Hemorrhage (brit. Haem-) —n. 1 profuse loss of blood from a ruptured blood-vessel. 2 damaging loss, esp. Of people or assets. —v. (-ging) suffer a haemorrhage. [greek haima blood, rhegnumi burst]
Hemorrhoids n.pl. (brit. Haem-) swollen veins in the wall of the anus; piles. [greek haima blood, -rhoos -flowing]
Hemp n. 1 (in full indian hemp) asian herbaceous plant. 2 its fibre used to make rope and stout fabrics. 3 narcotic drug made from the hemp plant. [old english]
Hempen adj. Made of hemp.
Hemstitch —n. Decorative stitch. —v. Hem with this stitch.
Hen n. Female bird, esp. Of a domestic fowl. [old english]
Henbane n. Poisonous hairy plant with an unpleasant smell.
Hence adv. 1 from this time (two years hence). 2 for this reason (hence we seem to be wrong). 3 archaic from here. [old english]
Henceforth adv. (also henceforward) from this time onwards.
Henchman n. Usu. Derog. Trusted supporter. [old english hengst horse, *man]
Henchman n. Usu. Derog. Trusted supporter. [old english hengst horse, *man]
Henge n. Prehistoric monument consisting of a circle of stone or wood uprights. [stonehenge in s. England]
Henna —n. 1 tropical shrub. 2 reddish dye made from it and used to colour hair. —v. (hennaed, hennaing) dye with henna. [arabic]
Hen-party n. Colloq. Social gathering of women only.
Henpeck v. (usu. In passive) (of a wife) constantly nag her husband.
Henry n. (pl. -s or -ies) electr. Si unit of inductance. [henry, name of a physicist]
Hep var. Of *hip4.
Hepatic adj. Of the liver. [greek hepar -atos liver]
Hepatitis n. Inflammation of the liver. [related to *hepatic]
Hepta-comb. Form seven. [greek]
Heptagon n. Plane figure with seven sides and angles. heptagonal adj. [greek:
related to *hepta-, -gonos angled]
Her —pron. 1 objective case of she (i like her). 2 colloq. She (it’s her all right; am older than her). —poss. Pron. (attrib.) Of or belonging to her or herself (her house; her own business). [old english dative and genitive of she]
Herald —n. 1 official messenger bringing news. 2 forerunner, harbinger. 3 a hist. Officer responsible for state ceremonial and etiquette. B official concerned with pedigrees and coats of arms. —v. Proclaim the approach of; usher in. heraldic adj. [french from germanic]
Heraldry n. 1 art or knowledge of a herald. 2 coats of arms.
Herb n. 1 any non-woody seed-bearing plant. 2 plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for flavouring, food, medicine, scent, etc. herby adj. (-ier, -iest). [latin herba]
Herbaceous adj. Of or like herbs.
Herbaceous border n. Garden border containing esp. Perennial flowering plants.
Herbage n. Vegetation collectively, esp. As pasture.
Herbal —adj. Of herbs in medicinal and culinary use. —n. Book describing the medicinal and culinary uses of herbs.
Herbalist n. 1 dealer in medicinal herbs. 2 writer on herbs.
Herbarium n. (pl. -ria) 1 systematically arranged collection of dried plants. 2 book, room, etc. For these.
Herbicide n. Poison used to destroy unwanted vegetation.
Herbivore n. Animal that feeds on plants. herbivorous adj. [latin voro devour]
Herculean adj. Having or requiring great strength or effort. [from the name hercules, latin alteration of greek herakles]
Herd —n. 1 a number of animals, esp. Cattle, feeding or travelling or kept together. 2 (prec. By the) derog. Large number of people; mob (tends to follow the herd). —v. 1 (cause to) go in a herd (herded together for warmth; herded the cattle into the field). 2 look after (sheep, cattle, etc.). [old english]
Herd instinct n. (prec. By the) tendency to think and act as a crowd.
Herdsman n. Man who owns or tends a herd.
Here —adv. 1 in or at or to this place or position (come here; sit here). 2 indicating a person’s presence or a thing offered (my son here will show you;
here is your coat). 3 at this point in the argument, situation, etc. (here i have a question). —n. This place (get out of here; lives near here; fill it up to here). — int. 1 calling attention: short for come here, look here, etc. (here, where are you going with that?). 2 indicating one’s presence in a roll-call: short for i am here. here goes! Colloq. Expression indicating the start of a bold act. Here’s to i drink to the health of. Here we are colloq. Said on arrival at one’s destination. Here we go again colloq. The same, usu. Undesirable, events are recurring. Here you are said on handing something to somebody. Neither here nor there of no importance. [old english]
Hereabouts adv. (also hereabout) near this place.
Hereafter —adv. From now on; in the future. —n. 1 the future. 2 life after death.
Here and now adv. At this very moment; immediately.
Here and there adv. In various places.
Hereby adv. By this means; as a result of this.
Hereditable adj. That can be inherited. [latin: related to *heir]
Hereditary adj. 1 (of a disease, instinct, etc.) Able to be passed down genetically from one generation to another. 2 a descending by inheritance. B holding a position by inheritance. [latin: related to *heir]
Heredity n. 1 a passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically. B these characteristics. 2 genetic constitution.
Hereford n. Animal of a breed of red and white beef cattle. [hereford in england]
Herein adv. Formal in this matter, book, etc.
Hereinafter adv. Esp. Law formal 1 from this point on. 2 in a later part of this document etc.
Hereof adv. Formal of this.
Heresy n. (pl. -ies) 1 esp. Rc ch. Religious belief or practice contrary to orthodox doctrine. 2 opinion contrary to what is normally accepted or maintained. [greek hairesis choice]
Heretic n. 1 person believing in or practising religious heresy. 2 holder of an unorthodox opinion. heretical adj.
Hereto adv. Formal to this matter.
Heretofore adv. Formal before this time.
Hereupon adv. After this; in consequence of this.
Hereupon adv. After this; in consequence of this.
Herewith adv. With this (esp. Of an enclosure in a letter etc.).
Heritable adj. 1 law capable of being inherited or of inheriting. 2 biol. Genetically transmissible from parent to offspring. [french: related to *heir]
Heritage n. 1 what is or may be inherited. 2 inherited circumstances, benefits, etc. 3 a nation’s historic buildings, monuments, countryside, etc., esp. Whenregarded as worthy of preservation.
Hermaphrodite —n. Person, animal, or plant having both male and female reproductive organs. —adj. Combining both sexes. hermaphroditic adj. [from hermaphroditus, son of hermes and aphrodite who became joined in one body to a nymph]
Hermetic adj. With an airtight closure. hermetically adv. [from the greek god hermes, regarded as the founder of alchemy]
Hermit n. Person (esp. An early christian) living in solitude and austerity. hermitic adj. [greek eremos solitary]
Hermitage n. 1 hermit’s dwelling. 2 secluded dwelling.
Hermit-crab n. Crab that lives in a mollusc’s cast-off shell.
Hernia n. Protrusion of part of an organ through the wall of the body cavity containing it. [latin]
Hero n. (pl. -es) 1 person noted or admired for nobility, courage, outstanding achievements, etc. 2 chief male character in a play, story, etc. [greek heros]
Heroic —adj. Of, fit for, or like a hero; very brave. —n. (in pl.) 1 high-flown language or sentiments. 2 unduly bold behaviour. heroically adv.
Heroin n. Addictive analgesic drug derived from morphine, often used as a narcotic. [german: related to *hero, from the effect on the user’s self-esteem]
Heroine n. 1 woman noted or admired for nobility, courage, outstanding achievements, etc. 2 chief female character in a play, story, etc. [greek: related to *hero]
Heroism n. Heroic conduct or qualities. [french héroïsme: related to *hero]
Heron n. Long-legged wading bird with a long sshaped neck. [french from germanic]
Hero-worship —n. Idealization of an admired person. —v. Idolize.
Herpes n. Virus disease causing skin blisters. [greek herpo creep]
Herr n. (pl. Herren) 1 title of a german man; mr. 2 german man. [german]
Herring n. (pl. Same or -s) n. Atlantic fish used as food. [old english]
Herring-bone n. Stitch or weave consisting of a series of small ‘v’ shapes making a zigzag pattern.
Herring-gull n. Large gull with dark wing-tips.
Hers poss. Pron. The one or ones belonging to or associated with her (it is hers; hers are over there). of hers of or belonging to her (friend of hers).
Herself pron. 1 a emphat. Form of *she or her (she herself will do it). B refl. Form of her (she has hurt herself). 2 in her normal state of body or mind (doesnot feel quite herself today). be herself see oneself. By herself see by oneself. [old english: related to her, *self]
Hertz n. (pl. Same) si unit of frequency, equal to one cycle per second. [hertz, name of a physicist]
He’s contr. 1 he is. 2 he has.
Hesitant adj. Hesitating; irresolute. hesitance n. Hesitancy n. Hesitantly adv.
Hesitate v. (-ting) 1 show or feel indecision or uncertainty; pause in doubt (hesitated over her choice). 2 be reluctant (i hesitate to say so). hesitation n. [latin haereo haes-stick fast]
Hessian n. Strong coarse sacking made of hemp or jute. [hesse in germany]
Hetero-comb. Form other, different. [greek heteros other]
Heterodox adj. Not orthodox. heterodoxy n. [from *hetero-, greek doxa opinion]
Heterodyne adj. Radio relating to the production of a lower frequency from the combination of two almost equal high frequencies. [from *hetero-, greek dunamis force]
Heterogeneous adj. 1 diverse in character. 2 varied in content. heterogeneity n. [latin from greek genos kind]
Heteromorphic adj. (also heteromorphous) biol. Of dissimilar forms.
heteromorphism n.
Heterosexual —adj. Feeling or involving sexual attraction to the opposite sex. — n. Heterosexual person. heterosexuality n.
Het up predic. Adj. Colloq. Excited, overwrought. [het, a dial. Word = heated]
Het up predic. Adj. Colloq. Excited, overwrought. [het, a dial. Word = heated]
Heuristic adj. 1 allowing or assisting to discover. 2 proceeding to a solution by trial and error. [greek heurisko find]
Hew v. (past part. Hewn or hewed) 1 chop or cut with an axe, sword, etc. 2 cut into shape. [old english]
Hexadecimal adj. Esp. Computing of a system of numerical notation that has 16 (the figures 0 to 9 and the letters a to f) rather than 10 as a base.
Hexagon n. Plane figure with six sides and angles. hexagonal adj. [greek: related to *hexa-, -gonos angled]
Hexagram n. Figure formed by two intersecting equilateral triangles.
Hexameter n. Line of verse with six metrical feet.
Hey int. Calling attention or expressing joy, surprise, inquiry, etc. [imitative]
Heyday n. Time of greatest success or prosperity. [low german]
Hey presto! Int. Conjuror’s phrase on completing a trick.
Hezbollah n. (also hiz-) extreme shiite muslim group, active esp. In lebanon. [arabic hisbullah party of god]
Hf abbr. High frequency.
Hf symb. Hafnium.
Hg symb. Mercury.
Hg abbr. Hectogram(s).
Hgv abbr. Heavy goods vehicle.
Hh abbr. 1 her or his highness. 2 his holiness. 3 (of pencil-lead) double-hard.
Hi int. Calling attention or as a greeting.
Hiatus n. (pl. -tuses) 1 break or gap in a series or sequence. 2 break between two
vowels coming together but not in the same syllable, as in though oft the ear. [latin hio gape]
Hibernate v. (-ting) (of an animal) spend the winter in a dormant state. hibernation n. [latin hibernus wintry]
Hibernian archaic poet. —adj. Of ireland. —n. Native of ireland. [latin hibernia ireland]
Hibiscus n. (pl. -cuses) cultivated shrub with large bright-coloured flowers. [greek hibiskos marsh mallow]
Hiccup (also hiccough) —n. 1 involuntary spasm of the diaphragm causing a characteristic sound ‘hic’. 2 temporary or minor stoppage or difficulty. —v. (-p-) make a hiccup. [imitative]
Hick n. (often attrib.) Esp. Us colloq. Country bumpkin, provincial. [familiar form of richard]
Hickory n. (pl. -ies) 1 n. American tree yielding wood and nutlike edible fruits. 2 the tough heavy wood of this. [virginian pohickery]
Hid past of *hide1.
Hidden past part. Of *hide1.
Hidden agenda n. Secret motivation behind a policy, statement, etc.; ulterior motive.
Hide1 —v. (-ding; past hid; past part. Hidden) 1 put or keep out of sight. 2 conceal oneself. 3 (usu. Foll. By from) keep (a fact) secret. 4 conceal. —n. Camouflaged shelter used for observing wildlife. hider n. [old english]
Hide2 n. 1 animal’s skin, esp. When tanned or dressed. 2 colloq. The human skin, esp. The backside. [old english]
Hide-and-seek n. Game in which players hide and another searches for them.
Hideaway n. Hiding-place or place of retreat.
Hidebound adj. 1 narrow-minded. 2 constricted by tradition.
Hideous adj. 1 very ugly, revolting. 2 colloq. Unpleasant. hideosity n. (pl. -ies). Hideously adv. [anglo-french hidous]
Hide-out n. Colloq. Hiding-place.
Hiding1 n. Colloq. A thrashing. on a hiding to nothing with no chance of succeeding. [from *hide2]
succeeding. [from *hide2]
Hiding2 n. 1 act of hiding. 2 state of remaining hidden (go into hiding). [from *hide1]
Hiding-place n. Place of concealment.
Hierarchy n. (pl. -ies) system of grades of status or authority ranked one above the other. hierarchical adj. [greek hieros sacred, arkho rule]
Hieratic adj. 1 of priests. 2 of the ancient egyptian hieroglyphic writing as used by priests. [greek hiereus priest]
Hieroglyph n. Picture representing a word, syllable, or sound, as used in ancient egyptian etc. [greek hieros sacred, glupho carve]
Hieroglyphic —adj. Of or written in hieroglyphs. —n. (in pl.) Hieroglyphs; hieroglyphic writing.
Hi-fi colloq. —adj. Of high fidelity. —n. (pl. -s) set of high-fidelity equipment. [abbreviation]
Higgledy-piggledy adv. & adj. In confusion or disorder. [origin uncertain]
High —adj. 1 a of great vertical extent (high building). B (predic.; often in comb.) Of a specified height (one inch high; waist-high). 2 a far above ground or sea level etc. (high altitude). B inland, esp. When raised (high asia).
High altar n. Chief altar in a church.
High and dry adj. Stranded; aground.
High and low adv. Everywhere (searched high and low).
High and mighty adj. Colloq. Arrogant.
Highball n. Us drink of spirits and soda etc., served with ice in a tall glass.
Highbrow colloq. —adj. Intellectual; cultural. —n. Intellectual or cultured person.
High chair n. Infant’s chair with long legs and a tray for meals.
High church n. Section of the church of england emphasizing ritual, priestly authority, and sacraments.
High-class adj. Of high quality.
High colour n. Flushed complexion.
High command n. Army commander-in-chief and associated staff.
High commission n. Embassy from one commonwealth country to another. high commissioner n.
High court n. (also in england high court of justice) supreme court of justice for civil cases.
High day n. Festal day.
Higher animal n. (also higher plant) animal or plant evolved to a high degree.
Higher education n. Education at university etc.
High explosive n. Extremely explosive substance used in shells, bombs, etc.
High jump n. 1 athletic event consisting of jumping over a high bar. 2 colloq.
Drastic punishment (he’s for the high jump).
Highland —n. (usu. In pl.) 1 area of high land. 2 (the highlands) mountainous part of scotland. —adj. Of or in a highland or the highlands. highlander n. (also highlander). [old english, = promontory: related to *high]
Highland cattle n. Cattle of a shaggy-haired breed with long curved horns.
Highland fling see *fling n. 3.
High-level adj. 1 (of negotiations etc.) Conducted by high-ranking people. 2 computing (of a programming language) not machine-dependent and usu. At a level of abstraction close to natural language.
Highlight —n. 1 moment or detail of vivid interest; outstanding feature. 2 (in a painting etc.) Bright area. 3 (usu. In pl.) Light streak in the hair produced by bleaching. —v. 1 bring into prominence; draw attention to. 2 mark with a highlighter.
Highlighter n. Marker pen for emphasizing a printed word etc. By overlaying it with colour.
Highly adv. 1 in a high degree (highly amusing; commend it highly). 2 favourably (think highly of him).
Highly-strung adj. Very sensitive or nervous.
High-minded adj. Having high moral principles. high-mindedly adv. High-mindedness n.
Highness n. 1 state of being high (highness of taxation). 2 (highness) title used when addressing or referring to a prince or princess (her highness; your royal highness).
High-octane adj. (of fuel used in internal-combustion engines) not detonating readily during the power stroke.
High-pitched adj. 1 (of a sound) high. 2 (of a roof) steep.
High point n. The maximum or best state reached.
High-powered adj. 1 having great power or energy. 2 important or influential.
High pressure n. 1 high degree of activity or exertion. 2 atmospheric condition with the pressure above average.
High priest n. (fem. High priestess) 1 chief priest, esp. Jewish. 2 head of a cult.
High-ranking adj. Of high rank, senior.
High-rise —attrib. Adj. (of a building) having many storeys. —n. Such a building.
High-risk attrib. Adj. Involving or exposed to danger (high-risk sports).
High-risk attrib. Adj. Involving or exposed to danger (high-risk sports).
High road n. Main road.
High school n. 1 grammar school. 2 us & scot. Secondary school.
High sea n. (also high seas) open seas not under any country’s jurisdiction.
High season n. Busiest period at a resort etc.
High-speed attrib. Adj. Operating at great speed.
High-spirited adj. Vivacious; cheerful; lively.
High spot n. Important place or feature.
High street n. Principal shopping street of a town.
High table n. Dining-table for the most important guests or members.
High tea n. Evening meal usu. Consisting of a cooked dish, bread and butter, tea, etc.
High-tech adj. 1 employing, requiring, or involved in high technology. 2 imitating styles more usual in industry etc.
High technology n. Advanced technological development, esp. In electronics.
High tension n. = *high voltage.
High tide n. Time or level of the tide at its peak.
High time n. Time that is overdue (it is high time they arrived).
High treason n. = *treason.
High-up n. Colloq. Person of high rank.
High voltage n. Electrical potential large enough to injure or damage.
High water n. = *high tide.
High-water mark n. Level reached at high water.
Highway n. 1 a public road. B main route. 2 direct course of action (on the highway to success).
Highway code n. Official booklet of guidance for road-users.
Highwayman n. Hist. Robber of travellers etc., usu. Mounted.
High wire n. High tightrope.
Hijack —v. 1 seize control of (a vehicle etc.), esp. To force it to a different destination. 2 seize (goods) in transit. 3 take control of (talks etc.) By force or subterfuge. —n. A hijacking. hijacker n. [origin unknown]
Hike —n. 1 long walk, esp. In the country for pleasure. 2 rise in prices etc. —v. (-king) 1 go for a hike. 2 walk laboriously. 3 (usu. Foll. By up) hitch up (clothing etc.); become hitched up. 4 (usu. Foll. By up) raise (prices etc.). hiker n. [origin unknown]
Hill n. 1 naturally raised area of land, lower than a mountain. 2 (often in comb.) Heap, mound (anthill). 3 sloping piece of road. over the hill colloq. Past the prime of life. [old english]
Hill-billy n. Us colloq., often derog. Person from a remote rural area in a southern state.
Hillock n. Small hill, mound.
Hillside n. Sloping side of a hill.
Hilltop n. Top of a hill.
Hillwalking n. Hiking in hilly country. hillwalker n.
Hilly adj. (-ier, -iest) having many hills. hilliness n.
Hilt n. Handle of a sword, dagger, etc. up to the hilt completely. [old english]
Him pron. 1 objective case of he (i saw him). 2 colloq. He (it’s him again; taller than him). [old english, dative of he]
Himself pron. 1 a emphat. Form of *he or him (he himself will do it). B refl. Form of him (he has hurt himself). 2 in his normal state of body or mind (doesnot feel quite himself today). be himself see oneself. By himself see by oneself. [old english: related to him, *self]
Hind1 adj. At the back (hind leg). [old english hindan from behind]
Hind2 n. Female (esp. Red) deer, esp. In and after the third year. [old english]
Hinder1 v. Impede; delay. [old english]
Hinder2 adj. Rear, hind (the hinder part). [old english]
Hindi n. 1 group of spoken dialects of n. India. 2 literary form of hindustani, an official language of india. [urdu hind india]
Hindmost adj. Furthest behind.
Hindquarters n.pl. Hind legs and rump of a quadruped.
Hindrance n. 1 hindering; being hindered. 2 thing that hinders.
Hindsight n. Wisdom after the event.
Hindu —n. (pl. -s) follower of hinduism. —adj. Of hindus or hinduism. [urdu hind india]
Hinduism n. Main religious and social system of india, including the belief in
Hinduism n. Main religious and social system of india, including the belief in reincarnation, several gods, and a caste system.
Hindustani n. Language based on hindi, used as a lingua franca in much of india. [from *hindu, stan country]
Hinge —n. 1 movable joint on which a door, lid, etc., turns or swings. 2 principle on which all depends. —v. (-ging) 1 (foll. By on) depend (on a principle, an event, etc.). 2 attach or be attached by a hinge. [related to *hang]
Hinny n. (pl. -ies) offspring of a female donkey and a male horse. [greek hinnos]
Hint —n. 1 slight or indirect indication or suggestion. 2 small piece of practical information. 3 very small trace; suggestion (a hint of perfume). —v. Suggest slightly or indirectly. hint at give a hint of; refer indirectly to. Take a hint heed a hint. [obsolete hent grasp]
Hinterland n. 1 district beyond a coast or river’s banks. 2 area served by a port or other centre. [german]
Hip1 n. Projection of the pelvis and the upper part of the thigh-bone. [old english]
Hip2 n. Fruit of a rose, esp. Wild. [old english]
Hip3 int. Introducing a united cheer (hip, hip, hooray). [origin unknown]
Hip3 int. Introducing a united cheer (hip, hip, hooray). [origin unknown]
Hip-bath n. Portable bath in which one sits immersed to the hips.
Hip-bone n. Bone forming the hip.
Hip-flask n. Small flask for spirits etc.
Hip hop n. (also hip-hop) subculture combining rap music, graffiti art, and break-dancing. [from *hip4]
Hippie n. (also hippy) (pl. -ies) colloq. (esp. In the 1960s) person rejecting convention, typically with long hair, jeans, beads, etc., and taking hallucinogenic drugs. [from *hip4]
Hippo n. (pl. -s) colloq. Hippopotamus. [abbreviation]
Hip-pocket n. Trouser-pocket just behind the hip.
Hippocratic oath n. Statement of ethics of the medical profession. [hippocrates, name of a greek physician]
Hippodrome n. 1 music-hall or dancehall. 2 (in classical antiquity) course for chariot races etc. [greek hippos horse, dromos race]
Hippopotamus n. (pl. -muses or -mi) large african mammal with short legs and thick skin, living by rivers, lakes, etc. [greek hippos horse, potamos river]
Hippy1 var. Of *hippie.
Hippy2 adj. Having large hips.
Hippy2 adj. Having large hips.
Hipster1 —attrib. Adj. (of a garment) hanging from the hips rather than the waist. —n. (in pl.) Such trousers.
Hipster2 n. Slang hip person.
Hire —v. (-ring) 1 purchase the temporary use of (a thing) (hired a van). 2 esp. Us employ (a person). —n. 1 hiring or being hired. 2 payment for this. for (or on) hire ready to be hired. Hire out grant the temporary use of (a thing) for payment. hireable adj. Hirer n. [old english]
Hireling n. Usu. Derog. Person who works (only) for money.
Hire purchase n. System of purchase by paying in instalments.
Hirsute adj. Hairy. [latin]
His poss. Pron. 1 (attrib.) Of or belonging to him or himself (his house; his own business). 2 the one or ones belonging to or associated with him (it is his; his are over there). of his of or belonging to him (friend of his). [old english, genitive of *he]
Hispanic —adj. 1 of spain or spain and portugal. 2 of spain and other spanish-speaking countries. —n. Spanish-speaking person living in the us. [latin hispania spain]
Hiss —v. 1 make a sharp sibilant sound, as of the letter s. 2 express disapproval of by hisses. 3 whisper urgently or angrily. —n. 1 sharp sibilant sound as of the letter s. 2 electronics interference at audio frequencies. [imitative]
Histamine n. Chemical compound in body tissues etc., associated with allergic reactions. [from histology, amine]
Histogram n. Statistical diagram of rectangles with areas proportional to the value of a number of variables. [greek histos mast]
Histology n. The study of tissue structure. [greek histos web]
Historian n. 1 writer of history. 2 person learned in history.
Historic adj. 1 famous or important in history or potentially so (historic moment). 2 gram. (of a tense) used to narrate past events.
Historical adj. 1 of or concerning history (historical evidence). 2 (of the study of a subject) showing its development over a period. 3 factual, not fictional or legendary. 4 belonging to the past, not the present. 5 (of a novel etc.) Dealing with historical events. historically adv.
Historicism n. 1 theory that social and cultural phenomena are determined by history. 2 belief that historical events are governed by laws.
Historicity n. Historical truth or authenticity.
Historiography n. 1 the writing of history. 2 the study of this. historiographer n.
History n. (pl. -ies) 1 continuous record of (esp. Public) events. 2 a the study of past events, esp. Human affairs. B total accumulation of past events, esp. Relating to human affairs or a particular nation, person, thing, etc. 3 eventful past (this house has a history). 4 (foll. By of) past record (had a history of illness). 5 a systematic or critical account of or research into past events etc. B similar record or account of natural phenomena. 6 historical play. make history do something memorable. [greek historia inquiry]
Histrionic —adj. (of behaviour) theatrical, dramatic. —n. (in pl.) Insincere and dramatic behaviour designed to impress. [latin histrio actor]
Hit —v. (-tt-; past and past part. Hit) 1 a strike with a blow or missile. B (of a moving body) strike with force (the plane hit the ground). C reach (a target etc.) With a directed missile (hit the wicket). 2 cause to suffer; affect adversely. 3 (often foll. By at, against) direct a blow. 4 (often foll. By against, on) knock (a part of the body) (hit his head). 5 achieve, reach (hit the right tone; can’t hit the high notes). 6 colloq. A encounter (hit a snag). B arrive at (hit town). C indulge heavily in, esp. Liquor etc. (hit the bottle). 7 esp. Us slang rob or kill. 8 occur forcefully to (it only hit him later). 9 a propel (a ball etc.) With a bat etc. To score runs or points. B score in this way (hit a six). —n. 1 a blow, stroke. B collision. 2 shot etc. That hits its target. 3 colloq. Popular success. hit back retaliate. Hit below the belt 1 esp.
Hit-and-run attrib. Adj. 1 (of a driver, raider, etc.) Causing damage or injury and leaving the scene immediately. 2 (of an accident, attack, etc.) Perpetrated by such a person or people.
Hitch —v. 1 fasten or be fastened with a loop, hook, etc.; tether. 2 move (a thing) slightly or with a jerk. 3 colloq. A = *hitchhike. B obtain (a lift) by hitchhiking. —n. 1 temporary obstacle or snag. 2 abrupt pull or push. 3 noose or knot of various kinds. 4 colloq. Free ride in a vehicle. get hitched colloq. Marry. Hitch up lift (esp. Clothing) with a jerk. [origin uncertain]
Hitchhike v. (-king) travel by seeking free lifts in passing vehicles. hitchhiker n.
Hi-tech adj. = *high-tech. [abbreviation]
Hither adv. Formal to or towards this place. [old english]
Hither and thither adv. To and fro.
Hitherto adv. Until this time, up to now.
Hit list n. Slang list of prospective victims.
Hit man n. Slang hired assassin.
Hit-or-miss adj. Liable to error, random.
Hit parade n. Colloq. List of the current best-selling pop records.
Hittite —n. Member or language of an ancient people of asia minor and syria. — adj. Of the hittites. [hebrew]
Hiv abbr. Human immunodeficiency virus, either of two viruses causing aids.
Hive n. Beehive. hive off (-ving) separate from a larger group. [old english]
Hmi abbr. Her (or his) majesty’s inspector (of schools).
Hms abbr. Her (or his) majesty’s ship.
Hmso abbr. Her (or his) majesty’s stationery office.
Hnc abbr. Higher national certificate.
Hnd abbr. Higher national diploma.
Ho symb. Holmium.
Ho int. Expressing triumph, derision, etc., or calling attention. [natural exclamation]
Hoard —n. Stock or store (esp. Of money or food). —v. Amass and store. hoarder n. [old english]
Hoarding n. 1 large, usu. Wooden, structure used to carry advertisements etc. 2 temporary fence round a building site etc. [obsolete hoard from french: hourd]
Hoar-frost n. Frozen water vapour on vegetation etc. [old english]
Hoarse adj. 1 (of the voice) rough and deep; husky, croaking. 2 having such a voice. hoarsely adv. Hoarseness n. [old norse]
Hoary adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 a (of hair) grey or white with age. B having such hair; aged. 2 old and trite (hoary joke). [old english]
Hoax —n. Humorous or malicious deception. —v. Deceive (a person) with a hoax. [probably a shortening of hocus in *hocus-pocus]
Hob n. 1 flat heating surface with hotplates or burners, on a cooker or as a separate unit. 2 flat metal shelf at the side of a fireplace for heating a pan etc. [perhaps var. Of *hub]
Hobble —v. (-ling) 1 walk lamely; limp. 2 tie together the legs of (a horse etc.) To prevent it from straying. —n. 1 uneven or infirm gait. 2 rope etc. For hobbling a horse etc. [probably low german]
Hobby n. (pl. -ies) leisure-time activity pursued for pleasure. [from the name robin]
Hobby-horse n. 1 child’s toy consisting of a stick with a horse’s head. 2 favourite subject or idea.
Hobgoblin n. Mischievous imp; bogy. [from *hobby, *goblin]
Hobnail n. Heavy-headed nail for boot-soles. [from *hob]
Hobnob v. (-bb-) (usu. Foll. By with) mix socially or informally. [hab nab have or not have]
Hobo n. (pl. -es or -s) us wandering worker; tramp. [origin unknown]
Hobson’s choice n. Choice of taking the thing offered or nothing. [hobson, name of a carrier who let out horses thus]
Hock1 n. Joint of a quadruped’s hind leg between the knee and the fetlock. [old english]
Hock2 n. German white wine from the rhineland. [hochheim in germany]
Hock3 v. Esp. Us colloq. Pawn; pledge. in hock 1 in pawn. 2 in debt. 3 in prison. [dutch]
Hockey n. Team game with hooked sticks and a small hard ball. [origin unknown]
Hocus-pocus n. Deception; trickery. [sham latin]
Hod n. 1 v-shaped trough on a pole used for carrying bricks etc. 2 portable receptacle for coal. [french hotte pannier]
Hodgepodge var. Of *hotchpotch.
Hodgkin’s disease n. Malignant disease of lymphatic tissues, usu. Characterized by enlargement of the lymph nodes. [hodgkin, name of a physician]
Hoe —n. Long-handled tool with a blade, used for weeding etc. —v. (hoes, hoed, hoeing) weed (crops); loosen (earth); dig up with a hoe. [french from germanic]
Hog —n. 1 castrated male pig. 2 colloq. Greedy person. —v. (-gg-) colloq. Take greedily; hoard selfishly; monopolize. go the whole hog colloq. Do something completely or thoroughly. hoggish adj. [old english]
Hogmanay n. Scot. New year’s eve. [probably french]
Hogshead n. 1 large cask. 2 liquid or dry measure (about 50 gallons). [from *hog: the reason for the name is unknown]
Hogwash n. Colloq. Nonsense, rubbish.
Ho-ho int. 1 representing a deep jolly laugh. 2 expressing surprise, triumph, or derision. [reduplication of *ho]
Hoick v. Colloq. (often foll. By out) lift or pull, esp. With a jerk. [perhaps var. Of *hike]
Hoi polloi n. The masses; the common people. [greek, = the many]
Usage this phrase is often preceded by the, which is, strictly speaking, unnecessary, since hoi means ‘the’.
Hoist —v. 1 raise or haul up. 2 raise by means of ropes and pulleys etc. —n. 1 act of hoisting, lift. 2 apparatus for hoisting. hoist with one’s own petard caught by one’s own trick etc. [earlier hoise, probably from low german]
Hoity-toity adj. Haughty. [obsolete hoit romp]
Hokum n. Esp. Us slang 1 sentimental, sensational, or unreal material in a film or play etc. 2 bunkum; rubbish. [origin unknown]
Hold1 —v. (past and past part. Held) 1 a keep fast; grasp (esp. In the hands or
arms). B (also refl.) Keep or sustain (a thing, oneself, one’s head, etc.) In a particular position. C grip so as to control (hold the reins). 2 have the capacity for, contain (holds two pints). 3 possess, gain, or have, esp.: a be the owner or tenant of (land, property, stocks, etc.). B gain or have gained (a qualification, record, etc.). C have the position of (a job or office). D keep possession of (a place etc.), esp. Against attack. 4 remain unbroken; not give way (roof held under the storm). 5 celebrate or conduct (a meeting, festival, conversation, etc.). 6 a keep (a person etc.) In a place or condition (held him in suspense). B detain, esp. In custody. 7 a engross (book held him for hours). B dominate (held the stage). 8 (foll. By to) keep (a person etc.) To (a promise etc.). 9 (of weather) continue fine. 10 think, believe; assert (held it to be plain; held that the earth was flat). 11 regard with a specified feeling (held him in contempt). 12 cease; restrain (hold your fire). 13 keep or reserve (please hold our seats). 14 be able to drink (alcohol) without effect (can’t hold his drink). 15 (of a court etc.) Lay down; decide. 16 mus. Sustain (a note). 17 = hold the line. —n. 1 (foll. By on, over) influence or power over (has a strange hold over me). 2 manner of holding in wrestling etc. 3 grasp (take hold of him). 4 (often in comb.) Thing to hold by (seized the handhold). hold (a thing) against (a person) resent or regard it as discreditable to (a person). Hold back 1 impede the progress of; restrain. 2 keep for oneself. 3 (often foll. By from) hesitate; refrain. Hold one’s breath see breath. Hold down 1 repress. 2 colloq. Be competent enough to keep (one’s job etc.). Hold the fort 1 act as a temporary substitute. 2 cope in an emergency. Hold forth speak at length or tediously. Hold one’s ground see ground1. Holdhands grasp one another by the hand as a sign of affection or for support or guidance. Hold it cease action or movement. Hold the line not ring off (in a telephone connection).
Hold2 n. Cavity in the lower part of a ship or aircraft for cargo. [old english:
related to *hollow]
Holdall n. Large soft travelling bag.
Holding n. 1 tenure of land. 2 stocks, property, etc. Held.
Holding company n. Company created to hold the shares of other companies, which it then controls.
Hold-up n. 1 stoppage or delay. 2 robbery by force.
Hole n. 1 a empty space in a solid body. B opening in or through something. 2 animal’s burrow. 3 (in games) cavity or receptacle for a ball. 4 colloq. Small or dingy place. 5 colloq. Awkward situation. 6 golf a point scored by a player who gets the ball from tee to hole with the fewest strokes. B terrain or distance from tee to hole. hole up us colloq. Hide oneself. Make a hole in use a large amount of. holey adj. [old english]
Hole-and-corner adj. Secret; underhand.
Hole in the heart n. Colloq. Congenital defect in the heart membrane.
Holiday —n. 1 (often in pl.) Extended period of recreation, esp. Spent away from home or travelling; break from work. 2 day of festivity or recreation when no work is done, esp. A religious festival etc. —v. Spend a holiday. [old english: related to *holy, *day]
Holiday camp n. Place for holiday-makers with facilities on site.
Holiday-maker n. Person on holiday.
Holier-than-thou adj. Colloq. Self-righteous.
Holiness n. 1 being holy or sacred. 2 (holiness) title used when addressing or referring to the pope. [old english: related to *holy]
Holism n. (also wholism) 1 philos. Theory that certain wholes are greater than the sum of their parts. 2 med. Treating of the whole person rather than the symptoms of a disease. holistic adj. [greek holos whole]
Hollandaise sauce n. Creamy sauce of melted butter, egg-yolks, vinegar, etc. [french]
Holler v. & n. Us colloq. Shout. [french holà hello!]
Hollow —adj. 1 a having a cavity; not solid. B sunken (hollow cheeks). 2 (of a sound) echoing. 3 empty; hungry. 4 meaningless (hollow victory). 5 insincere (hollow laugh). —n. 1 hollow place; hole. 2 valley; basin. —v. (often foll. By out) make hollow; excavate. —adv. Colloq. Completely (beaten hollow). hollowly adv. Hollowness n. [old english]
Holly n. (pl. -ies) evergreen shrub with prickly leaves and red berries. [old english]
Hollyhock n. Tall plant with showy flowers. [from *holy, obsolete hock mallow]
Holm n. (in full holm-oak) evergreen oak with holly-like young leaves. [dial. Holm holly]
Holmium n. Metallic element of the lanthanide series. [latin holmia stockholm]
Holocaust n. 1 large-scale destruction, esp. By fire or nuclear war. 2 (the holocaust) mass murder of the jews by the nazis 1939–45. [greek holos whole, kaustos burnt]
Hologram n. Photographic pattern that gives a three-dimensional image when illuminated by coherent light. [greek holos whole, *-gram]
Holograph —adj. Wholly written by hand by the person named as the author. — n. Holograph document. [greek holos whole, *-graph]
Holography n. The study or production of holograms.
Hols n.pl. Colloq. Holidays. [abbreviation]
Holster n. Leather case for a pistol or revolver, worn on a belt etc. [dutch]
Holy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 morally and spiritually excellent or perfect, and to be revered. 2 belonging to or devoted to god. 3 consecrated, sacred. [old english: related to *whole]
Holy communion see *communion.
Holy ghost n. = *holy spirit.
Holy grail see *grail.
Holy land n. Area between the river jordan and the mediterranean sea.
Holy of holies n. 1 sacred inner chamber of the jewish temple. 2 thing regarded as most sacred.
Holy orders n.pl. The status of a bishop, priest, or deacon.
Holy roman empire n. Western part of the roman empire as revived by charlemagne in 800 ad.
Holy see n. Papacy or papal court.
Holy spirit n. Third person of the trinity, god as spiritually acting.
Holy week n. Week before easter.
Holy writ n. Holy writings, esp. The bible.
Homage n. Tribute, expression of reverence (pay homage to). [latin homo man]
Homburg n. Man’s felt hat with a narrow curled brim and a lengthwise dent in the crown. [homburg in germany]
Home —n. 1 a place where one lives; fixed residence. B dwelling-house. 2 family circumstances (comes from a good home). 3 native land. 4 institution caring for people or animals. 5 place where a thing originates, is kept, or is native or most common. 6 a finishing-point in a race. B (in games) place where one is safe; goal. 7 sport home match or win. —attrib. Adj. 1 a of or connected with one’s home. B carried on, done, or made, at home. 2 in one’s own country (home industries; the home market). 3 sport played on one’s own ground etc. (home match). —adv. 1 to, at, or in one’s home or country (go home; is he home yet?).
Home and dry predic. Adj. Having achieved one’s aim.
Home-brew n. Beer or other alcoholic drink brewed at home.
Home-coming n. Arrival at home.
Home counties n.pl. The counties closest to london.
Home economics n.pl. The study of household management.
Home farm n. Principal farm on an estate, providing produce for the owner.
Home-grown adj. Grown or produced at home.
Home guard n. Hist. British citizen army organized for defence in 1940.
Home help n. Person helping with housework etc., esp. One provided by a local authority.
Homeland n. 1 one’s native land. 2 any of several partially self-governing areas in s. Africa reserved for black south africans (the official name for a bantustan).
Homeless adj. Lacking a home. homelessness n.
Homely adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 simple, plain, unpretentious. 2 us (of facial appearance) plain, unattractive. 3 comfortable, cosy. homeliness n.
Home-made adj. Made at home.
Home office n. British government department dealing with law and order, immigration, etc., in england and wales.
Homeopathy n. (brit. Homoeopathy) treatment of disease by minute doses of drugs that in a healthy person would produce symptoms of the disease.
homoeopath n. Homoeopathic adj. [greek homoios like: related to *pathos]
Homeric adj. 1 of, or in the style of, homer. 2 of bronze age greece as described in homer’s poems.
Home rule n. Government of a country or region by its own citizens.
Home secretary n. Secretary of state in charge of the home office.
Homesick adj. Depressed by absence from home. homesickness n.
Homespun —adj. 1 made of yarn spun at home. 2 plain, simple. —n. Homespun cloth.
Homestead n. House, esp. A farmhouse, and outbuildings.
Home truth n. Basic but unwelcome information about oneself.
Homeward —adv. (also homewards) towards home. —adj. Going towards home.
Homework n. 1 work to be done at home, esp. By a school pupil. 2 preparatory work or study.
Homicide n. 1 killing of a human being by another. 2 person who kills a human being. homicidal adj. [latin homo man]
Homily n. (pl. -ies) 1 sermon. 2 tedious moralizing discourse. homiletic adj. [greek homilia]
Homing attrib. Adj. 1 (of a pigeon) trained to fly home. 2 (of a device) for guiding to a target etc.
Hominid —adj. Of the primate family including humans and their fossil ancestors. —n. Member of this family. [latin homo homin-man]
Hominoid —adj. Like a human. —n. Animal resembling a human.
Homo n. (pl. -s) colloq. Offens. Homosexual. [abbreviation]
Homo-comb. Form same. [greek homos same]
Homoeopathy n. (us homeopathy) treatment of disease by minute doses of drugs that in a healthy person would produce symptoms of the disease. homoeopath n. Homoeopathic adj. [greek homoios like: related to *pathos]
Homogeneous adj. 1 of the same kind. 2 consisting of parts all of the same kind; uniform. homogeneity n. Homogeneously adv. [from *homo-, greek genos kind]
Usage homogeneous is often confused with homogenous which is a term in biology meaning ‘similar owing to common descent’.
Homogenize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make homogeneous. 2 treat (milk) so that the fat droplets are emulsified and the cream does not separate.
Homograph n. Word spelt like another but of different meaning or origin (e.g.
pole1, pole2).
Homologous adj. 1 a having the same relation, relative position, etc. B corresponding. 2 biol. (of organs etc.) Similar in position and structure but not necessarily in function. [from *homo-, greek logos ratio]
Homology n. Homologous state or relation; correspondence.
Homonym n. 1 word spelt or pronounced like another but of different meaning; homograph or homophone. 2 namesake. [from *homo-, onoma name]
Homophobia n. Hatred or fear of homosexuals. homophobe n. Homophobic adj.
Homophone n. Word pronounced like another but of different meaning or origin (e.g. Pair, pear). [from *homo-, greek phone sound]
Homo sapiens n. Modern humans regarded as a species. [latin, = wise man]
Homosexual —adj. Feeling or involving sexual attraction only to people of the same sex. —n. Homosexual person. homosexuality n. [from *homo-, *sexual]
Homy var. Of *homey.
Hon. Abbr. 1 honorary. 2 honourable.
Hone —n. Whetstone, esp. For razors. —v. (-ning) sharpen on or as on a hone. [old english]
Honest —adj. 1 fair and just; not cheating or stealing. 2 free of deceit and untruthfulness; sincere. 3 fairly earned (an honest living). 4 blameless but undistinguished. —adv. Colloq. Genuinely, really. [latin honestus]
Honestly adv. 1 in an honest way. 2 really (i don’t honestly know).
Honesty n. 1 being honest. 2 truthfulness. 3 plant with purple or white flowers and flat round semi-transparent seed-pods.
Honey n. (pl. -s) 1 sweet sticky yellowish fluid made by bees from nectar. 2 colour of this. 3 a sweetness. B sweet thing. 4 esp. Us (usu. As a form of address) darling. [old english]
address) darling. [old english]
Honey-bee n. Common hive-bee.
Honeycomb —n. 1 bees’ wax structure of hexagonal cells for honey and eggs. 2 pattern arranged hexagonally. —v. 1 fill with cavities or tunnels, undermine. 2 mark with a honeycomb pattern. [old english]
Honeydew n. 1 sweet sticky substance excreted by aphids on leaves and stems. 2 variety of melon.
Honeymoon —n. 1 holiday taken by a newly married couple. 2 initial period of enthusiasm or goodwill. —v. Spend a honeymoon. honeymooner n.
Honeysuckle n. Climbing shrub with fragrant yellow or pink flowers.
Honk —n. 1 sound of a car horn. 2 cry of a wild goose. —v. (cause to) make a honk. [imitative]
Honky-tonk n. Colloq. 1 ragtime piano music. 2 cheap or disreputable nightclub etc. [origin unknown]
Honor (brit. Honour) —n. 1 high respect, public regard. 2 adherence to what is right or an accepted standard of conduct. 3 nobleness of mind, magnanimity (honour among thieves). 4 thing conferred as a distinction, esp. An official award for bravery or achievement. 5 privilege, special right (had the honour of being invited). 6 a exalted position. B (honour) (prec. By your, his, etc.) Title of a circuit judge etc. 7 (foll. By to) person or thing that brings honour (an honour to her profession). 8 a chastity (of a woman). B reputation for this. 9 (in pl.) Specialized degree course or special distinction in an examination. 10 (in card-games) the four or five highest-ranking cards. 11 golf the right of driving off first. —v. 1 respect highly.
Honorable adj. (brit. Honourable) 1 deserving, bringing, or showing honour. 2 (honourable) title indicating distinction, given to certain high officials, the children of certain ranks of the nobility, and (in the house of commons) to mps. honourably adv.
Honorarium n. (pl. -s or -ria) fee, esp. A voluntary payment for professional services rendered without the normal fee. [latin: related to *honour]
Honorary adj. 1 conferred as an honour (honorary degree). 2 (of an office or its holder) unpaid.
Honour (us honor) —n. 1 high respect, public regard. 2 adherence to what is right or an accepted standard of conduct. 3 nobleness of mind, magnanimity (honour among thieves). 4 thing conferred as a distinction, esp. An official award for bravery or achievement. 5 privilege, special right (had the honour of being invited). 6 a exalted position. B (honour) (prec. By your, his, etc.) Title of a circuit judge etc. 7 (foll. By to) person or thing that brings honour (an honour to her profession). 8 a chastity (of a woman). B reputation for this. 9 (in pl.) Specialized degree course or special distinction in an examination. 10 (in card-
games) the four or five highest-ranking cards. 11 golf the right of driving off first. —v. 1 respect highly. 2 confer honour on. 3 accept or pay (a bill or cheque) when due. do the honours perform the duties of a host to guests etc. In honour of as a celebration of. On one’s honour (usu. Foll. By to + infin.) Under a moral obligation. [latin honor repute]
Honourable adj. (us honorable) 1 deserving, bringing, or showing honour. 2 (honourable) title indicating distinction, given to certain high officials, the children of certain ranks of the nobility, and (in the house of commons) to mps. honourably adv.
Hooch n. Us colloq. Alcoholic liquor, esp. Inferior or illicit whisky. [alaskan]
Hood1 —n. 1 a covering for the head and neck, esp. As part of a garment. B separate hoodlike garment. 2 folding top of a car etc. 3 us bonnet of a car etc. 4 protective cover. —v. Cover with or as with a hood. [old english]
Hood2 n. Us slang gangster, gunman. [abbreviation of *hoodlum]
-hood suffix forming nouns: 1 of condition or state (childhood; falsehood). 2 designating a group (sisterhood; neighbourhood). [old english]
Hooded adj. 1 having a hood. 2 (of an animal) having a hoodlike part (hooded crow).
Hoodlum n. 1 street hooligan, young thug. 2 gangster. [origin unknown]
Hoodoo n. Esp. Us 1 a bad luck. B thing or person that brings this. 2 voodoo. [alteration of *voodoo]
Hoodwink v. Deceive, delude. [from *hood1: originally = ‘blindfold’]
Hoof n. (pl. -s or hooves) horny part of the foot of a horse etc. hoof it slang go on foot. [old english]
Hoo-ha n. Slang commotion. [origin unknown]
Hook —n. 1 a bent or curved piece of metal etc. For catching hold or for hanging things on. B (in full fish-hook) bent piece of wire for catching fish. 2 curved cutting instrument (reaping-hook). 3 bend in a river, curved strip of land, etc. 4 a hooking stroke. B boxing short swinging blow. —v. 1 grasp or securewith hook(s). 2 catch with or as with a hook. 3 slang steal. 4 (in sports) send (the ball) in a curve or deviating path. 5 rugby secure (the ball) and pass it backward with the foot in the scrum. by hook or by crook by one means or another. Off the hook 1 colloq. Out of difficulty or trouble. 2 (of a telephone receiver) not on its rest. [old english]
Hookah n. Oriental tobacco-pipe with a long tube passing through water for cooling the smoke as it is drawn through. [urdu from arabic, = casket]
Hook and eye n. Small metal hook and loop as a fastener on a garment.
Hooked adj. 1 hook-shaped. 2 (often foll. By on) slang addicted or captivated.
Hooker n. 1 rugby player in the front row of the scrum who tries to hook the ball. 2 slang prostitute.
Hookey n. Us play hookey slang play truant. [origin unknown]
Hook, line, and sinker adv. Entirely.
Hook-up n. Connection, esp. Of broadcasting equipment.
Hookworm n. Worm with hooklike mouthparts, infesting humans and animals.
Hooligan n. Young ruffian. hooliganism n. [origin unknown]
Hoop —n. 1 circular band of metal, wood, etc., esp. As part of a framework. 2 ring bowled along by a child, or for circus performers to jump through. 3 arch through which balls are hit in croquet. —v. Bind or encircle with hoop(s). be put (or go) through the hoop (or hoops) undergo rigorous testing. [old english]
Hoop-la n. Fairground game with rings thrown to encircle a prize.
Hoopoe n. Salmon-pink bird with black and white wings and a large erectile crest. [latin upupa (imitative of its cry)]
Hooray int. = *hurrah.
Hooray henry n. Slang loud upper-class young man.
Hoot —n. 1 owl’s cry. 2 sound made by a car’s horn etc. 3 shout expressing scorn or disapproval. 4 colloq. A laughter. B cause of this. 5 (also two hoots) slang anything at all, in the slightest degree (don’t care a hoot; doesn’t matter two hoots). —v. 1 utter or make hoot(s). 2 greet or drive away with scornful hoots. 3 sound (a car horn etc.). [imitative]
Hooter n. 1 thing that hoots, esp. A car’s horn or a siren. 2 slang nose.
Hoover —n. Propr. Vacuum cleaner. —v. (hoover) 1 (also absol.) Clean with a vacuum cleaner. 2 (foll. By up) a suck up with a vacuum cleaner. B clean a room etc. With a vacuum cleaner. [name of the manufacturer]
Hooves pl. Of *hoof.
Hop1 —v. (-pp-) 1 (of a bird, frog, etc.) Spring with two or all feet at once. 2 (of a person) jump on one foot. 3 move or go quickly (hopped over the fence). 4 cross (a ditch etc.) By hopping. —n. 1 hopping movement. 2 colloq. Informal dance. 3 short journey, esp. A flight. hop in (or out) colloq. Get into (or out of) a car etc. Hop it slang go away. On the hop colloq. Unprepared (caught on the hop). [old english]
Hop2 n. 1 climbing plant bearing cones. 2 (in pl.) Its ripe cones, used to flavour beer. [low german or dutch]
Hope —n. 1 expectation and desire for a thing. 2 person or thing giving cause for hope. 3 what is hoped for. —v. (-ping) 1 feel hope. 2 expect and desire. 3 feel fairly confident. hope against hope cling to a mere possibility. [old english]
Hopeful —adj. 1 feeling hope. 2 causing or inspiring hope. 3 likely to succeed, promising. —n. Person likely to succeed.
Hopefully adv. 1 in a hopeful manner. 2 it is to be hoped (hopefully, we will succeed).
Usage the use of hopefully in sense 2 is common, but is considered incorrect by some people.
Hopeless adj. 1 feeling no hope. 2 admitting no hope (hopeless case). 3 incompetent. hopelessly adv. Hopelessness n.
Hopper1 n. 1 container tapering downward to an opening for discharging its contents. 2 hopping insect.
Hopper2 n. Hop-picker.
Hopping mad predic. Adj. Colloq. Very angry.
Hopscotch n. Children’s game of hopping over squares marked on the ground to retrieve a stone etc. [from hop1, scotch]
Horde n. Usu. Derog. Large group, gang. [turkish ordu camp]
Horehound n. Herbaceous plant yielding a bitter aromatic juice used against coughs etc. [old english, = hoary herb]
Horizon n. 1 line at which the earth and sky appear to meet. 2 limit of mental perception, experience, interest, etc. on the horizon (of an event) just imminent or becoming apparent. [greek horizo bound]
Horizontal —adj. 1 parallel to the plane of the horizon, at right angles to the vertical. 2 of or concerned with the same work, status, etc. (it was a horizontal move rather than promotion). —n. Horizontal line, plane, etc. horizontality n. Horizontally adv.
Hormone n. 1 regulatory substance produced in an organism and transported in tissue fluids to stimulate cells or tissues into action. 2 similar synthetic substance. hormonal adj. [greek hormao impel]
Hormone replacement therapy n. Treatment to relieve menopausal symptoms by boosting a woman’s oestrogen levels.
Horn n. 1 a hard outgrowth, often curved and pointed, on the head of esp. Hoofed animals. B each of two branched appendages on the head of (esp. Male)
deer. C hornlike projection on animals, e.g. A snail’s tentacle. 2 substance of which horns are made. 3 mus. A = *french horn. B wind instrument played by lip vibration, orig. Made of horn, now usu. Of brass. 4 instrument sounding a warning. 5 receptacle or instrument made of horn. 6 horn-shaped projection. 7 extremity of the moon or other crescent. 8 arm of a river etc. horn in slang intrude, interfere. horned adj. Hornist n. (in sense 3 of n.). [old english]
Hornbeam n. Tree with a hard tough wood.
Hornbill n. Bird with a hornlike excrescence on its large curved bill.
Hornblende n. Dark-brown, black, or green mineral occurring in many rocks. [german]
Hornet n. Large wasp capable of inflicting a serious sting. [low german or dutch]
Horn of plenty n. A cornucopia.
Hornpipe n. 1 lively dance (esp. Associated with sailors). 2 music for this.
Horn-rimmed adj. (esp. Of spectacles) having rims made of horn or a similar substance.
Horny adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of or like horn. 2 hard like horn. 3 slang sexually excited. horniness n.
Horology n. Art of measuring time or making clocks, watches, etc. horological adj. [greek hora time]
Horoscope n. 1 forecast of a person’s future from a diagram showing the relative positions of the stars and planets at his or her birth. 2 such a diagram. [greek hora time, skopos observer]
Horrendous adj. Horrifying. horrendously adv. [latin: related to *horrible]
Horrible adj. 1 causing or likely to cause horror. 2 colloq. Unpleasant. horribly adv. [latin horreo bristle, shudder at]
Horrify v. (-ies, -ied) arouse horror in; shock. horrifying adj.
Horror —n. 1 painful feeling of loathing and fear. 2 a (often foll. By of) intense dislike. B (often foll. By at) colloq. Intense dismay. 3 a person or thing causing horror. B colloq. Bad or mischievous person etc. 4 (in pl.; prec. By the) fit of depression, nervousness, etc. —attrib. Adj. (of films etc.) Designed to interest by arousing feelings of horror.
Hors d’œuvre n. Food served as an appetizer at the start of a meal. [french, = outside the work]
Horse —n. 1 a large four-legged mammal with flowing mane and tail, used for riding and to carry and pull loads. B adult male horse; stallion or gelding. C (collect.; as sing.) Cavalry. 2 vaulting-block. 3 supporting frame (clothes-horse). —v. (-sing) (foll. By around) fool about. from the horse’s mouth colloq. (of information etc.) From the original or an authoritative source. [old english]
Horseback n. on horseback mounted on a horse.
Horsebox n. Closed vehicle for transporting horse(s).
Horse-brass n. Brass ornament orig. For a horse’s harness.
Horse chestnut n. 1 large tree with upright conical clusters of flowers. 2 dark brown fruit of this.
Horse-drawn adj. (of a vehicle) pulled by a horse or horses.
Horseflesh n. 1 flesh of a horse, esp. As food. 2 horses collectively.
Horsefly n. Any of various biting insects troublesome esp. To horses.
Horse guards n.pl. Cavalry brigade of the household troops.
Horsehair n. Hair from the mane or tail of a horse, used for padding etc.
Horseman n. 1 rider on horseback. 2 skilled rider. horsemanship n.
Horseplay n. Boisterous play.
Horsepower n. (pl. Same) imperial unit of power (about 750 watts), esp. For measuring the power of an engine.
Horse-race n. Race between horses with riders. horse-racing n.
Horseradish n. Plant with a pungent root used to make a sauce.
Horse sense n. Colloq. Plain common sense.
Horseshoe n. 1 u-shaped iron shoe for a horse. 2 thing of this shape.
Horsetail n. 1 horse’s tail. 2 plant resembling it.
Horsewhip —n. Whip for driving horses. —v. (-pp-) beat with a horsewhip.
Horsewoman n. 1 woman who rides on horseback. 2 skilled woman rider.
Horsy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of or like a horse. 2 concerned with or devoted to horses.
Horticulture n. Art of garden cultivation. horticultural adj. Horticulturist n. [latin hortus garden, *culture]
Hosanna n. & int. Shout of adoration (matt. 21:9, 15, etc.). [hebrew]
Hose —n. 1 (also hose-pipe) flexible tube for conveying water. 2 a (collect.; as pl.) Stockings and socks. B hist. Breeches (doublet and hose). —v. (-sing) (often foll. By down) water, spray, or drench with a hose. [old english]
Hosier n. Dealer in hosiery.
Hosiery n. Stockings and socks.
Hospice n. 1 home for people who are ill (esp. Terminally) or destitute. 2 lodging for travellers, esp. One kept by a religious order. [latin: related to *host2]
Hospital n. 1 institution providing medical and surgical treatment and nursing care for ill and injured people. 2 hist. Hospice. [latin: related to *host2]
Hospitality n. Friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests or strangers.
Hospitalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) send or admit (a patient) to hospital.
hospitalization n.
Host1 n. (usu. Foll. By of) large number of people or things. [latin hostis enemy, army]
Host2 —n. 1 person who receives or entertains another as a guest. 2 compère. 3 biol. Animal or plant having a parasite. 4 recipient of a transplanted organ etc. 5 landlord of an inn. —v. Be host to (a person) or of (an event). [latin hospes hospitis host, guest]
Host3 n. (usu. Prec. By the; often host) bread consecrated in the eucharist. [latin hostia victim]
Hostage n. Person seized or held as security for the fulfilment of a condition. [latin obses obsidis hostage]
Hostel n. 1 house of residence or lodging for students, nurses, etc. 2 = youth hostel. [medieval latin: related to hospital]
Hosteling n. (brit. Hostelling) practice of staying in youth hostels. hosteller n.
Hostelling n. (us hosteling) practice of staying in youth hostels. hosteller n.
Hostelry n. (pl. -ies) archaic inn.
Hostess n. 1 woman who receives or entertains a guest. 2 woman employed to entertain customers at a nightclub etc. 3 stewardess on an aircraft etc. [related to *host2]
Hostile adj. 1 of an enemy. 2 (often foll. By to) unfriendly, opposed. hostilely adv. [latin: related to *host1]
Hostility n. (pl. -ies) 1 being hostile, enmity. 2 state of warfare. 3 (in pl.) Acts of warfare.
Hot —adj. (hotter, hottest) 1 having a high temperature. 2 causing a sensation of heat (hot flush). 3 (of pepper, spices, etc.) Pungent. 4 (of a person) feeling heat.
5 a ardent, passionate, excited. B (often foll. By for, on) eager, keen (in hot pursuit). C angry or upset. 6 (of news etc.) Fresh, recent. 7 hunting (of the scent) fresh, recent. 8 a (of a player, competitor, or feat) very skilful, formidable. B (foll. By on) knowledgeable about. 9 (esp. Of jazz) strongly rhythmical. 10 slang (of stolen goods) difficult to dispose of because identifiable. 11 slang radioactive. —v. (-tt-) (usu. Foll. By up) colloq. 1 make or become hot. 2 make or become more active, exciting, or dangerous. have the hots for slang be sexually attracted to. Hot under the collar angry, resentful, embarrassed. Like hot cakes see *cake. Make it (or things) hot for a person persecute a person. hotly adv. Hotness n. Hottish adj. [old english]
Hot air n. Slang empty or boastful talk.
Hot-air balloon n. Balloon containing air heated by burners below it, causing it to rise.
Hotbed n. 1 (foll. By of) environment conducive to (vice, intrigue, etc.). 2 bed of earth heated by fermenting manure.
Hot-blooded adj. Ardent, passionate.
Hotchpotch n. (also hodgepodge) confused mixture or jumble, esp. Of ideas. [french hochepot shake pot]
Hot cross bun n. Bun marked with a cross and traditionally eaten on good friday.
Hot dog n. Colloq. Hot sausage in a soft roll.
Hotel n. (usu. Licensed) establishment providing accommodation and meals for payment. [french: related to *hostel]
Hot gospeller n. Colloq. Eager preacher of the gospel.
Hothead n. Impetuous person. hotheaded adj. Hotheadedness n.
Hothouse n. 1 heated (mainly glass) building for rearing tender plants. 2 environment conducive to the rapid growth or development of something.
Hot line n. Direct exclusive telephone etc. Line, esp. For emergencies.
Hot money n. Capital frequently transferred.
Hotplate n. Heated metal plate etc. (or a set of these) for cooking food or keeping it hot.
Hotpot n. Casserole of meat and vegetables topped with potato.
Hot potato n. Colloq. Contentious matter.
Hot rod n. Vehicle modified to have extra power and speed.
Hot seat n. Slang 1 position of difficult responsibility. 2 electric chair.
Hot spot n. 1 small region that is relatively hot. 2 lively or dangerous place.
Hot stuff n. Colloq. 1 formidably capable or important person or thing. 2 sexually attractive person. 3 erotic book, film, etc.
Hot-tempered adj. Impulsively angry.
Hottentot n. 1 member of a sw african negroid people. 2 their language. [afrikaans]
Hot water n. Colloq. Difficulty or trouble.
Hot-water bottle n. (usu. Rubber) container filled with hot water to warm a bed.
Houmous var. Of *hummus.
Hound —n. 1 dog used in hunting. 2 colloq. Despicable man. —v. Harass or pursue. [old english]
Hour n. 1 twenty-fourth part of a day and night, 60 minutes. 2 time of day, point in time (a late hour; what is the hour?). 3 (in pl. With preceding numerals in form 18.00, 20.30, etc.) This number of hours and minutes past midnight on the 24-hour clock (will assemble at 20.00 hours). 4 a period for a specific purpose (lunch hour; keep regular hours). B (in pl.) Fixed working or open period (office hours; opening hours). 5 short period of time (an idle hour).
Hourglass n. Two vertically connected glass bulbs containing sand taking an hour to pass from upper to lower bulb.
Houri n. (pl. -s) beautiful young woman of the muslim paradise. [persian from arabic, = dark-eyed]
Hourly —adj. 1 done or occurring every hour. 2 frequent. 3 reckoned hour by hour (hourly wage). —adv. 1 every hour. 2 frequently.
House —n. (pl.) 1 building for human habitation. 2 building for a special purpose or for animals or goods (opera-house; summerhouse; hen-house). 3 a religious community. B its buildings. 4 a body of pupils living in the same building at a boarding-school. B such a building. C division of a day-school for games, competitions, etc. 5 royal family or dynasty (house of york). 6 a firm or institution. B its premises. 7 a legislative or deliberative assembly. B building for this. 8 audience or performance in a theatre etc. 9 astrol. Twelfth part of the heavens. —v. (-sing) 1 provide with a house or other accommodation. 2 store (goods etc.). 3 enclose or encase (a part or fitting). 4 fix in a socket, mortise, etc. keep house provide for or manage a household. Like a house on fire 1 vigorously, fast. 2 successfully, excellently. On the house free. Put (or set) one’s house in order make necessary reforms. [old english]
House-agent n. Agent for the sale and letting of houses.
House arrest n. Detention in one’s own house, not in prison.
Houseboat n. Boat equipped for living in.
Housebound adj. Confined to one’s house through illness etc.
Housebreaking n. Act of breaking into a building, esp. In daytime, to commit a crime. housebreaker n.
Usage in 1968 housebreaking was replaced as a statutory crime in english law by burglary.
Housecoat n. Woman’s informal indoor coat or gown.
Housefly n. Common fly often entering houses.
Household n. 1 occupants of a house as a unit. 2 house and its affairs.
Householder n. 1 person who owns or rents a house. 2 head of a household.
Household troops n.pl. Troops nominally guarding the sovereign.
Household word n. (also household name) 1 familiar name or saying. 2 familiar person or thing.
House-hunting n. Seeking a house to buy or rent.
House-husband n. Man who does a wife’s traditional household duties.
Housekeeper n. Person, esp. A woman, employed to manage a household.
Housekeeping n. 1 management of household affairs. 2 money allowed for this.
3 operations of maintenance, record-keeping, etc., in an organization.
House lights n.pl. Lights in a theatre auditorium.
Housemaid n. Female servant in a house.
Housemaid’s knee n. Inflammation of the kneecap.
Houseman n. Resident junior doctor at a hospital etc.
House-martin n. Black and white bird nesting on house walls etc.
Housemaster n. (fem. Housemistress) teacher in charge of a house, esp. At a boarding-school.
House music n. Style of pop music, typically using drum machines and synthesized bass lines with sparse repetitive vocals and a fast beat.
House of cards n. Insecure scheme etc.
House of commons n. Elected chamber of parliament.
House of keys n. (in the isle of man) elected chamber of the tynwald.
House of lords n. Chamber of parliament that is mainly hereditary.
House party n. Group of guests staying at a country house etc.
House-plant n. Plant grown indoors.
House-proud adj. Attentive to the care and appearance of the home.
Houseroom n. Space or accommodation in one’s house. not give houseroom to not have in any circumstances.
Housetop n. Roof of a house. shout etc. From the housetops announce publicly.
House-trained adj. 1 (of animals) trained to be clean in the house. 2 colloq. Well-mannered.
House-warming n. Party celebrating a move to a new home.
Housewife n. 1 woman who manages a household and usu. Does not have a full-time paid job. 2 case for needles, thread, etc. housewifely adj. [from house, wife = woman]
Housework n. Regular housekeeping work, e.g. Cleaning and cooking.
Housey-housey n. (also housie-housie) slang gambling form of lotto.
Housing n. 1 a dwelling-houses collectively. B provision of these. 2 shelter, lodging. 3 rigid casing for machinery etc. 4 hole or niche cut in one piece of wood for another to fit into.
Housing estate n. Residential area planned as a unit.
Hove past of *heave.
Hovel n. Small miserable dwelling. [origin unknown]
Hover —v. 1 (of a bird etc.) Remain in one place in the air. 2 (often foll. By about, round) wait close at hand, linger. —n. 1 hovering. 2 state of suspense. [obsolete hove hover]
Hovercraft n. (pl. Same) vehicle travelling on a cushion of air provided by a downward blast.
Hoverport n. Terminal for hovercraft.
How —interrog. Adv. 1 by what means, in what way (how do you do it?; tell me how you do it; how could you?). 2 in what condition, esp. Of health (how are you?; how do things stand?). 3 a to what extent (how far is it?; how would you like to take my place?; how we laughed!). B to what extent good or well, what
like (how was the film?; how did they play?). —rel. Adv. In whatever way, as (do it how you can). —conj. Colloq. That (told us how he’d been in india). how about colloq. Would you like (how about a quick swim?). How do you do? A formal greeting. How many what number. How much 1 what amount. 2 what price. How’s that? 1 what is your opinion or explanation of that? 2 cricket (said to an umpire) is the batsman out or not? [old english]
Howbeit adv. Archaic nevertheless.
Howdah n. (usu. Canopied) seat for riding on an elephant or camel. [urdu hawda]
However adv. 1 a in whatever way (do it however you want). B to whatever extent (must go however inconvenient). 2 nevertheless.
Howitzer n. Short gun for the high-angle firing of shells. [czech houfnice catapult]
Howl —n. 1 long loud doleful cry of a dog etc. 2 prolonged wailing noise. 3 loud cry of pain, rage, derision, or laughter. —v. 1 make a howl. 2 weep loudly. 3 utter with a howl. howl down prevent (a speaker) from being heard by howls of derision. [imitative]
Howler n. Colloq. Glaring mistake.
Howsoever adv. Formal 1 in whatsoever way. 2 to whatsoever extent.
Hoy int. Used to call attention. [natural cry]
Hoyden n. Boisterous girl. [dutch heiden: related to *heathen]
H.p. Abbr. (also hp) 1 horsepower. 2 hire purchase.
Hq abbr. Headquarters.
Hr. Abbr. Hour.
Hrh abbr. Her or his royal highness.
Hrs. Abbr. Hours.
Hrt abbr. Hormone replacement therapy.
Ht abbr. High tension.
Hub n. 1 central part of a wheel, rotating on or with the axle. 2 centre of interest, activity, etc. [origin uncertain]
Huddle —v. (-ling) 1 (often foll. By up) crowd together; nestle closely. 2 (often foll. By up) curl one’s body into a small space. 3 heap together in a muddle. —n. 1 confused or crowded mass. 2 colloq. Close or secret conference (esp. In go into a huddle). [perhaps from low german]
Hue n. 1 colour, tint. 2 variety or shade of colour. [old english]
Hue and cry n. Loud outcry. [french huer shout]
Huff —n. Colloq. Fit of petty annoyance. —v. 1 blow air, steam, etc. 2 (esp. Huff and puff) bluster self-importantly but ineffectually. 3 draughts remove (an opponent’s piece) as a forfeit. in a huff colloq. Annoyed and offended. [imitative of blowing]
Huffy adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. 1 apt to take offence. 2 offended. huffily adv.
Huffiness n.
Hug —v. (-gg-) 1 squeeze tightly in one’s arms, esp. With affection. 2 (of a bear) squeeze (a person) between its forelegs. 3 keep close to; fit tightly around. —n. 1 strong clasp with the arms. 2 squeezing grip in wrestling. [probably scandinavian]
Huge adj. 1 extremely large; enormous. 2 (of an abstract thing) very great. hugeness n. [french ahuge]
Hugely adv. 1 extremely (hugely successful). 2 very much (enjoyed it hugely).
Hugger-mugger —adj. & adv. 1 in secret. 2 confused; in confusion. —n. 1 secrecy. 2 confusion. [origin uncertain]
Huguenot n. Hist. French protestant. [french]
Huh int. Expressing disgust, surprise, etc. [imitative]
Hula n. (also hula-hula) polynesian dance performed by women, with flowing arm movements. [hawaiian]
Hula hoop n. Large hoop spun round the body.
Hulk n. 1 body of a dismantled ship. 2 colloq. Large clumsy-looking person or thing. [old english]
Hulking adj. Colloq. Bulky; clumsy.
Hull1 n. Body of a ship, airship, etc. [perhaps related to *hold2]
Hull2 —n. Outer covering of a fruit, esp. The pod of peas and beans, the husk of grain, or the green calyx of a strawberry. —v. Remove the hulls from (fruit etc.). [old english]
Hullabaloo n. Uproar. [reduplication of hallo, hullo, etc.]
Hullo var. Of *hello.
Hum —v. (-mm-) 1 make a low steady continuous sound like a bee. 2 sing with closed lips. 3 utter a slight inarticulate sound. 4 colloq. Be active (really made things hum). 5 colloq. Smell unpleasantly. —n. 1 humming sound. 2 colloq. Bad smell. hum and haw (or ha) hesitate; be indecisive. [imitative]
Human —adj. 1 of or belonging to the species homo sapiens. 2 consisting of human beings (the human race). 3 of or characteristic of humankind, esp. As being weak, fallible, etc. (is only human). 4 showing warmth, sympathy, etc. (is very human). —n. Human being. [latin humanus]
Human being n. Man, woman, or child.
Human chain n. Line of people formed for passing things along, as a protest, etc.
Humane adj. 1 benevolent, compassionate. 2 inflicting the minimum of pain. 3 (of learning) tending to civilize. humanely adv. Humaneness n.
Humane killer n. Instrument for the painless slaughter of animals.
Humanism n. 1 non-religious philosophy based on liberal human values. 2 (often humanism) literary culture, esp. That of the renaissance. humanist n. Humanistic adj.
Humanitarian —n. Person who seeks to promote human welfare. —adj. Of humanitarians. humanitarianism n.
Humanity n. (pl. -ies) 1 a the human race. B human beings collectively. C being human. 2 humaneness, benevolence. 3 (in pl.) Subjects concerned with human culture, e.g. Language, literature, and history.
Humanize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make human or humane. humanization n. [french: related to *human]
Humankind n. Human beings collectively.
Humanly adv. 1 by human means (if it is humanly possible). 2 in a human manner.
Human nature n. General characteristics and feelings of mankind.
Human rights n.pl. Rights held to be common to all.
Human shield n. Person(s) placed in the line of fire in order to discourage attack.
Humble —adj. 1 having or showing low self-esteem. 2 of low social or political rank. 3 modest in size, pretensions, etc. —v. (-ling) 1 make humble; abase. 2 lower the rank or status of. eat humble pie apologize humbly; accept humiliation. humbleness n. Humbly adv. [latin humilis: related to *humus]
Humbug —n. 1 lying or deception; hypocrisy. 2 impostor. 3 hard boiled striped peppermint sweet. —v. (-gg-) 1 be or behave like an impostor. 2 deceive, hoax. [origin unknown]
Humdinger n. Slang excellent or remarkable person or thing. [origin unknown]
Humdrum adj. Commonplace, dull, monotonous. [a reduplication of *hum]
Humerus n. (pl. -ri) bone of the upper arm. humeral adj. [latin, = shoulder]
Humid adj. (of the air or climate) warm and damp. [latin humidus]
Humidifier n. Device for keeping the atmosphere moist in a room etc.
Humidify v. (-ies, -ied) make (air etc.) Humid.
Humidify v. (-ies, -ied) make (air etc.) Humid.
Humidity n. (pl. -ies) 1 dampness. 2 degree of moisture, esp. In the atmosphere.
Humiliate v. (-ting) injure the dignity or self-respect of. humiliating adj. Humiliation n. [latin: related to *humble]
Humility n. 1 humbleness, meekness. 2 humble condition. [french: related to *humiliate]
Hummingbird n. Small tropical bird that makes a humming sound with its wings when it hovers.
Hummock n. Hillock or hump. [origin unknown]
Hummus n. (also houmous) dip or appetizer made from ground chick-peas, sesame oil, lemon, and garlic. [turkish]
Humor (brit. Humour) —n. 1 a quality of being amusing or comic. B the expression of humour in literature, speech, etc. 2 (in full sense of humour) ability to perceive or express humour. 3 state of mind; inclination (bad humour). 4 (in full cardinal humour) hist. Each of the four fluids (blood, phlegm, choler, melancholy), thought to determine a person’s physical and mental qualities. —v. Gratify or indulge (a person or taste etc.). out of humour displeased. humourless adj. [latin humor moisture]
Humoresque n. Short lively piece of music. [german humoreske]
Humorist n. Humorous writer, talker, or actor.
Humorous adj. Showing humour or a sense of humour. humorously adv.
Humour (us humor) —n. 1 a quality of being amusing or comic. B the expression of humour in literature, speech, etc. 2 (in full sense of humour) ability to perceive or express humour. 3 state of mind; inclination (bad humour). 4 (in full cardinal humour) hist. Each of the four fluids (blood, phlegm, choler, melancholy), thought to determine a person’s physical and mental qualities. —v. Gratify or indulge (a person or taste etc.). out of humour displeased. humourless adj. [latin humor moisture]
Hump —n. 1 rounded protuberance on a camel’s back, or as an abnormality on a person’s back. 2 rounded raised mass of earth etc. 3 critical point in an undertaking. 4 (prec. By the) slang fit of depression or vexation (gave me the hump). —v. 1 (often foll. By about) colloq. Lift or carry (heavy objects etc.) With difficulty. 2 make hump-shaped. [probably low german or dutch]
Humpback n. 1 a deformed back with a hump. B person with this. 2 whale with a dorsal fin forming a hump. humpbacked adj.
Humpback bridge n. Small bridge with a steep ascent and descent.
Humph int. & n. Inarticulate sound of doubt or dissatisfaction. [imitative]
Humus n. Organic constituent of soil formed by the decomposition of vegetation. [latin, = soil]
Hun n. 1 offens. German (esp. In military contexts). 2 member of a warlike asiatic nomadic people who ravaged europe in the 4th–5th c. 3 vandal. hunnish adj. [old english]
Hunch —v. Bend or arch into a hump. —n. 1 intuitive feeling or idea. 2 hump. [origin unknown]
Hunchback n. = *humpback 1. hunchbacked adj.
Hundred adj. & n. (pl. Hundreds or (in sense 1) hundred) (in sing., prec. By a or one) 1 ten times ten. 2 symbol for this (100, c, c). 3 (in sing. Or pl.) Colloq. A large number. 4 (in pl.) The years of a specified century (the seventeen hundreds). 5 hist. Subdivision of a county or shire, having its own court. hundredfold adj. & adv. Hundredth adj. & n. [old english]
Hundreds and thousands n.pl. Tiny coloured sweets for decorating cakes etc.
Hundredweight n. (pl. Same or -s) 1 unit of weight equal to 112 lb, or us equal to 100 lb. 2 unit of weight equal to 50 kg.
Hung past and past part. Of *hang.
Hungarian —n. 1 a native or national of hungary. B person of hungarian descent. 2 language of hungary. —adj. Of hungary or its people or language. [medieval latin]
Hunger —n. 1 a lack of food. B feeling of discomfort or exhaustion caused by this. 2 (often foll. By for, after) strong desire. —v. 1 (often foll. By for, after) crave or desire. 2 feel hunger. [old english]
Hunger strike n. Refusal of food as a protest.
Hung-over adj. Colloq. Suffering from a hangover.
Hung parliament n. Parliament in which no party has a clear majority.
Hunk n. 1 large piece cut off (hunk of bread). 2 colloq. Sexually attractive man. hunky adj. (-ier, -iest). [probably dutch]
Hunky-dory adj. Esp. Us colloq. Excellent. [origin unknown]
Hunt —v. 1 (also absol.) A pursue and kill (wild animals, esp. Foxes, or game) for sport or food. B use (a horse or hounds) for hunting. C (of an animal) chase (its prey). 2 (foll. By after, for) seek, search. 3 (of an engine etc.) Run alternately too fast and too slow. 4 scour (a district) for game. 5 (as hunted adj.) (of a look
too fast and too slow. 4 scour (a district) for game. 5 (as hunted adj.) (of a look etc.) Terrified as if being hunted. —n. 1 practice or instance of hunting. 2 a association of people hunting with hounds. B area for hunting. hunt down pursue and capture. hunting n. [old english]
Hunter n. 1 a (fem. Huntress) person or animal that hunts. B horse used in hunting. 2 person who seeks something. 3 pocket-watch with a hinged cover protecting the glass.
Hunter’s moon n. Next full moon after the harvest moon.
Huntsman n. 1 hunter. 2 hunt official in charge of hounds.
Hurdle —n. 1 a each of a series of light frames to be cleared by athletes in a race. B (in pl.) Hurdle-race. 2 obstacle or difficulty. 3 portable rectangular frame used as a temporary fence etc. —v. (-ling) 1 run in a hurdle-race. 2 fence off etc. With hurdles. [old english]
Hurdler n. 1 athlete who runs in hurdle-races. 2 maker of hurdles.
Hurdy-gurdy n. (pl. -ies) 1 droning musical instrument played by turning a handle. 2 colloq. Barrel-organ. [imitative]
Hurl —v. 1 throw with great force. 2 utter (abuse etc.) Vehemently. —n. Forceful throw. [imitative]
Hurley n. 1 (also hurling) irish game resembling hockey. 2 stick used in this.
Hurly-burly n. Boisterous activity; commotion. [a reduplication of *hurl]
Hurrah int. & n. (also hurray) exclamation of joy or approval. [earlier huzza, origin uncertain]
Hurricane n. 1 storm with a violent wind, esp. A w. Indian cyclone. 2 meteorol. Wind of 65 knots (75 m.p.h.) Or more, force 12 on the beaufort scale. [spanish and portuguese from carib]
Hurricane-lamp n. Oil-lamp designed to resist a high wind.
Hurry —n. 1 great or eager haste. 2 (with neg. Or interrog.) Need for haste (there is no hurry; what’s the hurry?). —v. (-ies, -ied) 1 move or act hastily. 2 cause to hurry.
Hurt —v. (past and past part. Hurt) 1 (also absol.) Cause pain or injury to. 2 cause mental pain or distress to. 3 suffer pain (my arm hurts). —n. 1 injury. 2 harm, wrong. [french hurter knock]
Hurtle v. (-ling) 1 move or hurl rapidly or noisily. 2 come with a crash. [from *hurt in the obsolete sense ‘strike hard’]
Husband —n. Married man, esp. In relation to his wife. —v. Use (resources) economically; eke out. [old english, = house-dweller]
Husbandry n. 1 farming. 2 management of resources.
Hush —v. Make or become silent or quiet. —int. Calling for silence. —n. Expectant stillness or silence. hush up suppress public mention of (an affair). [husht, an obsolete exclamation, taken as a past part.]
Hush money n. Slang money paid to ensure discretion.
Husk —n. 1 dry outer covering of some fruits or seeds. 2 worthless outside part of a thing. —v. Remove husk(s) from. [probably low german]
Husky1 adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of a person or voice) dry in the throat; hoarse. 2 of or full of husks. 3 dry as a husk. 4 tough, strong, hefty. huskily adv. Huskiness n.
Husky2 n. (pl. -ies) dog of a powerful breed used in the arctic for pulling sledges. [perhaps from corruption of *eskimo]
Huss n. Dogfish as food. [origin unknown]
Hussar n. Soldier of a light cavalry regiment. [magyar huszár]
Hussy n. (pl. -ies) derog. Impudent or promiscuous girl or woman. [contraction of *housewife]
Hustings n. Election campaign or proceedings. [old english, = house of assembly, from old norse]
Hustle —v. (-ling) 1 jostle, bustle. 2 (foll. By into, out of, etc.) Force, coerce, or hurry (hustled them out of the room; was hustled into agreeing). 3 slang a solicit business. B engage in prostitution. 4 slang obtain by energetic activity. —n. Act or instance of hustling. hustler n. [dutch]
Hut n. Small simple or crude house or shelter. [french hutte from germanic]
Hutch n. Box or cage for rabbits etc. [french huche]
Hyacinth n. 1 bulbous plant with racemes of bell-shaped (esp. Purplish-blue) fragrant flowers. 2 purplish-blue. [greek huakinthos]
Hyaena var. Of *hyena.
Hybrid —n. 1 offspring of two plants or animals of different species or varieties. 2 thing composed of diverse elements, e.g. A word with parts taken from different languages. —adj. 1 bred as a hybrid. 2 heterogeneous. hybridism n.
[latin]
Hybridize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 subject (a species etc.) To crossbreeding. 2 a produce hybrids. B (of an animal or plant) interbreed. hybridization n.
Hydra n. 1 freshwater polyp with a tubular body and tentacles. 2 something hard to destroy. [greek, a mythical snake with many heads that grew again when cut off]
Hydrangea n. Shrub with globular clusters of white, pink, or blue flowers. [greek hudor water, aggos vessel]
Hydrant n. Outlet (esp. In a street) with a nozzle for a hose, for drawing water from the main. [as *hydro-]
Hydrate —n. Compound in which water is chemically combined with another compound or an element. —v. (-ting) 1 combine chemically with water. 2 cause to absorb water. hydration n. [french: related to *hydro-]
Hydraulic adj. 1 (of water, oil, etc.) Conveyed through pipes or channels. 2 (of a mechanism etc.) Operated by liquid moving in this way (hydraulic brakes). hydraulically adv. [greek hudor water, aulos pipe]
Hydraulics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Science of the conveyance of liquids through pipes etc., esp. As motive power.
Hydride n. Compound of hydrogen with an element.
Hydro n. (pl. -s) colloq. 1 hotel or clinic etc., orig. Providing hydropathic treatment. 2 hydroelectric power plant. [abbreviation]
Hydro-comb. Form 1 having to do with water (hydroelectric). 2 combined with hydrogen (hydrochloric). [greek hudro-from hudor water]
Hydrocarbon n. Compound of hydrogen and carbon.
Hydrocephalus n. Accumulated fluid in the brain, esp. In young children. hydrocephalic adj. [greek kephale head]
Hydrochloric acid n. Solution of the colourless gas hydrogen chloride in water.
Hydrocyanic acid n. Highly poisonous liquid smelling of bitter almonds; prussic acid.
Hydrodynamics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Science of forces acting on or exerted by fluids (esp. Liquids). hydrodynamic adj.
Hydroelectric adj. 1 generating electricity by water-power. 2 (of electricity) so generated. hydroelectricity n.
Hydrofoil n. 1 boat equipped with planes for lifting its hull out of the water to increase its speed. 2 such a plane.
Hydrogen n. Tasteless odourless gas, the lightest element, occurring in water and all organic compounds. hydrogenous adj. [french: related to *hydro-, *-gen]
Hydrogenate v. (-ting) charge with or cause to combine with hydrogen.
hydrogenation n.
Hydrogen bomb n. Immensely powerful bomb utilizing the explosive fusion of hydrogen nuclei.
Hydrogen peroxide n. Viscous unstable liquid with strong oxidizing properties.
Hydrogen sulphide n. Poisonous unpleasant-smelling gas formed by rotting animal matter.
Hydrography n. Science of surveying and charting seas, lakes, rivers, etc.
hydrographer n. Hydrographic adj.
Hydrology n. Science of the properties of water, esp. Of its movement in relation to land. hydrologist n.
Hydrolyse v. (us -lyze) (-sing or -zing) decompose by hydrolysis.
Hydrolysis n. Chemical reaction of a substance with water, usu. Resulting in decomposition. [greek lusis dissolving]
Hydrolyze v. (brit. -lyse) decompose by hydrolysis.
Hydrometer n. Instrument for measuring the density of liquids.
Hydropathy n. (medically unorthodox) treatment of disease by water. hydropathic adj. [related to *pathos]
Hydrophilic adj. 1 having an affinity for water. 2 wettable by water. [greek philos loving]
Hydrophobia n. 1 aversion to water, esp. As a symptom of rabies in humans. 2 rabies, esp. In humans. hydrophobic adj.
Hydroplane n. 1 light fast motor boat that skims over water. 2 finlike attachment enabling a submarine to rise and descend.
Hydroponics n. Growing plants without soil, in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients. [greek ponos labour]
Hydrosphere n. Waters of the earth’s surface.
Hydrostatic adj. Of the equilibrium of liquids and the pressure exerted by liquid at rest. [related to *static]
Hydrostatics n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Mechanics of the hydrostatic properties of liquids.
Hydrotherapy n. Use of water, esp. Swimming, in the treatment of arthritis, paralysis, etc.
Hydrous adj. Containing water. [related to *hydro-]
Hydroxide n. Compound containing oxygen and hydrogen as either a hydroxide ion or a hydroxyl group.
Hydroxyl n. (attrib.) Univalent group containing hydrogen and oxygen.
Hyena n. (also hyaena) doglike flesh-eating mammal. [latin from greek]
Hygiene n. 1 conditions or practices, esp. Cleanliness, conducive to maintaining health. 2 science of maintaining health. hygienic adj. Hygienically adv. Hygienist n. [greek hugies healthy]
Hygrometer n. Instrument for measuring the humidity of the air or a gas. [greek hugros wet]
hugros wet]
Hygroscope n. Instrument indicating but not measuring the humidity of the air.
Hygroscopic adj. 1 of the hygroscope. 2 (of a substance) tending to absorb moisture from the air.
Hymen n. Membrane at the opening of the vagina, usu. Broken at the first occurrence of sexual intercourse. [greek humen membrane]
Hymenopterous adj. Of an order of insects having four transparent wings, including bees, wasps, and ants. [greek, = membrane-winged]
Hymn —n. 1 song of esp. Christian praise. 2 crusading theme (hymn of freedom). —v. Praise or celebrate in hymns. [greek humnos]
Hymnal n. Book of hymns. [medieval latin: related to *hymn]
Hymnology n. (pl. -ies) 1 the composition or study of hymns. 2 hymns collectively. hymnologist n.
Hyoscine n. Poisonous alkaloid found in plants of the nightshade family, used to prevent motion sickness etc. [greek huoskuamos henbane from hus huos pig, kuamos bean]
Hype slang —n. Extravagant or intensive promotion of a product etc. —v. (-ping) promote with hype. [origin unknown]
Hyped up adj. Slang nervously excited or stimulated. [shortening of *hypodermic]
Hyper adj. Slang hyperactive, highly-strung. [abbreviation of *hyperactive]
Hyperbola n. (pl. -s or -lae) plane curve produced when a cone is cut by a plane that makes a larger angle with the base than the side of the cone makes. hyperbolic adj. [greek hyperbole, = excess: related to *hyper-, ballo throw]
Hyperbole n. Exaggeration, esp. For effect. hyperbolical adj.
Hyperbolic function n. Function related to a rectangular hyperbola, e.g. A hyperbolic cosine or sine.
Hyperglycaemia n. (us hyperglycemia) excess of glucose in the bloodstream. [from *hyper-, greek glukus sweet, haima blood]
Hyperglycemia n. (brit. Hyperglycaemia) excess of glucose in the bloodstream. [from *hyper-, greek glukus sweet, haima blood]
Hypermarket n. Very large supermarket.
Hypermedia n. Provision of several media (e.g. Audio, video, and graphics) on one computer system, with cross-references from one to another (often attrib.: hypermedia database).
Hypersensitive adj. Excessively sensitive. hypersensitivity n.
Hypersonic adj. 1 of speeds of more than five times that of sound. 2 of sound-frequencies above about a thousand million hertz.
Hypertension n. 1 abnormally high blood pressure. 2 great emotional tension.
Hypertext n. Provision of several texts on one computer system, with cross-references from one to another.
Hyperthermia n. Abnormally high body-temperature. [from *hyper-, greek therme heat]
Hyperthyroidism n. Overactivity of the thyroid gland, resulting in an increased rate of metabolism.
Hyperventilation n. Abnormally rapid breathing. hyperventilate v. (-ting).
Hyphen —n. Sign (-) used to join words semantically or syntactically (e.g. Fruit-tree, pick-me-up, rock-forming), to indicate the division of a word at the end of a line, or to indicate a missing or implied element (as in man-and womankind). — v. = *hyphenate. [greek huphen together]
Hyphenate v. (-ting) 1 write (a compound word) with a hyphen. 2 join (words) with a hyphen. hyphenation n.
Hypnosis n. 1 state like sleep in which the subject acts only on external suggestion. 2 artificially produced sleep. [greek hupnos sleep]
Hypnotherapy n. Treatment of mental disorders by hypnosis.
Hypnotic —adj. 1 of or producing hypnosis. 2 inducing sleep. —n. Hypnotic drug or influence. hypnotically adv. [greek: related to *hypnosis]
Hypnotism n. The study or practice of hypnosis. hypnotist n.
Hypnotize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 produce hypnosis in. 2 fascinate;
Hypnotize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 produce hypnosis in. 2 fascinate; capture the mind of.
Hypo1 n. Sodium thiosulphate (incorrectly called hyposulphite) used as a photographic fixer. [abbreviation]
Hypo2 n. (pl. -s) slang = *hypodermic n. [abbreviation]
Hypo-prefix 1 under (hypodermic). 2 below normal (hypotension). 3 slightly. [greek hupo under]
Hypocaust n. Space for underfloor hot-air heating in ancient roman houses. [from *hypo-, kaustos burnt]
Hypochondria n. Abnormal and ill-founded anxiety about one’s health. [latin from greek, = soft parts of the body below the ribs, where melancholy was thought to arise]
Hypochondriac —n. Person given to hypochondria. —adj. Of or affected by hypochondria.
Hypocrisy n. (pl. -ies) 1 false claim to virtue; insincerity, pretence. 2 instance of this. [greek, = acting, feigning]
Hypocrite n. Person given to hypocrisy. hypocritical adj. Hypocritically adv.
Hypodermic —adj. 1 of the area beneath the skin. 2 a injected beneath the skin. B (of a syringe, etc.) Used to do this. —n. Hypodermic injection or syringe. [from *hypo-, greek derma skin]
Hypotension n. Abnormally low blood pressure.
Hypotenuse n. Side opposite the right angle of a right-angled triangle. [greek, = subtending line]
Hypothalamus n. (pl. -mi) region of the brain controlling body-temperature, thirst, hunger, etc. hypothalamic adj. [latin: related to *hypo-, greek thalamos inner room]
Hypothermia n. Abnormally low body-temperature. [from *hypo-, greek therme heat]
Hypothesis n. (pl. -theses) proposition or supposition made as the basis for reasoning or investigation. [greek, = foundation]
Hypothesize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) form or assume a hypothesis.
Hypothetical adj. 1 of, based on, or serving as a hypothesis. 2 supposed; not necessarily true. hypothetically adv.
Hypothyroidism n. Subnormal activity of the thyroid gland, resulting in
cretinism. hypothyroid n. & adj.
Hypoventilation n. Abnormally slow breathing.
Hyssop n. 1 small bushy aromatic herb, formerly used medicinally. 2 bibl. Plant whose twigs were used for sprinkling in jewish rites. [ultimately from greek hyssopos, of semitic origin]
Hysterectomy n. (pl. -ies) surgical removal of the womb. [greek hustera womb, *-ectomy]
Hysteresis n. Phenomenon whereby changes in an effect lag behind changes in its cause. [greek husteros coming after]
Hysteria n. 1 wild uncontrollable emotion or excitement. 2 functional disturbance of the nervous system, of psychoneurotic origin. [greek hustera womb]
Hysteric n. 1 (in pl.) A fit of hysteria. B colloq. Overwhelming laughter (we were in hysterics). 2 hysterical person.
Hysterical adj. 1 of or affected with hysteria. 2 uncontrollably emotional. 3 colloq. Extremely funny. hysterically adv.
Hz abbr. Hertz.
I
I1 n. (also i) (pl. Is or i’s) 1 ninth letter of the alphabet. 2 (as a roman numeral) 1.
I2 pron. (obj. Me; poss. My, mine; pl. We) used by a speaker or writer to refer to himself or herself. [old english]
I3 symb. Iodine.
I4 abbr. (also i.) 1 island(s). 2 isle(s).
-ial var. Of *-al.
Iambic prosody —adj. Of or using iambuses. —n. (usu. In pl.) Iambic verse.
Iambus n. (pl. -buses or -bi) metrical foot consisting of one short followed by one long syllable (&iambus.). [greek, = lampoon]
-ian var. Of *-an.
Iba abbr. Independent broadcasting authority.
Iberian —adj. Of iberia, the peninsula comprising spain and portugal; of spain and portugal. —n. Native or language of iberia. [latin iberia]
Ibex n. (pl. -es) wild mountain goat with thick curved ridged horns. [latin]
Ibid. Abbr. In the same book or passage etc. [latin ibidem in the same place]
-ibility suffix forming nouns from, or corresponding to, adjectives in -ible.
Ibis n. (pl. -es) wading bird with a curved bill, long neck, and long legs. [greek, from egyptian]
-ible suffix forming adjectives meaning ‘that may or may be’ (forcible; possible). [latin]
-ible suffix forming adjectives meaning ‘that may or may be’ (forcible; possible). [latin]
-ibly suffix forming adverbs corresponding to adjectives in -ible.
Ibo n. (also igbo) (pl. Same or -s) 1 member of a black people of se nigeria. 2 their language. [native name]
-ic suffix 1 forming adjectives (arabic; classic; public) and nouns (critic; epic; mechanic; music). 2 combined in higher valence or degree of oxidation (ferric; sulphuric). [latin -icus, greek -ikos]
-ical suffix forming adjectives corresponding to nouns or adjectives in -ic or -y (classical; historical).
Ice —n. 1 a frozen water. B sheet of this on water. 2 ice-cream or water-ice (ate an ice). —v. (icing) 1 mix with or cool in ice (iced drinks). 2 (often foll. By over, up) a cover or become covered with ice. B freeze. 3 cover (a cake etc.) With icing. on ice 1 performed by skaters. 2 colloq. In reserve. On thin ice in a risky situation. [old english]
Ice age n. Glacial period.
Ice-axe n. Cutting tool used by mountaineers.
Iceberg n. Large floating mass of ice. the tip of the iceberg small perceptible part of something very large or complex. [dutch]
Iceberg lettuce n. Crisp type of round lettuce.
Ice blue adj. & n. (as adj. Often hyphenated) very pale blue.
Icebox n. 1 compartment in a refrigerator for making or storing ice. 2 us refrigerator.
Ice-breaker n. 1 ship designed to break through ice. 2 joke, incident, etc. That breaks the ice.
Ice bucket n. Bucket holding ice, used to chill wine.
Ice cap n. Permanent covering of ice, esp. In polar regions.
Ice-cream n. Sweet creamy frozen food, usu. Flavoured.
Ice-cube n. Small block of ice for drinks etc.
Ice-field n. Expanse of ice, esp. In polar regions.
Ice hockey n. Form of hockey played on ice.
Icelander n. 1 native or national of iceland. 2 person of icelandic descent.
Icelandic —adj. Of iceland. —n. Language of iceland.
Ice lolly n. (also iced lolly) flavoured ice on a stick.
Ice-pack n. 1 = *pack ice. 2 ice applied to the body for medical purposes.
Ice-pick n. Tool with a spike for splitting up ice.
Ice-plant n. Plant with speckled leaves.
Ice-rink n. = *rink n. 1.
Ice-skate —n. Boot with a blade beneath, for skating on ice. —v. Skate on ice.
ice-skater n.
Ichneumon n. 1 (in full ichneumon fly) small wasp depositing eggs in or on the larva of another as food for its own larva. 2 mongoose noted for destroying crocodile eggs. [greek from ikhnos footstep]
Ichthyology n. The study of fishes. ichthyological adj. Ichthyologist n. [greek ikhthus fish]
Ichthyosaurus n. (also ichthyosaur) (pl. -sauruses or -saurs) extinct marine reptile with four flippers and usu. A large tail. [greek ikhthus fish, sauros lizard]
-ician suffix forming nouns denoting persons skilled in subjects having nouns usu. Ending in -ic or -ics (magician; politician). [french -icien]
Icicle n. Hanging tapering piece of ice, formed from dripping water. [from *ice, obsolete ickle icicle]
Icing n. 1 coating of sugar etc. On a cake or biscuit. 2 formation of ice on a ship or aircraft. icing on the cake inessential though attractive addition or enhancement.
Icing sugar n. Finely powdered sugar.
Icon n. (also ikon) 1 painting of christ etc., esp. In the eastern church. 2 image or statue. 3 symbol on a vdu screen of a program, option, or window, esp. For selection. iconic adj. [greek eikon image]
Iconoclast n. 1 person who attacks cherished beliefs. 2 hist. Person destroying religious images. iconoclasm n. Iconoclastic adj. [greek: related to *icon, klao break]
Iconography n. 1 the illustration of a subject by drawings or figures. 2 the study of portraits, esp. Of an individual, or of artistic images or symbols. [greek: related to *icon]
Iconostasis n. (pl. -stases) (in the eastern church) screen bearing icons. [greek:
related to *icon]
Icosahedron n. Solid figure with twenty faces. [greek eikosi twenty, hedra base]
-ics suffix (treated as sing. Or pl.) Forming nouns denoting arts, sciences, etc.
(athletics; politics).
Icy adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 very cold. 2 covered with or abounding in ice. 3 (of a tone or manner) unfriendly, hostile. icily adv. Iciness n.
Id abbr. Identification, identity (id card).
Id n. Person’s inherited unconscious psychological impulses. [latin, = that]
I’d contr. 1 i had. 2 i should; i would.
-ide suffix chem. Forming nouns denoting binary compounds of an element (sodium chloride; lead sulphide; calcium carbide). [extended from *oxide]
Idea n. 1 plan etc. Formed by mental effort (an idea for a book). 2 a mental impression or concept. B vague belief or fancy (had an idea you were married). 3 intention or purpose (the idea is to make money). 4 archetype or pattern. 5 ambition or aspiration (have ideas; put ideas into a person’s head). have no idea colloq. 1 not know at all. 2 be completely incompetent. Not one’s idea of colloq. Not what one regards as (not my idea of a holiday). [greek, = form, kind]
Ideal —adj. 1 answering to one’s highest conception; perfect. 2 existing only in idea; visionary. —n. Perfect type, thing, concept, principle, etc., esp. As a standard to emulate. [french: related to *idea]
Idealism n. 1 forming or pursuing ideals, esp. Unrealistically. 2 representation of things in ideal form. 3 system of thought in which objects are held to be in some way dependent on the mind. idealist n. Idealistic adj. Idealistically adv.
Idealize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) regard or represent as ideal or perfect.
idealization n.
Ideally adv. 1 in ideal circumstances. 2 according to an ideal.
Idée fixe n. (pl. Idées fixes pronunc. Same) dominating idea; obsession. [french, = fixed idea]
Identical adj. 1 (often foll. By with) (of different things) absolutely alike. 2 one and the same. 3 (of twins) developed from a single ovum. identically adv. [latin identicus: related to *identity]
Identification n. 1 identifying. 2 means of identifying (also attrib.: identification card).
Identification parade n. Group of people from whom a suspect is to be identified.
Identify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 establish the identity of; recognize. 2 select or discover (identify the best solution). 3 (also refl.; foll. By with) associate inseparably or very closely (with a party, policy, etc.). 4 (often foll. By with) treat as identical. 5 (foll. By with) put oneself in the place of (another person). identifiable adj. [medieval latin identifico: related to *identity]
Identikit n. (often attrib.) Propr. Picture of esp. A wanted suspect assembled from standard components using witnesses’ descriptions. [from *identity, *kit]
Identity n. (pl. -ies) 1 a condition of being a specified person or thing. B individuality, personality (felt he had lost his identity). 2 identification or the result of it (mistaken identity; identity card). 3 absolute sameness (identity of interests). 4 algebra a equality of two expressions for all values of the quantities. B equation expressing this. [latin identitas from idem same]
Ideogram n. Character symbolizing a thing without indicating the sounds in its name (e.g. A numeral, chinese characters). [greek idea form, *-gram]
Ideograph n. = *ideogram. ideographic adj. Ideography n.
Ideologue n. Often derog. Adherent of an ideology. [french: related to *idea]
Ideology n. (pl. -ies) 1 ideas at the basis of an economic or political theory (marxist ideology). 2 characteristic thinking of a class etc. (bourgeois ideology). ideological adj. Ideologically adv. Ideologist n. [french: related to idea, -logy]
Ides n.pl. Day of the ancient roman month (the 15th day of march, may, july, and october, the 13th of other months). [latin idus]
Idiocy n. (pl. -ies) 1 foolishness; foolish act. 2 extreme mental imbecility.
Idiom n. 1 phrase etc. Established by usage and not immediately comprehensible from the words used (e.g. Over the moon, see the light). 2 form of expression peculiar to a language etc. 3 language of a people or country. 4 characteristic mode of expression in art etc. [greek idios own]
Idiomatic adj. 1 relating or conforming to idiom. 2 characteristic of a particular language. idiomatically adv.
Idiosyncrasy n. (pl. -ies) attitude, behaviour, or opinion peculiar to a person; anything highly individual or eccentric. idiosyncratic adj. Idiosyncratically adv. [greek idios private, sun with, krasis mixture]
Idiot n. 1 stupid person. 2 mentally deficient person incapable of rational conduct. idiotic adj. Idiotically adv. [greek idiotes, = private citizen, ignorant person]
Idle —adj. (idler, idlest) 1 lazy, indolent. 2 not in use; not working. 3 (of time etc.) Unoccupied. 4 purposeless; groundless (idle rumour). 5 useless, ineffective (idle protest). —v. (-ling) 1 be idle. 2 run (an engine) or (of an engine) be run slowly without doing any work. 3 (foll. By away) pass (time etc.) In idleness. idleness n. Idler n. Idly adv. [old english]
Idol n. 1 image of a deity etc. As an object of worship. 2 object of excessive or supreme adulation. [greek eidolon image, phantom]
Idolater n. 1 worshipper of idols. 2 devoted admirer. idolatrous adj. Idolatry n. [related to *idol, greek latreuo worship]
Idolize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 venerate or love excessively. 2 make an idol of. idolization n.
Idyll n. 1 short description, esp. In verse, of a peaceful or romantic, esp. Rural, scene or incident. 2 such a scene or incident. [greek eidullion]
Idyllic adj. 1 blissfully peaceful and happy. 2 of or like an idyll. idyllically adv.
I.e. Abbr. That is to say. [latin id est]
-ie see *-y2.
If —conj. 1 introducing a conditional clause: a on the condition or supposition that; in the event that (if he comes i will tell him; if you are tired we can rest). B (with past tense) implying that the condition is not fulfilled (if i knew i would say). 2 even though (i’ll finish it, if it takes me all day). 3 whenever (if i am not sure i ask). 4 whether (see if you can find it). 5 expressing a wish, surprise, or request (if i could just try!; if it isn’t my old hat!; if you wouldn’t mind?). —n. Condition, supposition (too many ifs about it). if only 1 even if for no other reason than (i’ll come if only to see her). 2 (often ellipt.) Expression of regret; i wish that (if only i had thought of it). [old english]
Igloo n. Eskimo dome-shaped dwelling, esp. Of snow. [eskimo, = house]
Igneous adj. 1 of fire; fiery. 2 (esp. Of rocks) volcanic. [latin ignis fire]
Ignite v. (-ting) 1 set fire to. 2 catch fire. 3 provoke or excite (feelings etc.). [latin ignio ignit-set on fire]
Ignition n. 1 mechanism for, or the action of, starting combustion in an internal-combustion engine. 2 igniting or being ignited.
Ignoble adj. (-bler, -blest) 1 dishonourable. 2 of low birth, position, or reputation. ignobly adv. [latin: related to in-1, noble]
Ignominious adj. Shameful, humiliating. ignominiously adv. [latin: related to *ignominy]
Ignominy n. Dishonour, infamy. [latin: related to *in-1, latin (g)nomen name]
Ignoramus n. (pl. -muses) ignorant person. [latin, = we do not know: related to *ignore]
Ignorance n. Lack of knowledge. [french from latin: related to *ignore]
Ignorant adj. 1 (often foll. By of, in) lacking knowledge (esp. Of a fact or
Ignorant adj. 1 (often foll. By of, in) lacking knowledge (esp. Of a fact or subject). 2 colloq. Uncouth. ignorantly adv.
Ignore v. (-ring) refuse to take notice of; intentionally disregard. [latin ignoro not know]
Iguana n. Large american, w. Indian, or pacific lizard with a dorsal crest. [spanish from carib iwana]
Iguanodon n. Large plant-eating dinosaur with small forelimbs. [from *iguana, which it resembles, after mastodon etc.]
Ikebana n. Art of japanese flower arrangement. [japanese, = living flowers]
Ikon var. Of *icon.
Il-prefix assim. Form of in-1, in-2 before l.
Ileum n. (pl. Ilea) third and last portion of the small intestine. [latin ilium]
Ilex n. (pl. -es) 1 tree or shrub of the genus including the common holly. 2 holm-oak. [latin]
Iliac adj. Of the lower body (iliac artery). [latin ilia flanks]
Ilk n. 1 colloq., usu. Derog. Sort, family, class, etc. 2 (in of that ilk) scot. Of the ancestral estate with the same name as the family (guthrie of that ilk). [old english]
Ill —adj. (attrib. Except in sense 1) 1 (usu. Predic.) Not in good health; unwell. 2 wretched, unfavourable (ill fortune; ill luck). 3 harmful (ill effects). 4 hostile, unkind (ill feeling). 5 faulty, unskilful (ill management). 6 (of manners or conduct) improper. —adv. 1 badly, wrongly, imperfectly (ill-matched; ill-provided). 2 scarcely (can ill afford it). 3 unfavourably (spoke ill of them). —n.
Illegal adj. 1 not legal. 2 criminal. illegality n. (pl. -ies). Illegally adv.
Illegible adj. Not legible. illegibility n. Illegibly adv.
Illegitimate adj. 1 born of parents not married to each other. 2 unlawful. 3 improper. 4 wrongly inferred. illegitimacy n. Illegitimately adv.
Illfated adj. Destined to or bringing bad fortune.
Ill-favoured adj. Unattractive.
Ill-founded adj. (of an idea etc.) Baseless.
Ill-gotten adj. Gained unlawfully or wickedly.
Ill health n. Poor physical or mental condition.
Ill humour n. Irritability.
Illiberal adj. 1 intolerant, narrow-minded. 2 without liberal culture; vulgar. 3 stingy; mean. illiberality n. Illiberally adv.
Illicit adj. Unlawful, forbidden. illicitly adv.
Illiterate —adj. 1 unable to read. 2 uneducated. —n. Illiterate person. illiteracy n.
Illiterately adv.
Ill-mannered adj. Having bad manners; rude.
Ill-natured adj. Churlish, unkind.
Illness n. 1 disease. 2 being ill.
Illogical adj. Devoid of or contrary to logic. illogicality n. (pl. -ies). Illogically adv.
Ill-omened adj. Doomed.
Ill-tempered adj. Morose, irritable.
Ill-timed adj. Done or occurring at an inappropriate time.
Ill-treat v. Treat badly; abuse.
Illuminate v. (-ting) 1 light up; make bright. 2 decorate (buildings etc.) With
lights. 3 decorate (a manuscript etc.) With gold, colour, etc. 4 help to explain (a subject etc.). 5 enlighten spiritually or intellectually. 6 shed lustre on. illuminating adj. Illumination n. Illuminative adj. [latin lumen light]
Illumine v. (-ning) literary 1 light up; make bright. 2 enlighten.
Ill-use v. = *ill-treat.
Illusion n. 1 false impression or belief. 2 state of being deceived by appearances. 3 figment of the imagination. be under the illusion (foll. By that) believe mistakenly. illusive adj. Illusory adj. [latin illudo mock]
Illusionist n. Conjuror.
Illustrate v. (-ting) 1 a provide (a book etc.) With pictures. B elucidate by drawings, pictures, examples, etc. 2 serve as an example of. illustrator n. [latin lustro light up]
Illustration n. 1 drawing or picture in a book, magazine, etc. 2 explanatory example. 3 illustrating.
Illustrative adj. (often foll. By of) explanatory; exemplary.
Illustrious adj. Distinguished, renowned. [latin illustris: related to *illustrate]
Ill will n. Bad feeling; animosity.
Im-prefix assim. Form of in-1, in-2 before b, m, or p.
I’m contr. I am.
Image —n. 1 representation of an object, e.g. A statue. 2 reputation or persona of a person, company, etc. 3 appearance as seen in a mirror or through a lens. 4 mental picture or idea. 5 simile or metaphor. —v. (-ging) 1 make an image of; portray. 2 reflect, mirror. 3 describe or imagine vividly. be the image of be or look exactly like. [latin imago imagin-]
Imagery n. 1 figurative illustration, esp. In literature. 2 images; statuary, carving.
3 mental images collectively.
Imaginary adj. 1 existing only in the imagination. 2 math. Being the square root of a negative quantity. [latin: related to *image]
Imagination n. 1 mental faculty of forming images or concepts of objects or situations not existent or not directly experienced. 2 mental creativity or resourcefulness.
Imaginative adj. Having or showing imagination. imaginatively adv.
Imaginativeness n.
Imagine v. (-ning) 1 a form a mental image or concept of. B picture to oneself. 2 think of as probable (can’t imagine he’d be so stupid). 3 guess (can’t imagine what he is doing). 4 suppose (i imagine you’ll need help). imaginable adj. [latin imaginor]
Imago n. (pl. -s or imagines) fully developed stage of an insect, e.g. A butterfly. [latin: see *image]
Imam n. 1 leader of prayers in a mosque. 2 title of various muslim leaders. [arabic]
Imbalance n. 1 lack of balance. 2 disproportion.
Imbecile —n. 1 colloq. Stupid person. 2 person with a mental age of about five. —adj. Mentally weak; stupid, idiotic. imbecilic adj. Imbecility n. (pl. -ies). [french from latin]
Imbed var. Of *embed.
Imbibe v. (-bing) 1 drink (esp. Alcohol). 2 a assimilate (ideas etc.). B absorb (moisture etc.). 3 inhale (air etc.). [latin bibo drink]
Imbroglio n. (pl. -s) 1 confused or complicated situation. 2 confused heap. [italian: related to in-2, broil]
Imbue v. (-bues, -bued, -buing) (often foll. By with) 1 inspire or permeate (with feelings, opinions, or qualities). 2 saturate. 3 dye. [latin imbuo]
Imf abbr. International monetary fund.
Imitate v. (-ting) 1 follow the example of; copy. 2 mimic. 3 make a copy of. 4 be like. imitable adj. Imitator n. [latin imitor -tat-]
Imitation n. 1 imitating or being imitated. 2 copy. 3 counterfeit (often attrib.:
imitation leather).
Imitative adj. 1 (often foll. By of) imitating; following a model or example. 2 (of a word) reproducing a natural sound (e.g. Fizz), or otherwise suggestive (e.g. Blob).
Immaculate adj. 1 perfectly clean and tidy. 2 perfect (immaculate timing). 3 innocent, faultless. immaculately adv. Immaculateness n. [latin: related to *in-1, macula spot]
Immaculate conception n. Rc ch. Doctrine that the virgin mary was without original sin from conception.
Immanent adj. 1 (often foll. By in) naturally present, inherent. 2 (of god) omnipresent. immanence n. [latin: related to *in-2, maneo remain]
Immaterial adj. 1 unimportant; irrelevant. 2 not material; incorporeal.
Immeasurable adj. Not measurable; immense. immeasurably adv.
Immediate adj. 1 occurring or done at once (immediate reply). 2 nearest, next; direct (immediate vicinity; immediate future; immediate cause of death). 3 most pressing or urgent (our immediate concern). immediacy n. Immediateness n. [latin: related to in-1, mediate]
Immediately —adv. 1 without pause or delay. 2 without intermediary. —conj.
As soon as.
Immemorial adj. Ancient beyond memory or record (from time immemorial).
Immense adj. 1 extremely large; huge. 2 considerable (immense difference). immenseness n. Immensity n. [latin metior mens-measure]
Immensely adv. 1 colloq. Very much (enjoyed myself immensely). 2 to an immense degree (immensely rich).
Immerse v. (-sing) 1 a (often foll. By in) dip, plunge. B submerge (a person). 2 (often refl. Or in passive; often foll. By in) absorb or involve deeply. 3 (often
(often refl. Or in passive; often foll. By in) absorb or involve deeply. 3 (often foll. By in) bury, embed. [latin mergo mers-dip]
Immersion n. 1 immersing or being immersed. 2 baptism by total bodily immersion. 3 mental absorption.
Immersion heater n. Electric device immersed in a liquid to heat it, esp. In a hot-water tank.
Immigrant —n. Person who immigrates. —adj. 1 immigrating. 2 of immigrants.
Immigrate v. Come into a country and settle. immigration n. [related to in-2, migrate]
Imminent adj. Impending; about to happen (war is imminent). imminence n. Imminently adv. [latin immineo be impending]
Immiscible adj. (often foll. By with) not able to be mixed. immiscibility n.
Immobile adj. 1 not moving. 2 unable to move or be moved. immobility n.
Immobilize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make or keep immobile. 2 keep (a limb or patient) still for healing purposes. immobilization n.
Immolate v. (-ting) kill or offer as a sacrifice. immolation n. [latin, = sprinkle with meal]
Immoral adj. 1 not conforming to accepted morality; morally wrong. 2 sexually promiscuous or deviant. immorality n. (pl. -ies). Immorally adv.
Immortal —adj. 1 a living for ever; not mortal. B divine. 2 unfading. 3 famous for all time. —n. 1 a immortal being. B (in pl.) Gods of antiquity. 2 person, esp. An author, remembered long after death. immortality n. Immortalize v. (also – ise) (-zing or -sing). Immortally adv.
Immovable adj. (also immoveable) 1 not able to be moved. 2 steadfast, unyielding. 3 emotionless. 4 not subject to change (immovable law). 5 motionless. 6 (of property) consisting of land, houses, etc. immovability n. Immovably adv.
Immune adj. 1 a (often foll. By against, from, to) protected against infection through inoculation etc. B relating to immunity (immune system). 2 (foll. By from, to) exempt from or proof against a charge, duty, criticism, etc. [latin immunis exempt]
Immunity n. (pl. -ies) 1 ability of an organism to resist infection by means of
antibodies and white blood cells. 2 (often foll. By from) freedom or exemption.
Immunize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make immune, usu. By inoculation.
immunization n.
Immunodeficiency n. Reduction in normal immune defences.
Immunoglobulin n. Any of a group of related proteins functioning as antibodies.
Immunology n. The study of immunity. immunological adj. Immunologist n.
Immunotherapy n. Prevention or treatment of disease with substances that stimulate the immune response.
Immutable adj. Unchangeable. immutability n. Immutably adv.
Imp n. 1 mischievous child. 2 small devil or sprite. [old english, = young shoot]
Impact —n. 1 effect of sudden forcible contact between two solid bodies etc.; collision. 2 strong effect or impression. —v. 1 press or fix firmly. 2 (as impacted adj.) (of a tooth) wedged between another tooth and the jaw. 3 (often foll. By on) have an impact on. impaction n. [latin: related to *impinge]
Impair v. Damage, weaken. impairment n. [latin, = make worse, from pejor]
Impala n. (pl. Same or -s) small african antelope. [zulu]
Impale v. (-ling) transfix or pierce with a sharp stake etc. impalement n. [latin palus *pale2]
Impalpable adj. 1 not easily grasped by the mind; intangible. 2 imperceptible to the touch. 3 (of powder) very fine. impalpability n. Impalpably adv.
Impanel var. Of *empanel.
Impart v. (often foll. By to) 1 communicate (news etc.). 2 give a share of (a thing). [latin: related to *part]
Impartial adj. Treating all alike; unprejudiced, fair. impartiality n. Impartially adv.
Impassable adj. Not able to be traversed. impassability n. Impassableness n.
Impassably adv.
Impasse n. Deadlock. [french: related to *pass1]
Impassible adj. 1 impassive. 2 incapable of feeling, emotion, or injury. impassibility n. Impassibly adv. [latin patior pass-suffer]
Impassioned adj. Filled with passion; ardent. [italian impassionato: related to *passion]
Impassive adj. Incapable of or not showing emotion; serene. impassively adv.
Impassiveness n. Impassivity n.
Impasto n. Art technique of laying on paint thickly. [italian]
Impatiens n. Any of several plants including the busy lizzie. [latin: related to *impatient]
Impatient adj. 1 lacking or showing a lack of patience or tolerance. 2 restlessly eager. 3 (foll. By of) intolerant of. impatience n. Impatiently adv.
Impeach v. 1 charge with a crime against the state, esp. Treason. 2 us charge (a public official) with misconduct. 3 call in question, disparage. impeachable adj. Impeachment n. [french empecher from latin pedica fetter]
Impeccable adj. Faultless, exemplary. impeccability n. Impeccably adv. [related to *in-1, latin pecco sin]
Impecunious adj. Having little or no money. impecuniosity n. Impecuniousness n. [related to *pecuniary]
Impedance n. Total effective resistance of an electric circuit etc. To an alternating current. [from *impede]
Usage impedance is sometimes confused with impediment, which means ‘a hindrance’ or ‘a speech defect’.
Impede v. (-ding) obstruct; hinder. [latin impedio from pes ped-foot]
Impediment n. 1 hindrance or obstruction. 2 speech defect, e.g. A stammer. [latin: related to *impede]
Usage see note at impedance.
Impedimenta n.pl. 1 encumbrances. 2 baggage, esp. Of an army.
Impel v. (-ll-) 1 drive, force, or urge. 2 propel. [latin pello drive]
Impend v. (often foll. By over) 1 (of a danger, event, etc.) Be threatening or imminent. 2 hang. impending adj. [latin pendeo hang]
Impenetrable adj. 1 not able to be penetrated. 2 inscrutable. 3 inaccessible to ideas, influences, etc. impenetrability n. Impenetrableness n. Impenetrably adv.
Impenitent adj. Not sorry, unrepentant. impenitence n.
Imperative —adj. 1 urgent; obligatory. 2 commanding, peremptory. 3 gram. (of a mood) expressing a command (e.g. Come here!). —n. 1 gram. Imperative mood. 2 command. 3 essential or urgent thing. [latin impero command]
Imperceptible adj. 1 not perceptible. 2 very slight, gradual, or subtle.
imperceptibility n. Imperceptibly adv.
Imperfect —adj. 1 not perfect; faulty, incomplete. 2 gram. (of a tense) denoting action in progress but not completed (e.g. They were singing). —n. Imperfect tense. imperfectly adv.
Imperfection n. 1 state of being imperfect. 2 fault, blemish.
Imperial adj. 1 of or characteristic of an empire or similar sovereign state. 2 a of an emperor. B majestic, august; authoritative. 3 (of non-metric weights and measures) statutory in the uk, esp. Formerly (imperial gallon). imperially adv. [latin imperium dominion]
Imperialism n. 1 imperial rule or system. 2 usu. Derog. Policy of dominating other nations by acquiring dependencies etc. imperialist n. & adj. Imperialistic adj.
Imperil v. (-ll-; us -l-) endanger.
Imperious adj. Overbearing, domineering. imperiously adv. Imperiousness n.
Imperishable adj. Not able to perish, indestructible.
Impermanent adj. Not permanent. impermanence n. Impermanency n.
Impermeable adj. Not permeable, not allowing fluids to pass through.
impermeability n.
Impermissible adj. Not allowable.
Impersonal adj. 1 without personal reference; objective, impartial. 2 without human attributes; cold, unfeeling. 3 gram. A (of a verb) used esp. With it as a subject (e.g. It is snowing). B (of a pronoun) = *indefinite. impersonality n. Impersonally adv.
Impersonate v. (-ting) 1 pretend to be (another person), esp. As entertainment or fraud. 2 act (a character). impersonation n. Impersonator n. [from in-2, latin persona]
Impertinent adj. 1 insolent, disrespectful. 2 esp. Law irrelevant. impertinence n.
Impertinently adv.
Imperturbable adj. Not excitable; calm. imperturbability n. Imperturbably adv.
Impervious adj. (usu. Foll. By to) 1 impermeable. 2 not responsive (to argument etc.).
Impetigo n. Contagious skin infection forming pimples and sores. [latin impeto assail]
Impetuous adj. 1 acting or done rashly or with sudden energy. 2 moving forcefully or rapidly. impetuosity n. Impetuously adv. Impetuousness n. [latin: related to *impetus]
Impetus n. 1 force with which a body moves. 2 driving force or impulse. [latin impeto assail]
Impiety n. (pl. -ies) 1 lack of piety or reverence. 2 act etc. Showing this.
Impinge v. (-ging) (usu. Foll. By on, upon) 1 make an impact or effect. 2 encroach. impingement n. [latin pango pact-fix]
Impious adj. 1 not pious. 2 wicked, profane.
Impish adj. Of or like an imp; mischievous. impishly adv. Impishness n.
Implacable adj. Unable to be appeased. implacability n. Implacably adv.
Implant —v. 1 (often foll. By in) insert or fix. 2 (often foll. By in) instil (an idea etc.) In a person’s mind. 3 plant. 4 a insert (tissue etc.) In a living body. B (in passive) (of a fertilized ovum) become attached to the wall of the womb. —n. Thing implanted, esp. A piece of tissue. implantation n. [latin: related to *plant]
Implausible adj. Not plausible. implausibility n. Implausibly adv.
Implement —n. Tool, instrument, utensil. —v. Put (a decision, plan, contract, etc.) Into effect. implementation n. [latin impleo fulfil]
Implicate v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By in) show (a person) to be involved (in a crime etc.). 2 imply. [latin plico fold]
Implication n. 1 thing implied. 2 implicating or implying.
Implicit adj. 1 implied though not plainly expressed. 2 absolute, unquestioning (implicit belief). implicitly adv. [latin: related to *implicate]
Implode v. (-ding) (cause to) burst inwards. implosion n. [from *in-2: cf. *explode]
Implore v. (-ring) 1 (often foll. By to + infin.) Entreat (a person). 2 beg earnestly for. [latin ploro weep]
Imply v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foll. By that) strongly suggest or insinuate without directly stating (what are you implying?). 2 signify, esp. As a consequence (silence implies guilt). [latin: related to *implicate]
Imponderable —adj. 1 not able to be estimated. 2 very light; weightless. —n.
(usu. In pl.) Imponderable thing. imponderability n. Imponderably adv.
Import —v. 1 bring in (esp. Foreign goods or services) to a country. 2 imply, indicate, signify. —n. 1 (esp. In pl.) Imported article or service. 2 importing. 3 what is implied; meaning. 4 importance. importation n. Importer n. [latin importo carry in]
Important adj. 1 (often foll. By to) of great effect or consequence; momentous. 2 (of a person) having high rank or authority. 3 pompous. importance n. Importantly adv. [latin importo carry in, signify]
Importunate adj. Making persistent or pressing requests. importunity n. [latin importunus inconvenient]
Importune v. (-ning) 1 pester (a person) with requests. 2 solicit as a prostitute.
Impose v. (-sing) 1 (often foll. By on, upon) lay (a tax, duty, charge, or obligation) on. 2 enforce compliance with. 3 also refl. (foll. By on, upon, or absol.) Take advantage of (will not impose on you any longer). 4 (often foll. By on, upon) inflict (a thing) on. [latin impono]
Imposing adj. Impressive, formidable, esp. In appearance.
Imposition n. 1 imposing or being imposed. 2 unfair demand or burden. 3 tax, duty.
Impossible adj. 1 not possible. 2 colloq. Not easy, convenient, or believable. 3 colloq. (esp. Of a person) outrageous, intolerable. impossibility n. (pl. -ies). Impossibly adv.
Impost1 n. Tax, duty, or tribute. [latin impono impost-impose]
Impost2 n. Upper course of a pillar, carrying an arch.
Impostor n. (also imposter) 1 person who assumes a false character or pretends to be someone else. 2 swindler.
Imposture n. Fraudulent deception.
Impotent adj. 1 powerless, ineffective. 2 (of a male) unable to achieve an
Impotent adj. 1 powerless, ineffective. 2 (of a male) unable to achieve an erection or orgasm. impotence n.
Impound v. 1 confiscate. 2 take legal possession of. 3 shut up (animals) in a pound.
Impoverish v. Make poor. impoverishment n. [french: related to *poverty]
Impracticable adj. Not practicable. impracticability n. Impracticably adv.
Impractical adj. 1 not practical. 2 esp. Us not practicable. impracticality n.
Imprecation n. Formal oath, curse. [latin precor pray]
Imprecise adj. Not precise. imprecisely adv. Impreciseness n. Imprecision n.
Impregnable adj. Strong enough to be secure against attack. impregnability n. Impregnably adv. [french: related to *in-1, latin prehendo take]
Impregnate v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By with) fill or saturate. 2 (often foll. By with) imbue (with feelings etc.). 3 a make (a female) pregnant. B fertilize (an ovum). impregnation n. [latin: related to *pregnant]
Impresario n. (pl. -s) organizer of public entertainment, esp. A theatrical etc. Manager. [italian]
Impress —v. 1 (often foll. By with) a affect or influence deeply. B affect (a person) favourably (was most impressed). 2 (often foll. By on) emphasize (an idea etc.) (must impress on you the need to be prompt). 3 a (often foll. By on) imprint or make (a mark). B mark (a thing) with a stamp, seal, etc. —n. 1 mark made by a seal, stamp, etc. 2 characteristic mark or quality. impressible adj. [french: related to *press1]
Impression n. 1 effect (esp. On the mind or feelings). 2 notion or belief (esp. Vague or mistaken). 3 imitation of a person or sound, esp. As entertainment. 4 a impressing. B mark impressed.
Impressionable adj. Easily influenced. impressionability n. Impressionably adv.
Impressionism n. 1 style or movement in art concerned with conveying the effect of natural light on objects. 2 style of music or writing seeking to convey esp. Fleeting feelings or experience. impressionist n. Impressionistic adj.
Impressive adj. Arousing respect, approval, or admiration. impressively adv.
Impressiveness n.
Imprimatur n. 1 rc ch. Licence to print (a religious book etc.). 2 official approval. [latin, = let it be printed]
Usage imprimatur is sometimes confused with sense 2 of imprint.
Imprint —v. 1 (often foll. By on) impress firmly, esp. On the mind. 2 a (often foll. By on) make a stamp or impression of (a figure etc.) On a thing. B make an impression on (a thing) with a stamp etc. —n. 1 impression, stamp. 2 printer’s or publisher’s name etc. Printed in a book.
Usage see note at imprimatur.
Imprison v. 1 put in prison. 2 confine. imprisonment n.
Improbable adj. 1 unlikely. 2 difficult to believe. improbability n. Improbably adv.
Improbity n. (pl. -ies) 1 wickedness; dishonesty. 2 wicked or dishonest act.
Impromptu —adj. & adv. Extempore, unrehearsed. —n. (pl. -s) 1 extempore performance or speech. 2 short, usu. Solo, instrumental composition, often improvisatory in style. [french from latin in promptu in readiness]
Improper fraction n. Fraction in which the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.
Impropriety n. (pl. -ies) 1 lack of propriety; indecency. 2 instance of this. 3
Impropriety n. (pl. -ies) 1 lack of propriety; indecency. 2 instance of this. 3 incorrectness.
Improve v. (-ving) 1 a make or become better. B (foll. By on, upon) produce something better than. 2 (as improving adj.) Giving moral benefit (improving literature). improvable adj. Improvement n. [anglo-french emprower from french prou profit]
Improvise v. (-sing) (also absol.) 1 compose or perform (music, verse, etc.) Extempore. 2 provide or construct from materials not intended for the purpose. improvisation n. Improvisational adj. Improvisatory adj. [latin improvisus unforeseen]
Imprudent adj. Unwise, indiscreet. imprudence n. Imprudently adv.
Impudent adj. Impertinent. impudence n. Impudently adv. [latin pudeo be ashamed]
Impugn v. Challenge or call in question. impugnment n. [latin pugno fight]
Impulse n. 1 sudden urge (felt an impulse to laugh). 2 tendency to follow such urges (man of impulse). 3 impelling; a push. 4 impetus. 5 physics a large temporary force producing a change of momentum (e.g. A hammer-blow). B change of momentum so produced. 6 wave of excitation in a nerve. [latin:
related to *pulse1]
related to *pulse1]
Impulse buying n. Purchasing goods on impulse.
Impulsion n. 1 impelling. 2 mental impulse. 3 impetus.
Impulsive adj. 1 tending to act on impulse. 2 done on impulse. 3 tending to impel. impulsively adv. Impulsiveness n.
Impunity n. Exemption from punishment, bad consequences, etc. with impunity without punishment etc. [latin poena penalty]
Impure adj. 1 adulterated. 2 dirty. 3 unchaste.
Impurity n. (pl. -ies) 1 being impure. 2 impure thing or part.
Impute v. (-ting) (foll. By to) attribute (a fault etc.) To. imputation n. [latin puto reckon]
In symb. Indium.
In —prep. 1 expressing inclusion or position within limits of space, time, circumstance, etc. (in england; in bed; in 1989; in the rain). 2 a within (a certain
time) (finished it in two hours).
In. Abbr. Inch(es).
In-1 prefix (also il-, im-, ir-) added to: 1 adjectives, meaning ‘not’ (inedible; insane). 2 nouns, meaning ‘without, lacking’ (inaction). [latin]
In-2 prefix (also il-, im-, ir-) in, on, into, towards, within (induce; influx; insight; intrude). [from *in, or from latin in (prep.)]
Inability n. 1 being unable. 2 lack of power or means.
In absentia adv. In (his, her, or their) absence. [latin]
Inaccessible adj. 1 not accessible. 2 (of a person) unapproachable. inaccessibility n.
Inaccurate adj. Not accurate. inaccuracy n. (pl. -ies). Inaccurately adv.
Inaction n. Lack of action.
Inactive adj. 1 not active. 2 not operating. 3 indolent. inactivity n.
Inadequate adj. 1 not adequate; insufficient. 2 (of a person) incompetent; weak.
Inadequate adj. 1 not adequate; insufficient. 2 (of a person) incompetent; weak.
inadequacy n. (pl. -ies). Inadequately adv.
Inadmissible adj. That cannot be admitted or allowed. inadmissibility n.
Inalienable adj. That cannot be transferred to another or taken away (inalienable rights).
Inamorato n. (fem. Inamorata) (pl. -s) literary lover. [italian inamorato: related to *in-2, latin amor love]
Inane adj. 1 silly, senseless. 2 empty, void. inanely adv. Inanity n. (pl. -ies). [latin inanis]
Inanimate adj. 1 not endowed with, or deprived of, animal life (an inanimate object). 2 spiritless, dull.
Inapplicable adj. (often foll. By to) not applicable or relevant. inapplicability n.
Inapposite adj. Not apposite.
Inappropriate adj. Not appropriate. inappropriately adv. Inappropriateness n.
Inapt adj. 1 not apt or suitable. 2 unskilful. inaptitude n.
Inarticulate adj. 1 unable to express oneself clearly. 2 (of speech) not articulate; indistinct. 3 dumb. 4 esp. Anat. Not jointed. inarticulately adv.
Inasmuch adv. (foll. By as) 1 since, because. 2 to the extent that. [from in as much]
Inattentive adj. 1 not paying attention. 2 neglecting to show courtesy. inattention n. Inattentively adv.
Inaudible adj. Unable to be heard. inaudibly adv.
Inaugural —adj. Of or for an inauguration. —n. Inaugural speech, lecture, etc. [french from latin auguro take omens: related to *augur]
Inaugurate v. (-ting) 1 admit formally to office. 2 begin (an undertaking) or initiate the public use of (a building etc.), with a ceremony. 3 begin, introduce. inauguration n. Inaugurator n.
Inauspicious adj. 1 ill-omened, not favourable. 2 unlucky. inauspiciously adv.
Inauspicious adj. 1 ill-omened, not favourable. 2 unlucky. inauspiciously adv.
Inauspiciousness n.
In-between attrib. Adj. Colloq. Intermediate.
Inboard —adv. Within the sides or towards the centre of a ship, aircraft, or vehicle. —adj. Situated inboard.
Inborn adj. Existing from birth; natural, innate.
Inbred adj. 1 inborn. 2 produced by inbreeding.
Inbreeding n. Breeding from closely related animals or persons. inbreed v. (past and past part. -bred).
Inbuilt adj. Built-in.
Inc. Abbr. Us incorporated.
Inca n. Member of a people of peru before the spanish conquest. [quechua, = lord]
Incalculable adj. 1 too great for calculation. 2 not calculable beforehand. 3 uncertain, unpredictable. incalculability n. Incalculably adv.
Incandesce v. (-cing) (cause to) glow with heat.
Incandescent adj. 1 glowing with heat. 2 shining. 3 (of artificial light) produced by a glowing filament etc. incandescence n. [latin candeo be white]
Incapable adj. 1 a not capable. B too honest, kind, etc., to do something (incapable of hurting anyone). 2 not capable of rational conduct (drunk and incapable). incapability n. Incapably adv.
Incapacitate v. (-ting) make incapable or unfit.
Incapacity n. 1 inability; lack of power. 2 legal disqualification.
Incarcerate v. (-ting) imprison. incarceration n. [medieval latin carcer prison]
Incarnate —adj. Embodied in flesh, esp. In human form (is the devil incarnate). —v. (-ting) 1 embody in flesh. 2 put (an idea etc.) Into concrete form. 3 be the living embodiment of (a quality). [latin incarnor be made flesh: related to *carnage]
Incarnation n. 1 a embodiment in (esp. Human) flesh. B (the incarnation) the
Incarnation n. 1 a embodiment in (esp. Human) flesh. B (the incarnation) the embodiment of god in christ. 2 (often foll. By of) living type (of a quality etc.).
Incautious adj. Heedless, rash. incautiously adv.
Incendiary —adj. 1 (of a bomb) designed to cause fires. 2 a of arson. B guilty of arson. 3 inflammatory. —n. (pl. -ies) 1 incendiary bomb. 2 arsonist. incendiarism n. [latin incendo -cens-set fire to]
Incense1 n. 1 gum or spice producing a sweet smell when burned. 2 smoke of this, esp. In religious ceremonial. [church latin incensum]
Incense2 v. (-sing) make angry. [latin: related to *incendiary]
Incense2 v. (-sing) make angry. [latin: related to *incendiary]
Incentive —n. 1 motive or incitement. 2 payment or concession encouraging effort in work. —attrib. Adj. Serving to motivate or incite (incentive scheme). [latin incentivus that sets the tune]
Inception n. Beginning. [latin incipio -cept-begin]
Inceptive adj. 1 a beginning. B initial. 2 (of a verb) denoting the beginning of an action.
Incest n. Sexual intercourse between persons too closely related to marry. [latin castus chaste]
Incestuous adj. 1 of or guilty of incest. 2 having relationships restricted to a particular group or organization. incestuously adv.
Inch —n. 1 linear measure of 1/12 of a foot (2.54 cm). 2 (as a unit of rainfall) 1 inch depth of water. 3 (as a unit of map-scale) so many inches representing 1 mile. 4 small amount (usu. With neg.: would not yield an inch). —v. Move gradually. every inch entirely (looked every inch a queen). Within an inch of almost to the point of. [old english from latin uncia *ounce]
Inchoate adj. 1 just begun. 2 undeveloped. inchoation n. [latin inchoo, incoho begin]
Usage inchoate is sometimes used incorrectly to mean ‘chaotic’ or ‘incoherent’.
Incidence n. 1 (often foll. By of) range, scope, extent, or rate of occurrence or influence (of disease, tax, etc.). 2 falling of a line, ray, particles, etc., on a surface. 3 coming into contact with a thing. [latin cado fall]
Incident —n. 1 occurrence, esp. A minor one. 2 public disturbance (the march took place without incident). 3 clash of armed forces (frontier incident). 4 distinct piece of action in a play, film, etc. —adj. 1 (often foll. By to) apt to occur; naturally attaching. 2 (often foll. By on, upon) (of light etc.) Falling. [latin
cado fall]
Incidental —adj. (often foll. By to) 1 small and relatively unimportant, minor; supplementary. 2 not essential. —n. (usu. In pl.) Minor detail, expense, event, etc.
Incidentally adv. 1 by the way. 2 in an incidental way.
Incidental music n. Background music in a film, broadcast, etc.
Incinerate v. (-ting) burn to ashes. incineration n. [medieval latin cinis ciner-ashes]
Incinerator n. Furnace or device for incineration.
Incipient adj. 1 beginning. 2 in an early stage. [latin incipio begin]
Incise v. (-sing) 1 make a cut in. 2 engrave. [latin caedo cut]
Incision n. 1 cutting, esp. By a surgeon. 2 cut made in this way.
Incisive adj. 1 sharp. 2 clear and effective.
Incisor n. Cutting-tooth, esp. At the front of the mouth.
Incite v. (-ting) (often foll. By to) urge or stir up. incitement n. [latin cito rouse]
Incivility n. (pl. -ies) 1 rudeness. 2 impolite act.
Inclement adj. (of the weather) severe or stormy. inclemency n.
Inclination n. 1 disposition or propensity. 2 liking, affection. 3 slope, slant. 4 angle between lines. 5 dip of a magnetic needle. 6 slow nod of the head. [latin: related to *incline]
Incline —v. (-ning) 1 (usu. In passive) a dispose or influence (am inclined to think so; does not incline me to agree; don’t feel inclined). B have a specified tendency (the door is inclined to bang). 2 a be disposed (i incline to think so). B (often foll. By to, towards) tend. 3 (cause to) lean, usu. From the vertical; slope. 4 bend forward or downward. —n. Slope. incline one’s ear listen favourably. [latin clino bend]
Inclined plane n. Sloping plane used e.g. To reduce work in raising a load.
Include v. (-ding) 1 comprise or reckon in as part of a whole. 2 (as including prep.) If we include (six, including me). 3 put in a certain category etc. inclusion n. [latin includo -clus-enclose, from claudo shut]
Inclusive adj. 1 (often foll. By of) including. 2 including the limits stated (pages 7 to 26 inclusive). 3 including all or much (inclusive terms). inclusively adv. Inclusiveness n.
Incognito —predic. Adj. & adv. With one’s name or identity kept secret. —n. (pl. -s) 1 person who is incognito. 2 pretended identity. [italian, = unknown: related to in-1, cognition]
Incognizant adj. Formal unaware. incognizance n.
Incoherent adj. 1 unintelligible. 2 lacking logic or consistency; not clear.
incoherence n. Incoherently adv.
Incombustible adj. That cannot be burnt.
Income n. Money received, esp. Periodically or in a year, from one’s work, investments, etc. [from in, come]
Income tax n. Tax levied on income.
Incoming —adj. 1 coming in (incoming telephone calls). 2 succeeding another (incoming tenant). —n. (usu. In pl.) Revenue, income.
Incommensurable adj. (often foll. By with) 1 not commensurable. 2 having no common factor, integral or fractional. incommensurability n.
Incommensurate adj. 1 (often foll. By with, to) out of proportion; inadequate. 2 = *incommensurable.
Incommode v. (-ding) formal 1 inconvenience. 2 trouble, annoy.
Incommodious adj. Formal too small for comfort; inconvenient.
Incommunicable adj. That cannot be communicated.
Incommunicado adj. 1 without means of communication. 2 (of a prisoner) in solitary confinement. [spanish incomunicado]
Incommunicative adj. Uncommunicative.
Incomparable adj. Without an equal; matchless. incomparability n. Incomparably adv.
Incompatible adj. Not compatible. incompatibility n.
Incompetent —adj. Lacking the necessary skill. —n. Incompetent person.
incompetence n.
Incomplete adj. Not complete.
Incomprehensible adj. That cannot be understood.
Incomprehension n. Failure to understand.
Inconceivable adj. 1 that cannot be imagined. 2 colloq. Most unlikely.
inconceivably adv.
Inconclusive adj. (of an argument, evidence, or action) not decisive or convincing.
Incongruous adj. 1 out of place; absurd. 2 (often foll. By with) out of keeping.
Inconvenience —n. 1 lack of ease or comfort; trouble. 2 cause or instance of this. —v. (-cing) cause inconvenience to.
Inconvenient adj. Causing trouble, difficulty, or discomfort; awkward.
inconveniently adv.
Incorporate —v. (-ting) 1 include as a part or ingredient (incorporated all the latest features). 2 (often foll. By in, with) unite (in one body). 3 admit as a member of a company etc. 4 (esp. As incorporated adj.) Form into a legal corporation. —adj. Incorporated. incorporation n. [latin corpus body]
Incorporeal adj. Without physical or material existence. incorporeally adv.
Incorporeity n.
Incorrect adj. 1 not correct or true. 2 improper, unsuitable. incorrectly adv.
Incorrigible adj. (of a person or habit) that cannot be corrected or improved.
incorrigibility n. Incorrigibly adv.
Incorruptible adj. 1 that cannot be corrupted, esp. By bribery. 2 that cannot decay. incorruptibility n. Incorruptibly adv.
Increase —v. (-sing) make or become greater or more numerous. —n. 1 growth, enlargement. 2 (of people, animals, or plants) multiplication. 3 amount or extent of an increase. on the increase increasing. [latin cresco grow]
Increasingly adv. More and more.
Incredible adj. 1 that cannot be believed. 2 colloq. Amazing, extremely good.
incredibility n. Incredibly adv.
Incredulous adj. Unwilling to believe; showing disbelief. incredulity n.
Incredulously adv.
Increment n. Increase or added amount, esp. On a fixed salary scale. incremental adj. [latin cresco grow]
Incriminate v. (-ting) 1 make (a person) appear to be guilty. 2 charge with a crime. incrimination n. Incriminatory adj. [latin: related to *crime]
Incrustation n. 1 encrusting. 2 crust or hard coating. 3 deposit on a surface. [latin: related to *crust]
Incubate v. (-ting) 1 hatch (eggs) by sitting on them or by artificial heat. 2 cause (micro-organisms) to develop. 3 develop slowly. [latin cubo lie]
Incubation n. 1 incubating. 2 period between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms.
Incubator n. Apparatus providing artificial warmth for hatching eggs, rearing premature babies, or developing micro-organisms.
Incubus n. (pl. -buses or -bi) 1 demon formerly believed to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women. 2 nightmare. 3 oppressive person or thing. [latin: as *incubate]
Inculcate v. (-ting) (often foll. By upon, in) urge or impress (a habit or idea) persistently. inculcation n. [latin calco tread]
Incumbency n. (pl. -ies) office or tenure of an incumbent.
Incumbent —adj. 1 resting as a duty (it is incumbent on you to do it). 2 (often foll. By on) lying, pressing. 3 currently holding office (the incumbent president). —n. Holder of an office or post, esp. A benefice. [latin incumbo lie upon]
Incunabulum n. (pl. -la) 1 early printed book, esp. From before 1501. 2 (in pl.) Early stages of a thing. [latin, (in pl.) = swaddling-clothes]
Incur v. (-rr-) bring on oneself (danger, blame, loss, etc.). [latin curro run]
Incurable —adj. That cannot be cured. —n. Incurable person. incurability n.
Incurably adv.
Incurious adj. Lacking curiosity.
Incursion n. Invasion or attack, esp. Sudden or brief. incursive adj. [latin: related to *incur]
Incurve v. (-ving) 1 bend into a curve. 2 (as incurved adj.) Curved inwards.
incurvation n.
incurvation n.
Indebted adj. (usu. Foll. By to) owing gratitude or money. indebtedness n. [french endetté: related to *debt]
Indecent adj. 1 offending against decency. 2 unbecoming; unsuitable (indecent haste). indecency n. (pl. -ies). Indecently adv.
Indecent assault n. Sexual attack not involving rape.
Indecent exposure n. Exposing one’s genitals in public.
Indecipherable adj. That cannot be deciphered.
Indecision n. Inability to decide; hesitation.
Indecisive adj. 1 (of a person) not decisive; hesitating. 2 not conclusive (an indecisive battle). indecisively adv. Indecisiveness n.
Indeclinable adj. Gram. That cannot be declined; having no inflections.
Indecorous adj. 1 improper, undignified. 2 in bad taste. indecorously adv.
Indeed —adv. 1 in truth; really. 2 admittedly. —int. Expressing irony, incredulity, etc.
Indefeasible adj. Literary (esp. Of a claim, rights, etc.) That cannot be forfeited or annulled. indefeasibly adv.
Indefensible adj. That cannot be defended or justified. indefensibility n.
Indefensibly adv.
Indefinable adj. That cannot be defined; mysterious. indefinably adv.
Indefinite adj. 1 vague, undefined. 2 unlimited. 3 (of adjectives, adverbs, and pronouns) not determining the person etc. Referred to (e.g. Some, someone, anyhow).
Indefinite article n. Word (e.g. A, an in english) preceding a noun and implying ‘any of several’.
Indefinitely adv. 1 for an unlimited time (was postponed indefinitely). 2 in an indefinite manner.
Indelible adj. That cannot be rubbed out or removed. indelibly adv. [latin deleo efface]
Indelicate adj. 1 coarse, unrefined. 2 tactless. indelicacy n. (pl. -ies). Indelicately adv.
Indemnify v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foll. By from, against) secure (a person) in respect of harm, a loss, etc. 2 (often foll. By for) exempt from a penalty. 3 compensate. indemnification n. [latin indemnis free from loss]
Indemnity n. (pl. -ies) 1 a compensation for damage. B sum exacted by a victor in war. 2 security against loss. 3 exemption from penalties.
Indent —v. 1 make or impress marks, notches, dents, etc. In. 2 start (a line of print or writing) further from the margin than others. 3 draw up (a legal document) in duplicate. 4 a (often foll. By on, upon a person, for a thing) make a requisition. B order (goods) by requisition. —n. 1 a order (esp. From abroad) for goods. B official requisition for stores. 2 indented line. 3 indentation. 4 indenture. [latin dens dentis tooth]
Indentation n. 1 indenting or being indented. 2 notch.
Indention n. 1 indenting, esp. In printing. 2 notch.
Indenture —n. 1 (usu. In pl.) Sealed agreement or contract. 2 formal list, certificate, etc. —v. (-ring) hist. Bind by indentures, esp. As an apprentice. [anglo-french: related to *indent]
Independent —adj. 1 a (often foll. By of) not depending on authority or control. B self-governing. 2 a not depending on another person for one’s opinions or livelihood. B (of income or resources) making it unnecessary to earn one’s living. 3 unwilling to be under an obligation to others. 4 acting independently of any political party. 5 not depending on something else for its validity etc. (independent proof). 6 (of broadcasting, a school, etc.) Not supported by public funds. —n. Person who is politically independent. independence n. Independently adv.
In-depth adj. Thorough.
Indescribable adj. 1 too good or bad etc. To be described. 2 that cannot be described. indescribably adv.
Indestructible adj. That cannot be destroyed. indestructibility n. Indestructibly adv.
Indeterminable adj. That cannot be ascertained or settled. indeterminably adv.
Indeterminate adj. 1 not fixed in extent, character, etc. 2 left doubtful; vague. 3 math. Of no fixed value. indeterminacy n.
Indeterminate vowel n. Vowel heard in ‘a moment ago’.
Index —n. (pl. Indexes or indices) 1 alphabetical list of subjects etc. With references, usu. At the end of a book. 2 = *card index. 3 measure of prices or
wages compared with a previous month, year, etc. (retail price index). 4 math. Exponent of a number. 5 pointer, sign, or indicator. —v. 1 provide (a book etc.) With an index. 2 enter in an index. 3 relate (wages etc.) To a price index. indexation n. (in sense 3 of v.). [latin]
Index finger n. Forefinger.
Index-linked adj. Related to the value of a price index.
Indiaman n. (pl. -men) hist. Ship engaged in trade with india or the east indies.
Indian —n. 1 a native or national of india. B person of indian descent. 2 (in full american indian) a original inhabitant of america. B any of the languages of the american indians. —adj. 1 of india or the subcontinent comprising india, pakistan, and bangladesh. 2 of the original peoples of america.
Indian corn n. Maize.
Indian elephant n. The elephant of india, smaller than the african elephant.
Indian file n. = *single file.
Indian hemp see *hemp 1.
Indian ink n. 1 black pigment. 2 ink made from this.
Indian summer n. 1 dry warm weather in late autumn. 2 late tranquil period of life.
Indiarubber n. Rubber for erasing pencil marks etc.
Indicate v. (-ting) (often foll. By that) 1 point out; make known. 2 be a sign of; show the presence of. 3 call for; require (stronger measures are indicated). 4 state briefly. 5 give as a reading or measurement. 6 point by hand; use a vehicle’s indicator (failed to indicate). indication n. [latin dico make known]
Indicative —adj. 1 (foll. By of) suggestive; serving as an indication. 2 gram. (of a mood) stating a fact. —n. Gram. 1 indicative mood. 2 verb in this mood.
Indicator n. 1 flashing light on a vehicle showing the direction in which it is about to turn. 2 person or thing that indicates. 3 device indicating the condition of a machine etc. 4 recording instrument. 5 board giving information, esp. Times of trains etc.
Indicatory adj. (often foll. By of) indicative.
Indices pl. Of *index.
Indict v. Accuse formally by legal process. [anglo-french: related to in-2, dictate]
Indictable adj. 1 (of an offence) making the doer liable to be charged with a crime. 2 (of a person) so liable.
Indictment n. 1 a indicting, accusation. B document containing this. 2 thing that serves to condemn or censure (an indictment of society).
Indie colloq. —adj. (of a pop group or record label) independent, not belonging to one of the major companies. —n. Such a group or label. [abbreviation of *independent]
Indifference n. 1 lack of interest or attention. 2 unimportance.
Indifferent adj. 1 (foll. By to) showing indifference or lack of interest. 2 neither good nor bad. 3 of poor quality or ability. indifferently adv.
Indigenous adj. (often foll. By to) native or belonging naturally to a place. [latin:
from a root gen-be born]
Indigent adj. Formal needy, poor. indigence n. [latin egeo need]
Indigestible adj. 1 difficult or impossible to digest. 2 too complex to read or understand. indigestibility n.
Indigestion n. 1 difficulty in digesting food. 2 pain caused by this.
Indignity n. (pl. -ies) 1 humiliating treatment or quality. 2 insult.
Indigo n. (pl. -s) 1 colour between blue and violet in the spectrum. 2 dye of this colour. [greek indikon indian dye]
Indirect adj. 1 not going straight to the point. 2 (of a route etc.) Not straight. 3 a not directly sought (indirect result). B not primary (indirect cause). indirectly adv.
Indirect object n. Gram. Person or thing affected by a verbal action but not primarily acted on (e.g. Him in give him the book).
Indirect question n. Gram. Question in indirect speech.
Indirect speech n. = *reported speech.
Indirect tax n. Tax on goods and services, not on income or profits.
Indiscernible adj. That cannot be discerned.
Indiscipline n. Lack of discipline.
Indiscreet adj. 1 not discreet. 2 injudicious, unwary. indiscreetly adv.
Indiscretion n. Indiscreet conduct or action.
Indiscriminate adj. Making no distinctions; done or acting at random (indiscriminate shooting). indiscriminately adv.
Indispensable adj. That cannot be dispensed with; necessary. indispensability n.
Indispensably adv.
Indisposed adj. 1 slightly unwell. 2 averse or unwilling. indisposition n.
Indisputable adj. That cannot be disputed. indisputably adv.
Indissoluble adj. 1 that cannot be dissolved or broken up. 2 firm and lasting.
indissolubly adv.
Indistinct adj. 1 not distinct. 2 confused, obscure. indistinctly adv.
Indistinct adj. 1 not distinct. 2 confused, obscure. indistinctly adv.
Indistinguishable adj. (often foll. By from) not distinguishable.
Indite v. (-ting) formal or joc. 1 put (a speech etc.) Into words. 2 write (a letter etc.). [french: related to *indict]
Indium n. Soft silvery-white metallic element occurring in zinc ores. [latin indicum *indigo]
Individual —adj. 1 of, for, or characteristic of, a single person etc. 2 a single (individual words). B particular; not general. 3 having a distinct character. 4 designed for use by one person. —n. 1 single member of a class. 2 single human being. 3 colloq. Person (a tiresome individual). 4 distinctive person. [medieval latin: related to *divide]
Individualism n. 1 social theory favouring free action by individuals. 2 being independent or different. individualist n. Individualistic adj.
Individuality n. 1 individual character, esp. When strongly marked. 2 separate existence.
Individualize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 give an individual character to. 2 (esp. As individualized adj.) Personalize (individualized notepaper).
Individually adv. 1 one by one. 2 personally. 3 distinctively.
Indivisible adj. Not divisible.
Indo-comb. Form indian; indian and.
Indoctrinate v. (-ting) teach to accept a particular belief uncritically.
indoctrination n.
Indo-european —adj. 1 of the family of languages spoken over most of europe and asia as far as n. India. 2 of the hypothetical parent language of this family. —n. 1 indo-european family of languages. 2 hypothetical parent language of these.
Indolent adj. Lazy; averse to exertion. indolence n. Indolently adv. [latin doleo suffer pain]
Indomitable adj. 1 unconquerable. 2 unyielding. indomitably adv. [latin: related to *in-1, domito tame]
Indoor adj. Of, done, or for use in a building or under cover.
Indoors adv. Into or in a building.
Indorse var. Of *endorse.
Indorse var. Of *endorse.
Indrawn adj. (of breath etc.) Drawn in.
Indubitable adj. That cannot be doubted. indubitably adv. [latin dubito doubt]
Induce v. (-cing) 1 prevail on; persuade. 2 bring about. 3 a bring on (labour) artificially. B bring on labour in (a mother). C speed up the birth of (a baby). 4 produce (a current) by induction. 5 infer; deduce. inducible adj. [latin duco duct-lead]
Inducement n. Attractive offer; incentive; bribe.
Induct v. (often foll. By to, into) 1 introduce into office, install (into a benefice etc.). 2 archaic lead (to a seat, into a room, etc.); install. [related to *induce]
Inductance n. Property of an electric circuit generating an electromotive force by virtue of the current flowing through it.
Induction n. 1 act of inducting or inducing. 2 act of bringing on (esp. Labour) by artificial means. 3 inference of a general law from particular instances. 4 (often attrib.) Formal introduction to a new job etc. (induction course). 5 electr. A production of an electric or magnetic state by the proximity (without contact) of an electrified or magnetized body. B production of an electric current by a change of magnetic field. 6 drawing of the fuel mixture into the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine.
Inductive adj. 1 (of reasoning etc.) Based on induction. 2 of electric or magnetic induction.
Inductor n. Component (in an electric circuit) having inductance.
Indue var. Of *endue.
Indulge v. (-ging) 1 (often foll. By in) take pleasure freely. 2 yield freely to (a desire etc.). 3 (also refl.) Gratify the wishes of. 4 colloq. Take alcoholic liquor. [latin indulgeo give free rein to]
Indulgence n. 1 indulging or being indulgent. 2 thing indulged in. 3 rc ch.
Remission of punishment still due after absolution. 4 privilege granted.
Indulgent adj. 1 lenient; ready to overlook faults etc. 2 indulging. indulgently adv.
Industrial adj. 1 of, engaged in, or for use in or serving the needs of industries. 2 (of a nation etc.) Having developed industries. industrially adv.
Industrial action n. Strike or other disruptive action by workers as a protest.
Industrial estate n. Area of land zoned for factories etc.
Industrialism n. System in which manufacturing industries are prevalent.
Industrialist n. Owner or manager in industry.
Industrialize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make (a nation etc.) Industrial.
industrialization n.
Industrial relations n.pl. Relations between management and workers.
Industrious adj. Hard-working. industriously adv.
Industry n. (pl. -ies) 1 a branch of production or manufacture; commercial enterprise. B these collectively. 2 concerted activity (a hive of industry). 3 diligence. [latin industria]
-ine suffix 1 forming adjectives, meaning ‘belonging to, of the nature of’ (alpine; asinine). 2 forming feminine nouns (heroine). [latin -inus]
Inebriate —v. (-ting) 1 make drunk. 2 excite. —adj. Drunken. —n. Drunkard. inebriation n. Inebriety n. [latin ebrius drunk]
Inedible adj. Not suitable for eating.
Ineducable adj. Incapable of being educated.
Ineducable adj. Incapable of being educated.
Ineffable adj. 1 too great for description in words. 2 that must not be uttered. ineffability n. Ineffably adv. [latin effor speak out]
Ineffective adj. Not achieving the desired effect or results. ineffectively adv.
Ineffectiveness n.
Ineffectual adj. Ineffective, feeble. ineffectually adv. Ineffectualness n.
Inefficient adj. 1 not efficient or fully capable. 2 (of a machine etc.) Wasteful.
inefficiency n. Inefficiently adv.
Inelegant adj. 1 ungraceful. 2 unrefined. inelegance n. Inelegantly adv.
Ineligible adj. Not eligible or qualified. ineligibility n.
Inept adj. 1 unskilful. 2 absurd, silly. 3 out of place. ineptitude n. Ineptly adv. [latin: related to *apt]
Inequable adj. 1 unfair. 2 not uniform.
Inequality n. (pl. -ies) 1 lack of equality. 2 variability. 3 unevenness.
Inequitable adj. Unfair, unjust.
Inequity n. (pl. -ies) unfairness, injustice.
Ineradicable adj. That cannot be rooted out.
Inert adj. 1 without inherent power of action, motion, or resistance. 2 not reacting chemically with other substances (inert gas). 3 sluggish, slow; lifeless. [latin iners -ert-: related to *art]
Inertia n. 1 physics property of matter by which it continues in its existing state of rest or motion unless an external force is applied. 2 a inertness, lethargy. B tendency to remain unchanged (inertia of the system). inertial adj. [latin: related to *inert]
Inertia reel n. Reel allowing a seat-belt to unwind freely but locking on impact etc.
Inertia selling n. Sending of unsolicited goods in the hope of making a sale.
Inescapable adj. That cannot be escaped or avoided.
Inessential —adj. Not necessary; dispensable. —n. Inessential thing.
Inestimable adj. Too great, precious, etc., to be estimated. inestimably adv.
Inevitable —adj. 1 unavoidable; sure to happen. 2 colloq. Tiresomely familiar. —n. (prec. By the) inevitable fact, event, etc. inevitability n. Inevitably adv. [latin evito avoid]
Inexact adj. Not exact. inexactitude n. Inexactly adv.
Inexcusable adj. That cannot be excused or justified. inexcusably adv.
Inexhaustible adj. That cannot be used up, endless.
Inexperience n. Lack of experience, knowledge, or skill. inexperienced adj.
Inexpert adj. Unskilful; lacking expertise.
Inexpiable adj. That cannot be expiated or appeased.
Inexplicable adj. That cannot be explained. inexplicably adv.
Inexpressible adj. That cannot be expressed. inexpressibly adv.
Inextinguishable adj. That cannot be extinguished or destroyed.
In extremis adj. 1 at the point of death. 2 in great difficulties; in an emergency. [latin]
Inextricable adj. 1 inescapable. 2 that cannot be separated, loosened, or solved.
inextricably adv.
Inf abbr. Intermediate-range nuclear forces.
Infallible adj. 1 incapable of error. 2 unfailing; sure to succeed. 3 (of the pope) incapable of doctrinal error. infallibility n. Infallibly adv.
Infamous adj. Notoriously bad. infamously adv. Infamy n. (pl. -ies).
Infant n. 1 a child during the earliest period of its life. B schoolchild below the age of seven years. 2 (esp. Attrib.) Thing in an early stage of its development. 3 law person under 18. infancy n. [latin infans unable to speak]
Infanta n. Hist. Daughter of a spanish or portuguese king. [spanish and portuguese: related to *infant]
Infanticide n. 1 killing of an infant, esp. Soon after birth. 2 person who kills an infant.
Infantile adj. 1 of or like infants. 2 childish, immature. infantilism n.
Infantile paralysis n. Poliomyelitis.
Infantry n. (pl. -ies) body of foot-soldiers; foot-soldiers collectively. [italian infante youth, foot-soldier]
Infantryman n. Soldier of an infantry regiment.
Infarct n. Small area of dead tissue caused by an inadequate blood supply. infarction n. [latin farcio farct-stuff]
Infatuate v. (-ting) (usu. As infatuated adj.) 1 inspire with intense usu. Transitory fondness or admiration. 2 affect with extreme folly. infatuation n. [latin: related
fondness or admiration. 2 affect with extreme folly. infatuation n. [latin: related to *fatuous]
Infect v. 1 affect or contaminate with a germ, virus, or disease. 2 imbue, taint. [latin inficio -fect-taint]
Infection n. 1 a infecting or being infected. B instance of this; disease. 2 communication of disease, esp. By air, water, etc.
Infectious adj. 1 infecting. 2 (of a disease) transmissible by infection. 3 (of emotions etc.) Quickly affecting or spreading to others. infectiously adv. Infectiousness n.
Infelicity n. (pl. -ies) 1 inapt expression etc. 2 unhappiness. infelicitous adj.
Infer v. (-rr-) 1 deduce or conclude. 2 imply. inferable adj. [latin fero bring]
Usage the use of infer in sense 2 is considered incorrect by some people.
Inference n. 1 act of inferring. 2 thing inferred. inferential adj.
Inferior —adj. 1 (often foll. By to) lower in rank, quality, etc. 2 of poor quality. 3 situated below. 4 written or printed below the line. —n. Person inferior to another, esp. In rank. [latin, comparative of inferus]
Inferiority n. Being inferior.
Inferiority complex n. Feeling of inadequacy, sometimes marked by compensating aggressive behaviour.
Inferno n. (pl. -s) 1 raging fire. 2 scene of horror or distress. 3 hell. [italian:
related to *infernal]
Infertile adj. 1 not fertile. 2 unable to have offspring. infertility n.
Infest v. (esp. Of vermin) overrun (a place). infestation n. [latin infestus hostile]
Infidel —n. Unbeliever in esp. The supposed true religion. —adj. 1 of infidels. 2 unbelieving. [latin fides faith]
Infidelity n. (pl. -ies) unfaithfulness, esp. Adultery. [latin: related to *infidel]
Infield n. Cricket the part of the ground near the wicket.
Infighting n. 1 conflict or competitiveness between colleagues. 2 boxing within arm’s length.
Infill —n. 1 material used to fill a hole, gap, etc. 2 filling gaps (esp. In a row of buildings). —v. Fill in (a cavity etc.).
Infilling n. = *infill n.
Infiltrate v. (-ting) 1 a enter (a territory, political party, etc.) Gradually and imperceptibly. B cause to do this. 2 permeate by filtration. 3 (often foll. By into, through) introduce (fluid) by filtration. infiltration n. Infiltrator n. [from in-2, filtrate]
Infinite —adj. 1 boundless, endless. 2 very great or many. —n. 1 (the infinite) god. 2 (the infinite) infinite space. infinitely adv. [latin: related to in-1, finite]
Infinitesimal —adj. Infinitely or very small. —n. Infinitesimal amount.
infinitesimally adv.
Infinitive —n. Form of a verb expressing the verbal notion without a particular subject, tense, etc. (e.g. See in we came to see, let him see). —adj. Having this form.
Infinitude n. Literary = *infinity 1, 2.
Infinity n. (pl. -ies) 1 being infinite; boundlessness. 2 infinite number or extent. 3 infinite distance (gaze into infinity). 4 math. Infinite quantity.
Infirm adj. Physically weak, esp. Through age.
Infirmary n. (pl. -ies) 1 hospital. 2 sick-quarters in a school etc.
Infirmity n. (pl. -ies) 1 being infirm. 2 particular physical weakness.
Infix v. Fasten or fix in.
In flagrante delicto adv. In the very act of committing an offence. [latin, = in blazing crime]
Inflame v. (-ming) 1 provoke to strong feeling, esp. Anger. 2 cause inflammation in; make hot. 3 aggravate. 4 catch or set on fire. 5 light up with or as with flames.
Inflammable adj. Easily set on fire or excited. inflammability n.
Usage where there is a danger of inflammable being understood to mean the opposite, i.e. ‘not easily set on fire’, flammable can be used to avoid confusion.
Inflammation n. 1 inflaming. 2 bodily condition with heat, swelling, redness, and usu. Pain.
Inflammatory adj. 1 tending to cause anger etc. 2 of inflammation.
Inflatable —adj. That can be inflated. —n. Inflatable object.
Inflate v. (-ting) 1 distend with air or gas. 2 (usu. Foll. By with; usu. In passive) puff up (with pride etc.). 3 a cause inflation of (the currency). B raise (prices) artificially. 4 (as inflated adj.) (esp. Of language, opinions, etc.) Bombastic, overblown, exaggerated. [latin inflo -flat-]
Inflation n. 1 inflating. 2 econ. A general increase in prices. B increase in the supply of money regarded as causing this. inflationary adj.
Inflect v. 1 change the pitch of (the voice). 2 a change the form of (a word) to express grammatical relation. B undergo such a change. 3 bend, curve. inflective adj. [latin flecto flex-bend]
Inflection n. (also inflexion) 1 inflecting or being inflected. 2 a inflected word. B suffix etc. Used to inflect. 3 modulation of the voice. inflectional adj. [latin: related to *inflect]
Inflexible adj. 1 unbendable. 2 unbending. inflexibility n. Inflexibly adv.
Inflexion var. Of *inflection.
Inflict v. (usu. Foll. By on) 1 deal (a blow etc.). 2 often joc. Impose (suffering, oneself, etc.) On (shall not inflict myself on you any longer). infliction n. Inflictor n. [latin fligo flict-strike]
Inflight attrib. Adj. Occurring or provided during a flight.
Inflorescence n. 1 a complete flower-head of a plant. B arrangement of this. 2 flowering. [latin: related to in-2, flourish]
Inflow n. 1 flowing in. 2 something that flows in.
Influence —n. 1 (usu. Foll. By on) effect a person or thing has on another. 2 (usu. Foll. By over, with) moral ascendancy or power. 3 thing or person exercising this. —v. (-cing) exert influence on; affect. under the influence colloq. Drunk. [latin influo flow in]
Influential adj. Having great influence. influentially adv.
Influenza n. Virus infection causing fever, aches, and catarrh. [italian: related to *influence]
Influx n. Flowing in, esp. Of people or things into a place. [latin: related to *flux]
Info n. Colloq. Information. [abbreviation]
Inform v. 1 tell (informed them of their rights). 2 (usu. Foll. By against, on) give incriminating information about a person to the authorities. [latin: related to *form]
Informal adj. 1 without formality. 2 not formal. informality n. (pl. -ies).
Informally adv.
Informant n. Giver of information.
Information n. 1 a something told; knowledge. B items of knowledge; news. 2 charge or complaint lodged with a court etc.
Information retrieval n. The tracing of information stored in books, computers, etc.
Information technology n. The study or use of processes (esp. Computers, telecommunications, etc.) For storing, retrieving, and sending information.
Informative adj. Giving information; instructive.
Informed adj. 1 knowing the facts. 2 having some knowledge.
Informer n. Person who informs, esp. Against others.
Infra adv. Below, further on (in a book etc.). [latin, = below]
Infra-comb. Form below.
Infraction n. Infringement. [latin: related to *infringe]
Infra dig predic. Adj. Colloq. Beneath one’s dignity. [latin infra dignitatem]
Infrared adj. Of or using rays with a wavelength just longer than the red end of the visible spectrum.
Infrastructure n. 1 a basic structural foundations of a society or enterprise. B roads, bridges, sewers, etc., regarded as a country’s economic foundation. 2 permanent installations as a basis for military etc. Operations.
Infrequent adj. Not frequent. infrequently adv.
Infringe v. (-ging) 1 break or violate (a law, another’s rights, etc.). 2 (usu. Foll. By on) encroach; trespass. infringement n. [latin frango fract-break]
Infuriate v. Make furious; irritate greatly. infuriating adj. Infuriatingly adv. [medieval latin: related to *fury]
Infuse v. (-sing) 1 (usu. Foll. By with) fill (with a quality). 2 steep (tea leaves
Infuse v. (-sing) 1 (usu. Foll. By with) fill (with a quality). 2 steep (tea leaves etc.) In liquid to extract the content; be steeped thus. 3 (usu. Foll. By into) instil (life etc.). [latin infundo -fus-: related to *found3]
Infusible adj. That cannot be melted. infusibility n.
Infusion n. 1 a infusing. B liquid extract obtained thus. 2 infused element.
-ing1 suffix forming nouns from verbs denoting: 1 verbal action or its result (asking). 2 material associated with a process etc. (piping; washing). 3 occupation or event (banking; wedding). [old english]
-ing2 suffix 1 forming the present participle of verbs (asking; fighting), often as adjectives (charming; strapping). 2 forming adjectives from nouns (hulking) and verbs (balding). [old english]
Ingenious adj. 1 clever at inventing, organizing, etc. 2 cleverly contrived. ingeniously adv. [latin ingenium cleverness]
Usage ingenious is sometimes confused with ingenuous.
Ingénue n. 1 unsophisticated young woman. 2 such a part in a play. [french:
Ingratiate v.refl. (-ting) (usu. Foll. By with) bring oneself into favour.
Ingratiate v.refl. (-ting) (usu. Foll. By with) bring oneself into favour. ingratiating adj. Ingratiatingly adv. [latin in gratiam into favour]
Ingratitude n. Lack of due gratitude.
Ingredient n. Component part in a mixture. [latin ingredior enter into]
Ingress n. Act or right of going in. [latin ingressus: related to *ingredient]
Ingrowing adj. (esp. Of a toenail) growing into the flesh. ingrown adj.
Inguinal adj. Of the groin. [latin inguen groin]
Inhabit v. (-t-) dwell in; occupy. inhabitable adj. [latin: related to *habit]
Inhabitant n. Person etc. Who inhabits a place.
Inhalant n. Medicinal substance for inhaling.
Inhale v. (-ling) (often absol.) Breathe in (air, gas, smoke, etc.). inhalation n. [latin halo breathe]
Inhaler n. Device for administering an inhalant, esp. To relieve asthma.
Inhere v. (-ring) be inherent. [latin haereo haes-stick]
Inherent adj. (often foll. By in) existing in something as an essential or permanent attribute. inherence n. Inherently adv.
Inherit v. (-t-) 1 receive (property, rank, title, etc.) By legal succession. 2 derive (a characteristic) from one’s ancestors. 3 derive (a situation etc.) From a predecessor. inheritable adj. Inheritor n. [latin heres heir]
Inheritance n. 1 thing that is inherited. 2 inheriting.
Inheritance tax n. Tax levied on property acquired by gift or inheritance.
Usage this tax was introduced in 1986 to replace capital transfer tax.
Inhibit v. (-t-) 1 hinder, restrain, or prevent (action or progress). 2 (as inhibited adj.) Suffering from inhibition. 3 (usu. Foll. By from + verbal noun) prohibit (a person etc.). inhibitory adj. [latin inhibeo -hibit-hinder]
Inhibition n. 1 psychol. Restraint on the direct expression of an instinct. 2 colloq.
Emotional resistance to a thought, action, etc. 3 inhibiting or being inhibited.
Inhospitable adj. 1 not hospitable. 2 (of a region etc.) Not affording shelter,
favourable conditions, etc. inhospitably adv.
In-house adj. & adv. Within an institution, company, etc.
Inhuman adj. Brutal; unfeeling; barbarous. inhumanity n. (pl. -ies). Inhumanly adv.
Inimitable adj. Impossible to imitate. inimitably adv.
Iniquity n. (pl. -ies) 1 wickedness. 2 gross injustice. iniquitous adj. [french from latin aequus just]
Initial —adj. Of or at the beginning. —n. Initial letter, esp. (in pl.) Those of a person’s names. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) mark or sign with one’s initials. initially adv. [latin initium beginning]
Initial letter n. First letter of a word.
Initiate —v. (-ting) 1 begin; set going; originate. 2 a admit (a person) into a society, office, etc., esp. With a ritual. B instruct (a person) in a subject. —n.
society, office, etc., esp. With a ritual. B instruct (a person) in a subject. —n. (esp. Newly) initiated person. initiation n. Initiator n. Initiatory adj. [latin initium beginning]
Initiative n. 1 ability to initiate things; enterprise (lacks initiative). 2 first step. 3 (prec. By the) power or right to begin. have the initiative esp. Mil. Be able to control the enemy’s movements. [french: related to *initiate]
Inject v. 1 a (usu. Foll. By into) drive (a solution, medicine, etc.) By or as if by a syringe. B (usu. Foll. By with) fill (a cavity etc.) By injecting. C administer medicine etc. To (a person) by injection. 2 place (a quality, money, etc.) Into something. injection n. Injector n. [latin injicere -ject-from jacio throw]
Injudicious adj. Unwise; ill-judged.
Injunction n. 1 authoritative order. 2 judicial order restraining a person or body from an act, or compelling redress to an injured party. [latin: related to *enjoin]
Injure v. (-ring) 1 harm or damage. 2 do wrong to. [back-formation from *injury]
Injury n. (pl. -ies) 1 physical harm or damage. 2 offence to feelings etc. 3 esp. Law wrongful action or treatment. [latin injuria]
Injury time n. Extra playing-time at a football etc. Match to compensate for time lost in dealing with injuries.
Injustice n. 1 lack of fairness. 2 unjust act. do a person an injustice judge a person unfairly. [french from latin: related to *in-1]
Ink —n. 1 coloured fluid or paste used for writing, printing, etc. 2 black liquid ejected by a cuttlefish etc. —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By in, over, etc.) Mark with ink. 2 cover (type etc.) With ink. [greek egkauston purple ink used by roman emperors]
Inkling n. (often foll. By of) slight knowledge or suspicion; hint. [origin unknown]
Inkstand n. Stand for one or more ink bottles.
Ink-well n. Pot for ink, usu. Housed in a hole in a desk.
Inky adj. (-ier, -iest) of, as black as, or stained with ink. inkiness n.
Inland —adj. 1 in the interior of a country. 2 carried on within a country. —adv.
In or towards the interior of a country.
Inland revenue n. Government department assessing and collecting taxes.
In-law n. (often in pl.) Relative by marriage.
Inlay —v. (past and past part. Inlaid) 1 embed (a thing in another) so that the surfaces are even. 2 decorate (a thing with inlaid work). —n. 1 inlaid work. 2 material inlaid. 3 filling shaped to fit a tooth-cavity. [from in-2, lay1]
Inlet n. 1 small arm of the sea, a lake, or a river. 2 piece inserted. 3 way of entry. [from in, let1]
In loco parentis adv. (acting) for or instead of a parent. [latin]
Inmate n. Occupant of a hospital, prison, institution, etc. [probably from inn, mate1]
In memoriam prep. In memory of (a dead person). [latin]
Inmost adj. Most inward. [old english]
Inn n. 1 pub, sometimes with accommodation. 2 hist. House providing accommodation, esp. For travellers. [old english: related to *in]
Innards n.pl. Colloq. Entrails. [special pronunciation of *inward]
Innate adj. Inborn; natural. innately adv. [latin natus born]
Inner —adj. (usu. Attrib.) 1 inside; interior. 2 (of thoughts, feelings, etc.) Deeper. —n. Archery 1 division of the target next to the bull’s-eye. 2 shot striking this. innermost adj. [old english, comparative of *in]
Inner city n. Central area of a city, esp. Regarded as having particular problems (also (with hyphen) attrib.: inner-city housing).
Inner man n. (also inner woman) 1 soul or mind. 2 joc. Stomach.
Inner tube n. Separate inflatable tube inside a pneumatic tyre.
Innings n. (pl. Same) 1 esp. Cricket part of a game during which a side is batting. 2 period during which a government, party, person, etc. Is in office or can achieve something. [obsolete in (verb) = go in]
Innkeeper n. Person who keeps an inn.
Innocent —adj. 1 free from moral wrong. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) not guilty (of a crime etc.). 3 simple; guileless. 4 harmless. —n. Innocent person, esp. A young child. innocence n. Innocently adv. [latin noceo hurt]
Innocuous adj. Harmless. [latin innocuus: related to *innocent]
Innocuous adj. Harmless. [latin innocuus: related to *innocent]
Inn of court n. Each of the four legal societies admitting people to the english bar.
Innovate v. (-ting) bring in new methods, ideas, etc.; make changes. innovation n. Innovative adj. Innovator n. Innovatory adj. [latin novus new]
Innuendo n. (pl. -es or -s) allusive remark or hint, usu. Disparaging or with a double meaning. [latin, = by nodding at: related to *in-2, nuo nod]
Innuit var. Of *inuit.
Innumerable adj. Too many to be counted. innumerably adv.
Innumerate adj. Having no knowledge of basic mathematics. innumeracy n.
Inoculate v. (-ting) treat (a person or animal) with vaccine or serum to promote immunity against a disease. inoculation n. [latin oculus eye, bud]
Inoffensive adj. Not objectionable; harmless.
Inoperable adj. Surgery that cannot successfully be operated on.
Inoperative adj. Not working or taking effect.
Inopportune adj. Not appropriate, esp. Not timely.
Inordinate adj. Excessive. inordinately adv. [latin: related to *ordain]
Inorganic adj. 1 chem. (of a compound) not organic, usu. Of mineral origin. 2 without organized physical structure. 3 extraneous.
In-patient n. Patient who lives in hospital while under treatment.
Input —n. 1 what is put in or taken in. 2 place where energy, information, etc., enters a system. 3 action of putting in or feeding in. 4 contribution of information etc. —v. (inputting; past and past part. Input or inputted) (often foll. By into) 1 put in. 2 supply (data, programs, etc., to a computer etc.).
Inquest n. 1 law inquiry by a coroner’s court into the cause of a death. 2 colloq. Discussion analysing the outcome of a game, election, etc. [romanic: related to *inquire]
Inquietude n. Uneasiness. [latin: related to *quiet]
Inquire v. (-ring) 1 seek information formally; make a formal investigation. 2 = *enquire. [latin quaero quisit-seek]
Inquiry n. (pl. -ies) 1 investigation, esp. An official one. 2 = *enquiry.
Inquisition n. 1 intensive search or investigation. 2 judicial or official inquiry. 3 (the inquisition) rc ch. Hist. Ecclesiastical tribunal for the violent suppression of heresy, esp. In spain. inquisitional adj. [latin: related to *inquire]
Inquisitor n. 1 official investigator. 2 hist. Officer of the inquisition.
Inquisitorial adj. 1 of or like an inquisitor. 2 prying. inquisitorially adv.
Inquorate adj. Not constituting a quorum.
In re prep. = *re1. [latin]
Inri abbr. Jesus of nazareth, king of the jews. [latin iesus nazarenus rex iudaeorum]
Inroad n. 1 (often in pl.) Encroachment; using up of resources etc. 2 hostile attack.
Inrush n. Rapid influx.
Insalubrious adj. (of a climate or place) unhealthy.
Insane adj. 1 mad. 2 colloq. Extremely foolish. insanely adv. Insanity n. (pl. – ies).
Insanitary adj. Not sanitary; dirty.
Insatiable adj. 1 unable to be satisfied. 2 extremely greedy. insatiability n.
Insatiably adv.
Insatiate adj. Never satisfied.
Inscribe v. (-bing) 1 a (usu. Foll. By in, on) write or carve (words etc.) On a surface, page, etc. B (usu. Foll. By with) mark (a surface) with characters. 2 (usu. Foll. By to) write an informal dedication in or on (a book etc.). 3 enter the name of (a person) on a list or in a book. 4 geom. Draw (a figure) within another so that points of it lie on the boundary of the other. [latin scribo write]
Inscription n. 1 words inscribed. 2 inscribing. inscriptional adj. [latin: related to *inscribe]
Inscrutable adj. Mysterious, impenetrable. inscrutability n. Inscrutably adv. [latin
Insect n. Small invertebrate of a class characteristically having a head, thorax, abdomen, two antennae, three pairs of thoracic legs, and usu. One or two pairs of thoracic wings. [latin: related to *section]
Insecticide n. Substance for killing insects.
Insectivore n. 1 animal that feeds on insects. 2 plant which captures and absorbs insects. insectivorous adj. [from *insect, latin voro devour]
Insecure adj. 1 a unsafe; not firm. B (of a surface etc.) Liable to give way. 2 uncertain; lacking confidence. insecurity n.
Inseminate v. (-ting) 1 introduce semen into. 2 sow (seed etc.). insemination n. [latin: related to *semen]
Insensate adj. 1 without physical sensation. 2 without sensibility. 3 stupid. [latin:
related to *sense]
Insensible adj. 1 unconscious. 2 (usu. Foll. By of, to) unaware (insensible of her needs). 3 callous. 4 too small or gradual to be perceived. insensibility n. Insensibly adv.
Insensitive adj. (often foll. By to) 1 unfeeling; boorish; crass. 2 not sensitive to physical stimuli. insensitively adv. Insensitiveness n. Insensitivity n.
Insentient adj. Not sentient; inanimate.
Inseparable adj. (esp. Of friends) unable or unwilling to be separated.
inseparability n. Inseparably adv.
Insert —v. Place or put (a thing) into another. —n. Something (esp. Pages) inserted. [latin sero sert-join]
Insertion n. 1 inserting. 2 thing inserted.
In-service attrib. Adj. (of training) for those actively engaged in the profession or activity concerned.
Inset —n. 1 a extra section inserted in a book etc. B small map etc. Within the border of a larger one. 2 piece let into a dress etc. —v. (insetting; past and past part. Inset or insetted) 1 put in as an inset. 2 decorate with an inset.
Inshore adv. & adj. At sea but close to the shore.
Inside —n. 1 a inner side. B inner part; interior. 2 side away from the road. 3 (usu. In pl.) Colloq. Stomach and bowels. —adj. 1 situated on or in the inside. 2 football & hockey nearer to the centre of the field. —adv. 1 on, in, or to the inside. 2 slang in prison. —prep. 1 on the inner side of; within. 2 in less than (inside an hour). inside out 1 with the inner surface turned outwards. 2 thoroughly (knew his subject inside out).
Inside information n. Information not normally accessible to outsiders.
Inside job n. Colloq. Crime committed by a person living or working on the premises burgled etc.
Insider n. 1 person who is within an organization etc. 2 person privy to a secret.
Insider dealing n. Stock exch. Illegal practice of trading to one’s own advantage through having access to confidential information.
Insidious adj. 1 proceeding inconspicuously but harmfully. 2 crafty. insidiously adv. Insidiousness n. [latin insidiae ambush]
Insight n. (usu. Foll. By into) 1 capacity of understanding hidden truths etc. 2 instance of this.
Insignia n. (treated as sing. Or pl.) Badge. [latin signum sign]
Insignificant adj. 1 unimportant. 2 meaningless. insignificance n.
Insincere adj. Not sincere. insincerely adv. Insincerity n. (pl. -ies).
Insinuate v. (-ting) 1 hint obliquely, esp. Unpleasantly. 2 (often refl.; usu. Foll. By into) a introduce (a person etc.) Into favour etc., by subtle manipulation. B introduce (a thing, oneself, etc.) Deviously into a place. insinuation n. [latin sinuo curve]
Insipid adj. 1 lacking vigour or character; dull. 2 tasteless. insipidity n. Insipidly adv. [latin sapio have savour]
Insist v. (usu. Foll. By on or that; also absol.) Maintain or demand assertively (insisted on my going; insisted that he was innocent). [latin sisto stand]
Insistent adj. 1 (often foll. By on) insisting. 2 forcing itself on the attention.
insistence n. Insistently adv.
In situ adv. In its proper or original place. [latin]
Insobriety n. Intemperance, esp. In drinking.
Insofar adv. = in so far (see *far).
Insole n. Fixed or removable inner sole of a boot or shoe.
Insolent adj. Impertinently insulting. insolence n. Insolently adv. [latin soleo be accustomed]
Insoluble adj. 1 incapable of being solved. 2 incapable of being dissolved.
Insomnia n. Sleeplessness, esp. Habitual. [latin somnus sleep]
Insomniac n. Person suffering from insomnia.
Insomuch adv. 1 (foll. By that) to such an extent. 2 (foll. By as) inasmuch. [originally in so much]
Insouciant adj. Carefree; unconcerned. insouciance n. [french souci care]
Inspect v. 1 look closely at. 2 examine officially. inspection n. [latin spicio spect-look]
Inspector n. 1 person who inspects. 2 official employed to supervise. 3 police officer next above sergeant in rank. inspectorate n.
Inspector of taxes n. Inland revenue official responsible for assessing taxes.
Inspiration n. 1 a creative force or influence. B person etc. Stimulating creativity etc. C divine influence, esp. On the writing of scripture etc. 2 sudden brilliantidea. inspirational adj.
Inspire v. (-ring) 1 stimulate (a person) to esp. Creative activity. 2 a (usu. Foll. By with) animate (a person) with a feeling. B create (a feeling) in a person (inspires confidence). 3 prompt; give rise to (a poem inspired by love). 4 (as inspired adj.) Characterized by inspiration. inspiring adj. [latin spiro breathe]
Inspirit v. (-t-) 1 put life into; animate. 2 encourage.
Inst. Abbr. = *instant adj. 4 (the 6th inst.).
Instability n. 1 lack of stability. 2 unpredictability in behaviour etc.
Install v. (also instal) (-ll-) 1 place (equipment etc.) In position ready for use. 2 place (a person) in an office or rank with ceremony. 3 establish (oneself, a person, etc.). installation n. [latin: related to *stall1]
Installment n. (brit. Instalment) 1 any of several usu. Equal payments for something. 2 any of several parts, esp. Of a broadcast or published story. [anglo-french estaler fix]
Instalment n. (us installment) 1 any of several usu. Equal payments for something. 2 any of several parts, esp. Of a broadcast or published story. [anglo-french estaler fix]
Instance —n. 1 example or illustration of. 2 particular case (that’s not true in this instance). —v. (-cing) cite as an instance. for instance as an example. In the first (or second etc.) Instance in the first (or second etc.) Place; at the first (or second etc.) Stage (of a proceeding). [french from latin instantia contrary example]
Instant —adj. 1 occurring immediately. 2 (of food etc.) Processed for quick preparation. 3 urgent; pressing. 4 commerce of the current month (the 6th instant). —n. 1 precise moment (come here this instant). 2 short space of time (in an instant). [latin insto be urgent]
Instantaneous adj. Occurring or done in an instant. instantaneously adv.
Instantly adv. Immediately; at once.
Instead adv. 1 (foll. By of) in place of. 2 as an alternative.
Instep n. 1 inner arch of the foot between the toes and the ankle. 2 part of a shoe etc. Over or under this. [ultimately from in-2, step]
Instigate v. (-ting) 1 bring about by incitement or persuasion. 2 urge on, incite. instigation n. Instigator n. [latin stigo prick]
Instil v. (us instill) (-ll-) (often foll. By into) 1 introduce (a feeling, idea, etc.) Into a person’s mind etc. Gradually. 2 put (a liquid) into something in drops. instillation n. Instilment n. [latin stillo drop]
Instill v. (brit. Instil) (-ll-) (often foll. By into) 1 introduce (a feeling, idea, etc.) Into a person’s mind etc. Gradually. 2 put (a liquid) into something in drops. instillation n. Instilment n. [latin stillo drop]
Instinct —n. 1 a innate pattern of behaviour, esp. In animals. B innate impulse. 2 intuition. —predic. Adj. (foll. By with) imbued, filled (with life, beauty, etc.). instinctive adj. Instinctively adv. Instinctual adj. [latin stinguo prick]
Institute —n. 1 society or organization for the promotion of science, education, etc. 2 its premises. —v. (-ting) 1 establish; found. 2 initiate (an inquiry etc.). 3(usu. Foll. By to, into) appoint (a person) as a cleric in a church etc. [latin statuo set up]
Institution n. 1 organization or society founded for a particular purpose. 2 established law, practice, or custom. 3 colloq. (of a person etc.) Familiar object. 4 instituting or being instituted.
Institutional adj. 1 of or like an institution. 2 typical of institutions.
institutionally adv.
Institutionalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 (as institutionalized adj.) Made dependent after a long period in an institution. 2 place or keep (a person) in an institution. 3 make institutional.
Instruct v. 1 teach (a person) a subject etc.; train. 2 (usu. Foll. By to + infin.) Direct; command. 3 law a employ (a lawyer). B inform. instructor n. [latin instruo -struct-build, teach]
Instruction n. 1 (often in pl.) A order. B direction (as to how a thing works etc.).
2 teaching (course of instruction). instructional adj.
Instructive adj. Tending to instruct; enlightening.
Instrument n. 1 tool or implement, esp. For delicate or scientific work. 2 (in full musical instrument) device for producing musical sounds. 3 a thing used in performing an action. B person made use of. 4 measuring-device, esp. In an aeroplane. 5 formal, esp. Legal, document. [latin instrumentum: related to *instruct]
Instrumental adj. 1 serving as an instrument or means. 2 (of music) performed on instruments. 3 of, or arising from, an instrument (instrumental error).
Instrumentalist n. Performer on a musical instrument.
Instrumentality n. Agency or means.
Instrumentation n. 1 a provision or use of instruments. B instruments collectively. 2 a arrangement of music for instruments. B the particular instruments used in a piece.
Insubordinate adj. Disobedient; rebellious. insubordination n.
Insubstantial adj. 1 lacking solidity or substance. 2 not real.
Insufferable adj. 1 intolerable. 2 unbearably conceited etc. insufferably adv.
Insufficient adj. Not sufficient; inadequate. insufficiency n. Insufficiently adv.
Insular adj. 1 a of or like an island. B separated or remote. 2 narrow-minded. insularity n. [latin insula island]
Insulate v. (-ting) 1 prevent the passage of electricity, heat, or sound from (a thing, room, etc.) By interposing non-conductors. 2 isolate. insulation n. Insulator n. [latin insula island]
Insulin n. Hormone regulating the amount of glucose in the blood, the lack of which causes diabetes. [latin insula island]
Insult —v. 1 speak to or treat with scornful abuse. 2 offend the self-respect or modesty of. —n. Insulting remark or action. insulting adj. Insultingly adv. [latin insulto leap on, assail]
Insuperable adj. 1 (of a barrier) impossible to surmount. 2 (of a difficulty etc.) Impossible to overcome. insuperability n. Insuperably adv. [latin supero overcome]
Insupportable adj. 1 unable to be endured. 2 unjustifiable.
Insurance n. 1 insuring. 2 a sum paid for this. B sum paid out as compensation for theft, damage, etc. [french: related to *ensure]
Insure v. (-ring) (often foll. By against; also absol.) Secure compensation in the event of loss or damage to (property, life, a person, etc.) By advance regular payments. [var. Of *ensure]
Insured n. (usu. Prec. By the) person etc. Covered by insurance.
Insurer n. Person or company selling insurance policies.
Insurgent —adj. In active revolt. —n. Rebel. insurgence n. [latin surgo surrect-rise]
Insurmountable adj. Unable to be surmounted or overcome.
Insurrection n. Rebellion. insurrectionist n. [latin: related to *insurgent]
Intaglio n. (pl. -s) 1 gem with an incised design. 2 engraved design. [italian:
related to in-2, tail2]
Intake n. 1 action of taking in. 2 a number (of people etc.), or amount, taken in or received. B such people etc. (this year’s intake). 3 place where water is taken into a pipe, or fuel or air enters an engine etc.
Intangible —adj. 1 unable to be touched. 2 unable to be grasped mentally. —n. Thing that cannot be precisely assessed or defined. intangibility n. Intangibly adv. [latin: related to *intact]
Integer n. Whole number. [latin, = untouched, whole]
Integral —adj. Also 1 a of or necessary to a whole. B forming a whole. C complete. 2 of or denoted by an integer. —n. Math. Quantity of which a given function is the derivative. integrally adv. [latin: related to *integer]
Usage the alternative pronunciation given for the adjective, stressed on the second syllable, is considered incorrect by some people.
Integral calculus n. Mathematics concerned with finding integrals, their properties and application, etc.
Integrate v. (-ting) 1 a combine (parts) into a whole. B complete by the addition of parts. 2 bring or come into equal membership of society, a school, etc. 3 desegregate, esp. Racially (a school etc.). 4 math. Find the integral of.
integration n.
Integrated circuit n. Electronics small chip etc. Of material replacing several separate components in a conventional electronic circuit.
Integrity n. 1 moral excellence; honesty. 2 wholeness; soundness. [latin: related to *integer]
Integument n. Natural outer covering, as a skin, husk, rind, etc. [latin tego cover]
Intellect n. 1 a faculty of reasoning, knowing, and thinking. B understanding. 2 clever or knowledgeable person. [latin: related to *intelligent]
Intellectual —adj. 1 of or appealing to the intellect. 2 possessing a highly developed intellect. 3 requiring the intellect. —n. Intellectual person. intellectuality n. Intellectualize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). Intellectually adv.
Intelligence n. 1 a intellect; understanding. B quickness of understanding. 2 a the collecting of information, esp. Of military or political value. B information so collected. C people employed in this.
Intelligence quotient n. Number denoting the ratio of a person’s intelligence to the average.
Intelligent adj. 1 having or showing intelligence, esp. Of a high level. 2 clever.
Intelligentsia n. Class of intellectuals regarded as possessing culture and political initiative. [russian intelligentsiya]
Intelligible adj. Able to be understood. intelligibility n. Intelligibly adv.
Intemperate adj. 1 immoderate. 2 a given to excessive drinking of alcohol. B excessively indulgent in one’s appetites. intemperance n.
Intend v. 1 have as one’s purpose (we intend to go; we intend going). 2 (usu. Foll. By for, as) design or destine (a person or a thing) (i intend him to go; i intend it as a warning). [latin tendo stretch]
Intended —adj. Done on purpose. —n. Colloq. One’s fiancé or fiancée.
Intense adj. (intenser, intensest) 1 existing in a high degree; violent; forceful; extreme (intense joy; intense cold). 2 very emotional. intensely adv. Intenseness n. [latin intensus stretched]
Usage intense is sometimes confused with intensive, and wrongly used to describe a course of study etc.
Intensifier n. 1 thing that makes something more intense. 2 word or prefix used to give force or emphasis, e.g. Thundering in a thundering nuisance.
Intensify v. (-ies, -ied) make or become intense or more intense. intensification n.
Intensity n. (pl. -ies) 1 intenseness. 2 amount of some quality, e.g. Force, brightness, etc.
Intensive adj. 1 thorough, vigorous; directed to a single point, area, or subject (intensive study; intensive bombardment). 2 of or relating to intensity. 3 serving to increase production in relation to costs (intensive farming). 4 (usu. In comb.) Econ. Making much use of (labour-intensive). 5 (of an adjective, adverb, etc.) Expressing intensity, e.g. Really in my feet are really cold. intensively adv. Intensiveness n.
Usage see note at intense.
Intensive care n. 1 constant monitoring etc. Of a seriously ill patient. 2 part of a hospital devoted to this.
Intent —n. Intention; purpose (with intent to defraud). —adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By on) a resolved, determined. B attentively occupied. 2 (esp. Of a look) earnest; eager. to all intents and purposes practically; virtually. intently adv. Intentness n. [latin intentus]
Intention n. 1 thing intended; aim, purpose. 2 intending (done without intention).
Intentional adj. Done on purpose. intentionally adv.
Inter v. (-rr-) bury (a corpse etc.). [latin terra earth]
Inter-comb. Form 1 between, among (intercontinental). 2 mutually, reciprocally (interbreed). [latin inter between, among]
Interact v. Act on each other. interaction n.
Interactive adj. 1 reciprocally active. 2 (of a computer or other electronic device) allowing a two-way flow of information between it and a user. interactively adv.
Inter alia adv. Among other things. [latin]
Interbreed v. (past and past part. -bred) 1 (cause to) breed with members of a different race or species to produce a hybrid. 2 breed within one family etc.
Intercalary attrib. Adj. 1 a (of a day or a month) inserted in the calendar to harmonize it with the solar year. B (of a year) having such an addition. 2 interpolated. [latin calo proclaim]
Intercede v. (-ding) (usu. Foll. By with) intervene on behalf of another; plead. [latin: related to *cede]
Intercept v. 1 seize, catch, or stop (a person or thing) going from one place to another. 2 (usu. Foll. By from) cut off (light etc.). interception n. Interceptive
another. 2 (usu. Foll. By from) cut off (light etc.). interception n. Interceptive adj. Interceptor n. [latin intercipio -cept-from capio take]
Intercession n. Interceding. intercessor n. [latin: related to *intercede]
Interchange —v. (-ging) 1 (of two people) exchange (things) with each other. 2 put each of (two things) in the other’s place; alternate. —n. 1 (often foll. By of) exchange between two people etc. 2 alternation. 3 road junction where traffic streams do not cross.
Interchangeable adj. That can be interchanged, esp. Without affecting the way a thing works. interchangeably adv.
Intercity adj. Existing or travelling between cities.
Intercom n. Colloq. 1 system of intercommunication by radio or telephone. 2 instrument used in this. [abbreviation]
Intercommunicate v. (-ting) 1 communicate reciprocally. 2 (of rooms etc.) Open into each other. intercommunication n.
Intercommunion n. 1 mutual communion. 2 mutual action or relationship, esp.
Between christian denominations.
Interconnect v. Connect with each other. interconnection n.
Intercontinental adj. Connecting or travelling between continents.
Intercourse n. 1 communication or dealings between individuals, nations, etc. 2 = *sexual intercourse. [latin: related to *course]
Interdenominational adj. Concerning more than one (religious) denomination.
Interdepartmental adj. Concerning more than one department.
Interdependent adj. Dependent on each other. interdependence n.
Interdict —n. 1 authoritative prohibition. 2 rc ch. Sentence debarring a person, or esp. A place, from ecclesiastical functions and privileges. —v. 1 prohibit (an action). 2 forbid the use of. 3 (usu. Foll. By from + verbal noun) restrain (a person). 4 (usu. Foll. By to) forbid (a thing) to a person. interdiction n. Interdictory adj. [latin dico say]
Interdisciplinary adj. Of or between more than one branch of learning.
Interest —n. 1 a concern; curiosity (have no interest in fishing). B quality exciting curiosity etc. (this book lacks interest). 2 subject, hobby, etc., in which one is concerned. 3 advantage or profit (it is in my interest to go). 4 money paid for the use of money lent. 5 a thing in which one has a stake or concern (business interests). B financial stake (in an undertaking etc.). C legal concern, title, or right (in property). 6 a party or group with a common interest (the brewing interest). B principle or cause with which this is concerned. —v. 1 excite the
curiosity or attention of. 2 (usu. Foll. By in) cause (a person) to take a personal interest. 3 (as interested adj.) Having a private interest; not impartial or disinterested. [latin, = it matters]
Interesting adj. Causing curiosity; holding the attention. interestingly adv.
Interface —n. 1 surface forming a boundary between two regions. 2 means or place of interaction between two systems etc.; interaction (the interface between psychology and education). 3 esp. Computing apparatus for connecting two pieces of equipment so that they can be operated jointly. —v. (-cing) (often foll. By with) 1 connect with (another piece of equipment etc.) By an interface. 2 interact.
Usage the use of the noun and verb in sense 2 is deplored by some people.
Interfacing n. Stiffish material between two layers of fabric in collars etc.
Interfere v. (-ring) 1 (usu. Foll. By with) a (of a person) meddle; obstruct a process etc. B (of a thing) be a hindrance. 2 (usu. Foll. By in) intervene, esp. Without invitation or necessity. 3 (foll. By with) euphem. Molest or assault sexually. 4 (of light or other waves) combine so as to cause interference. [latin ferio strike]
Interference n. 1 act of interfering. 2 fading or disturbance of received radio signals. 3 physics combination of two or more wave motions to form a resultant wave in which the displacement is reinforced or cancelled.
Interferon n. Any of various proteins inhibiting the development of a virus in a cell etc.
Interfuse v. (-sing) 1 a (usu. Foll. By with) mix (a thing) with; intersperse. B blend (things). 2 (of two things) blend with each other. interfusion n. [latin: related to *fuse1]
Intergalactic adj. Of or situated between galaxies.
Interim —n. Intervening time. —adj. Provisional, temporary. [latin, = in the interim]
Interior —adj. 1 inner. 2 inland. 3 internal; domestic. 4 (usu. Foll. By to) situated further in or within. 5 existing in the mind. 6 coming from inside. —n. 1 interior part; inside. 2 interior part of a region. 3 home affairs of a country (minister of the interior). 4 representation of the inside of a room etc. [latin]
Interior decoration n. Decoration of the interior of a building etc. interior decorator n.
Interior design n. Design of the interior of a building. interior designer n.
Interject v. 1 utter (words) abruptly or parenthetically. 2 interrupt. [latin jacio throw]
Interjection n. Exclamation, esp. As a part of speech (e.g. Ah!, dear me!).
Interlace v. (-cing) 1 bind intricately together; interweave. 2 cross each other intricately. interlacement n.
Interlard v. (usu. Foll. By with) mix (writing or speech) with unusual words or phrases. [french]
Interleave v. (-ving) insert (usu. Blank) leaves between the leaves of (a book etc.).
Interline v. (-ning) put an extra layer of material between the fabric of (a garment) and its lining.
Interlink v. Link or be linked together.
Interlock —v. 1 engage with each other by overlapping. 2 lock or clasp within each other. —n. 1 machine-knitted fabric with fine stitches. 2 mechanism for preventing a set of operations from being performed in any but the prescribed sequence.
Interlocutor n. Formal person who takes part in a conversation. [latin loquor speak]
Interlocutory adj. Formal 1 of dialogue. 2 (of a decree etc.) Given provisionally in a legal action.
Interloper n. 1 intruder. 2 person who interferes in others’ affairs, esp. For profit. [after landloper vagabond, from dutch loopen run]
Interlude n. 1 a pause between the acts of a play. B something performed during this pause. 2 contrasting event, time, etc. In the middle of something (comic interlude). 3 piece of music played between other pieces etc. [medieval latin ludus play]
Intermarry v. (-ies, -ied) (foll. By with) (of races, castes, families, etc.) Become connected by marriage. intermarriage n.
Intermediary —n. (pl. -ies) intermediate person or thing, esp. A mediator. —adj.
Acting as mediator; intermediate.
Intermediate —adj. Coming between two things in time, place, order, character, etc. —n. 1 intermediate thing. 2 chemical compound formed by one reaction andthen used in another. [latin intermedius]
Interment n. Burial.
Usage interment is sometimes confused with internment, which means ‘confinement’.
Intermezzo n. (pl. -mezzi or -s) 1 a short connecting instrumental movement in a musical work. B similar independent piece. 2 short light dramatic or other
performance inserted between the acts of a play. [italian]
Intermission n. 1 pause or cessation. 2 interval in a cinema etc. [latin: related to *intermittent]
Intermittent adj. Occurring at intervals; not continuous. intermittently adv. [latin mitto miss-let go]
Intermix v. Mix together.
Intern —n. (also interne) esp. Us = *houseman. —v. Oblige (a prisoner, alien, etc.) To reside within prescribed limits. internment n. [french: related to *internal]
Usage internment is sometimes confused with interment, which means ‘burial’.
Internal adj. 1 of or situated in the inside or invisible part. 2 of the inside of the body (internal injuries). 3 of a nation’s domestic affairs. 4 (of a student) attending a university etc. As well as taking its examinations. 5 used or applying within an organization. 6 a intrinsic. B of the mind or soul. internality n. Internally adv. [medieval latin internus internal]
Internal-combustion engine n. Engine with its motive power generated by the explosion of gases or vapour with air in a cylinder.
Internal evidence n. Evidence derived from the contents of the thing discussed.
Internalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) psychol. Make (attitudes, behaviour, etc.) Part of one’s nature by learning or unconscious assimilation. internalization n.
International —adj. 1 existing or carried on between nations. 2 agreed on or used by all or many nations. —n. 1 a contest, esp. In sport, between teams representing different countries. B member of such a team. 2 (international) any of four successive associations for socialist or communist action. internationality n. Internationally adv.
Internationalism n. Advocacy of a community of interests among nations.
internationalist n.
Internationalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make international. 2 bring under the protection or control of two or more nations.
Interpenetrate v. (-ting) 1 penetrate each other. 2 pervade. interpenetration n.
Interpersonal adj. Between persons, social (interpersonal skills).
Interplanetary adj. 1 between planets. 2 of travel between planets.
Interplay n. Reciprocal action.
Interpol n. International criminal police organization. [abbreviation]
Interpolate v. (-ting) 1 a insert (words) in a book etc., esp. Misleadingly. B make such insertions in (a book etc.). 2 interject (a remark) in a conversation. 3 estimate (values) between known ones in the same range. interpolation n. Interpolator n. [latin interpolo furbish]
Interpose v. (-sing) 1 (often foll. By between) insert (a thing) between others. 2 say (words) as an interruption; interrupt. 3 exercise or advance (a veto or objection) so as to interfere. 4 (foll. By between) intervene (between parties). interposition n. [latin pono put]
Interpret v. (-t-) 1 explain the meaning of (words, a dream, etc.). 2 make out or bring out the meaning of (creative work). 3 act as an interpreter. 4 explain or understand (behaviour etc.) In a specified manner. interpretation n. Interpretative
Interpreter n. Person who interprets, esp. One who translates foreign speech orally.
Interracial adj. Between or affecting different races.
Interregnum n. (pl. -s) 1 interval when the normal government or leadership is suspended, esp. Between successive reigns or regimes. 2 interval, pause. [latin regnum reign]
Interrelate v. (-ting) 1 relate (two or more things) to each other. 2 (of two or more things) relate to each other. interrelation n. Interrelationship n.
Interrogate v. (-ting) question (a person), esp. Closely or formally. interrogation n. Interrogator n. [latin rogo ask]
Interrogative —adj. Of, like, or used in a question. —n. Interrogative word (e.g.
What?).
Interrogatory —adj. Questioning (interrogatory tone). —n. (pl. -ies) formal set of questions.
Interrupt v. 1 break the continuous progress of (an action, speech, person speaking, etc.). 2 obstruct (a person’s view etc.). interruption n. [latin: related to *rupture]
*rupture]
Interrupter n. (also interruptor) 1 person or thing that interrupts. 2 device for interrupting, esp. An electric circuit.
Intersect v. 1 divide (a thing) by crossing it. 2 (of lines, roads, etc.) Cross each other. [latin: related to *section]
Intersection n. 1 intersecting. 2 place where two roads intersect. 3 point or line common to lines or planes that intersect.
Intersperse v. (-sing) 1 (often foll. By between, among) scatter. 2 (foll. By with) vary (a thing) by scattering other things among it. interspersion n. [latin: related to *sparse]
Interstate adj. Existing or carried on between states, esp. Those of the us.
Interstellar adj. Between stars.
Interstice n. 1 intervening space. 2 chink or crevice. [latin interstitium from sisto stand]
Interstitial adj. Of, forming, or occupying interstices. interstitially adv.
Intertwine v. (-ning) (often foll. By with) entwine (together).
Interval n. 1 intervening time or space. 2 pause or break, esp. Between the parts of a performance. 3 difference in pitch between two sounds. at intervals here and there; now and then. [latin intervallum space between ramparts]
Intervene v. (-ning) 1 occur in time between events. 2 interfere; prevent or modify events. 3 be situated between things. 4 come in as an extraneous factor. [latin venio vent-come]
Intervention n. 1 intervening. 2 interference, esp. By a state. 3 mediation.
Interventionist n. Person who favours intervention.
Interview —n. 1 oral examination of an applicant. 2 conversation with a reporter, for a broadcast or publication. 3 meeting face to face, esp. For consultation. —v. Hold an interview with. interviewee n. Interviewer n. [french entrevue: related to *inter-, vue sight]
Interwar attrib. Adj. Existing in the period between two wars.
Interweave v. (-ving; past -wove; past part. -woven) 1 weave together. 2 blend intimately.
Interpolate v. (-ting) 1 a insert (words) in a book etc., esp. Misleadingly. B make
such insertions in (a book etc.). 2 interject (a remark) in a conversation. 3 estimate (values) between known ones in the same range. interpolation n. Interpolator n. [latin interpolo furbish]
Interpose v. (-sing) 1 (often foll. By between) insert (a thing) between others. 2 say (words) as an interruption; interrupt. 3 exercise or advance (a veto or objection) so as to interfere. 4 (foll. By between) intervene (between parties). interposition n. [latin pono put]
Interpret v. (-t-) 1 explain the meaning of (words, a dream, etc.). 2 make out or bring out the meaning of (creative work). 3 act as an interpreter. 4 explain or understand (behaviour etc.) In a specified manner. interpretation n. Interpretative adj. Interpretive adj. [latin interpres -pretis explainer]
Interpreter n. Person who interprets, esp. One who translates foreign speech orally.
Interracial adj. Between or affecting different races.
Interregnum n. (pl. -s) 1 interval when the normal government or leadership is suspended, esp. Between successive reigns or regimes. 2 interval, pause. [latin regnum reign]
Interrelate v. (-ting) 1 relate (two or more things) to each other. 2 (of two or more things) relate to each other. interrelation n. Interrelationship n.
Interrogate v. (-ting) question (a person), esp. Closely or formally. interrogation
n. Interrogator n. [latin rogo ask]
Interrogative —adj. Of, like, or used in a question. —n. Interrogative word (e.g.
What?).
Interrogatory —adj. Questioning (interrogatory tone). —n. (pl. -ies) formal set of questions.
Interrupt v. 1 break the continuous progress of (an action, speech, person speaking, etc.). 2 obstruct (a person’s view etc.). interruption n. [latin: related to *rupture]
Interrupter n. (also interruptor) 1 person or thing that interrupts. 2 device for interrupting, esp. An electric circuit.
Intersect v. 1 divide (a thing) by crossing it. 2 (of lines, roads, etc.) Cross each other. [latin: related to *section]
Intersection n. 1 intersecting. 2 place where two roads intersect. 3 point or line common to lines or planes that intersect.
Intersperse v. (-sing) 1 (often foll. By between, among) scatter. 2 (foll. By with) vary (a thing) by scattering other things among it. interspersion n. [latin: related to *sparse]
Interstate adj. Existing or carried on between states, esp. Those of the us.
Interstate adj. Existing or carried on between states, esp. Those of the us.
Interstellar adj. Between stars.
Interstice n. 1 intervening space. 2 chink or crevice. [latin interstitium from sisto stand]
Interstitial adj. Of, forming, or occupying interstices. interstitially adv.
Intertwine v. (-ning) (often foll. By with) entwine (together).
Interval n. 1 intervening time or space. 2 pause or break, esp. Between the parts of a performance. 3 difference in pitch between two sounds. at intervals here and there; now and then. [latin intervallum space between ramparts]
Intervene v. (-ning) 1 occur in time between events. 2 interfere; prevent or modify events. 3 be situated between things. 4 come in as an extraneous factor. [latin venio vent-come]
Intervention n. 1 intervening. 2 interference, esp. By a state. 3 mediation.
Interventionist n. Person who favours intervention.
Interview —n. 1 oral examination of an applicant. 2 conversation with a
reporter, for a broadcast or publication. 3 meeting face to face, esp. For consultation. —v. Hold an interview with. interviewee n. Interviewer n. [french entrevue: related to *inter-, vue sight]
Interwar attrib. Adj. Existing in the period between two wars.
Interweave v. (-ving; past -wove; past part. -woven) 1 weave together. 2 blend intimately.
Intestate —adj. Not having made a will before death. —n. Person who has died intestate. intestacy n. [latin: related to *testament]
—adj. Not having made a will before death. —n. Person who has died intestate. intestacy n. [latin: related to *testament]
Intestine n. (in sing. Or pl.) Lower part of the alimentary canal. intestinal adj. [latin intus within]
Intifada n. Arab uprising. [arabic]
Intimacy n. (pl. -ies) 1 state of being intimate. 2 intimate remark or act; sexual intercourse.
Intimate1 —adj. 1 closely acquainted; familiar (intimate friend). 2 private and personal. 3 (usu. Foll. By with) having sexual relations. 4 (of knowledge) detailed, thorough. 5 (of a relationship between things) close. —n. Close friend. intimately adv. [latin intimus inmost]
Intimate2 v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By that) state or make known. 2 imply, hint. intimation n. [latin intimo announce: related to *intimate1]
Intimidate v. (-ting) frighten or overawe, esp. To subdue or influence. intimidation n. [medieval latin: related to *timid]
Into prep. 1 expressing motion or direction to a point on or within (walked into a tree; ran into the house). 2 expressing direction of attention etc. (will look into it). 3 expressing a change of state (turned into a dragon; separated into groups). 4 after the beginning of (five minutes into the game). 5 colloq. Interested in. [old english: related to in, to]
Intolerable adj. That cannot be endured. intolerably adv.
Intolerant adj. Not tolerant, esp. Of others’ beliefs or behaviour. intolerance n.
Intonation n. 1 modulation of the voice; accent. 2 intoning. 3 accuracy of musical pitch. [medieval latin: related to *intone]
Intone v. (-ning) 1 recite (prayers etc.) With prolonged sounds, esp. In a monotone. 2 utter with a particular tone. [medieval latin: related to *in-2]
Intoxicate v. (-ting) 1 make drunk. 2 excite or elate beyond self-control. intoxication n. [medieval latin: related to *toxic]
Intra-prefix on the inside, within. [latin intra inside]
Intractable adj. 1 hard to control or deal with. 2 difficult, stubborn. intractability n. Intractably adv.
Intramural adj. 1 situated or done within the walls of an institution etc. 2 forming part of normal university etc. Studies. intramurally adv. [latin murus wall]
Intramuscular adj. In or into muscle tissue.
Intransigent —adj. Uncompromising, stubborn. —n. Intransigent person. intransigence n. [spanish los intransigentes extremists]
Intransitive adj. (of a verb) not taking a direct object.
Intrauterine adj. Within the womb.
Intravenous adj. In or into a vein or veins. intravenously adv.
In-tray n. Tray for incoming documents.
Intrepid adj. Fearless; very brave. intrepidity n. Intrepidly adv. [latin trepidus alarmed]
Intricate adj. Very complicated; perplexingly detailed. intricacy n. (pl. -ies). Intricately adv. [latin: related to *in-2, tricae tricks]
Intrigue —v. (-gues, -gued, -guing) 1 (foll. By with) a carry on an underhand plot. B use secret influence. 2 arouse the curiosity of. —n. 1 underhand plot or plotting. 2 secret arrangement (amorous intrigues). intriguing adj. Esp. In sense 2 of v. Intriguingly adv. [french from italian intrigo]
Intro n. (pl. -s) colloq. Introduction. [abbreviation]
Intro-comb. Form into. [latin]
Introduce v. (-cing) 1 (foll. By to) make (a person or oneself) known by name to another, esp. Formally. 2 announce or present to an audience. 3 bring (a custom etc.) Into use. 4 bring (legislation) before parliament etc. 5 (foll. By to) initiate (a person) in a subject. 6 insert. 7 bring in; usher in; bring forward. 8 occur just before the start of. 9 put on sale for the first time. introducible adj. [latin duco
lead]
Introduction n. 1 introducing or being introduced. 2 formal presentation of one person to another. 3 explanatory section at the beginning of a book etc. 4 introductory treatise. 5 thing introduced.
Introductory adj. Serving as an introduction; preliminary.
Introit n. Psalm or antiphon sung or said as the priest approaches the altar for the eucharist. [latin introitus entrance]
Introspection n. Examination of one’s own thoughts. introspective adj. [latin specio spect-look]
Introvert —n. 1 person predominantly concerned with his or her own thoughts. 2 shy thoughtful person. —adj. (also introverted) characteristic of an introvert. introversion n.
Intrude v. (-ding) (foll. By on, upon, into) 1 come uninvited or unwanted. 2 force on a person. [latin trudo trus-thrust]
Intruder n. Person who intrudes, esp. A trespasser.
Intrusion n. 1 intruding. 2 influx of molten rock between existing strata etc.
intrusive adj.
Intrust var. Of *entrust.
Intuition n. Immediate insight or understanding without conscious reasoning. intuit v. Intuitional adj. [latin tueor tuit-look]
Intuitive adj. Of, possessing, or perceived by intuition. intuitively adv. Intuitiveness n. [medieval latin: related to *intuition]
Inuit n. (also innuit) (pl. Same or -s) n. American eskimo. [eskimo inuit people]
Inundate v. (-ting) (often foll. By with) 1 flood. 2 overwhelm. inundation n. [latin unda wave]
Inure v. (-ring) 1 (often in passive; foll. By to) accustom (a person) to an esp. Unpleasant thing. 2 law take effect. inurement n. [anglo-french: related to *in, eure work, from latin opera]
Invade v. (-ding) (often absol.) 1 enter (a country etc.) Under arms to control or subdue it. 2 swarm into. 3 (of a disease) attack. 4 encroach upon (a person’s rights, esp. Privacy). invader n. [latin vado vas-go]
Invalid1 —n. Person enfeebled or disabled by illness or injury. —attrib. Adj. 1 of or for invalids. 2 sick, disabled. —v. (-d-) 1 (often foll. By out etc.) Remove (an invalid) from active service. 2 (usu. In passive) disable (a person) by illness. invalidism n. Invalidityn. [latin: related to *in-1]
Invalid2 adj. Not valid. invalidity n.
Invalidate v. (-ting) make (a claim etc.) Invalid. invalidation n.
Invaluable adj. Above valuation; very valuable. invaluably adv.
Invasive adj. 1 (of weeds, cancer cells, etc.) Tending to spread. 2 (of surgery) involving large incisions etc. 3 tending to encroach.
Invective n. Strong verbal attack. [latin: related to *inveigh]
Inveigh v. (foll. By against) speak or write with strong hostility. [latin invehor – vect-assail]
Inveigle v. (-ling) (foll. By into, or to + infin.) Entice; persuade by guile. inveiglement n. [anglo-french from french aveugler to blind]
Invent v. 1 create by thought, originate (a method, device, etc.). 2 concoct (a false story etc.). inventor n. [latin invenio -vent-find]
false story etc.). inventor n. [latin invenio -vent-find]
Invention n. 1 inventing or being invented. 2 thing invented. 3 fictitious story. 4 inventiveness.
Inventive adj. Able to invent; imaginative. inventively adv. Inventiveness n.
Inventory —n. (pl. -ies) 1 complete list of goods etc. 2 goods listed in this. —v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make an inventory of. 2 enter (goods) in an inventory. [medieval latin: related to *invent]
Inverse —adj. Inverted in position, order, or relation. —n. 1 inverted state. 2 (often foll. By of) the direct opposite. [latin: related to *invert]
Inverse proportion n. (also inverse ratio) relation between two quantities such that one increases in proportion as the other decreases.
Inversion n. 1 turning upside down. 2 reversal of a normal order, position, or relation.
Invert v. 1 turn upside down. 2 reverse the position, order, or relation of. [latin verto vers-turn]
Invertebrate —adj. (of an animal) not having a backbone. —n. Invertebrate animal.
Inverted commas n.pl. = *quotation marks.
Invest v. 1 a (often foll. By in) apply or use (money), esp. For profit. B (foll. By in) put money for profit into (stocks etc.). 2 (often foll. By in) devote (time etc.) To an enterprise. 3 (foll. By in) colloq. Buy (something useful). 4 a (foll. By with) provide or credit (a person etc. With qualities) (invested her with magical importance; invested his tone with irony). B (foll. By in) attribute or entrust (qualities or feelings) to (a person etc.) (power invested in the doctor). 5 (often foll. By with, in) clothe with the insignia of office; install in an office. investor n. [latin vestis clothing]
Investigate v. (-ting) 1 inquire into; examine. 2 make a systematic inquiry. investigation n. Investigative adj. Investigator n. Investigatory adj. [latin vestigo track]
Investiture n. Formal investing of a person with honours or rank. [medieval latin:
related to *invest]
Investment n. 1 investing. 2 money invested. 3 property etc. In which money is invested.
Investment trust n. Trust that buys and sells shares in selected companies to make a profit for its members.
Inveterate adj. 1 (of a person) confirmed in a habit etc. 2 (of a habit etc.) Long-established. inveteracy n. [latin vetus old]
Invidious adj. Likely to cause resentment or anger (invidious position; invidious task). [latin invidiosus: related to *envy]
Invigilate v. (-ting) supervise people taking an exam. invigilation n. Invigilator n. [latin: related to *vigil]
Invigorate v. (-ting) give vigour or strength to. invigorating adj. [medieval latin:
related to *vigour]
Invincible adj. Unconquerable. invincibility n. Invincibly adv. [latin vinco conquer]
Inviolable adj. Not to be violated or dishonoured. inviolability n. Inviolably adv.
Inviolate adj. 1 not violated. 2 safe (from violation or harm). inviolacy n.
Invisible adj. Not visible to the eye. invisibility n. Invisibly adv.
Invitation n. 1 inviting or being invited. 2 letter or card etc. Used to invite.
Invite —v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By to, or to + infin.) Ask (a person) courteously
Invite —v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By to, or to + infin.) Ask (a person) courteously to come, or to do something. 2 make a formal courteous request for. 3 tend to call forth unintentionally. 4 a attract. B be attractive. —n. Colloq. Invitation. [latin invito]
In vitro adv. (of biological processes) taking place in a test-tube or other laboratory environment. [latin, = in glass]
Invocation n. 1 invoking or being invoked, esp. In prayer. 2 summoning of supernatural beings, e.g. The muses, for inspiration. 3 eccl. The words ‘in the name of the father’ etc. Used to preface a sermon etc. invocatory adj. [latin: related to *invoke]
Invoice —n. Bill for usu. Itemized goods or services. —v. (-cing) 1 send an invoice to. 2 make an invoice of. [earlier invoyes pl. Of invoy: related to *envoy]
Invoke v. (-king) 1 call on (a deity etc.) In prayer or as a witness. 2 appeal to (the law, a person’s authority, etc.). 3 summon (a spirit) by charms etc. 4 ask earnestly for (vengeance etc.). [latin voco call]
Involuntary adj. 1 done without exercising the will; unintentional. 2 (of a muscle) not under the control of the will. involuntarily adv. Involuntariness n.
Involute adj. 1 involved, intricate. 2 curled spirally. [latin: related to *involve]
Involuted adj. Complicated, abstruse.
Involution n. 1 involving. 2 intricacy. 3 curling inwards. 4 part that curls inwards.
Involve v. (-ving) 1 (often foll. By in) cause (a person or thing) to share the experience or effect (of a situation, activity, etc.). 2 imply, entail, make necessary. 3 (often foll. By in) implicate (a person) in a charge, crime, etc. 4 include or affect in its operations. 5 (as involved adj.) A (often foll. By in) concerned. B complicated in thought or form. C amorously associated. involvement n. [latin volvo roll]
Invulnerable adj. That cannot be wounded, damaged, or hurt, physically or mentally. invulnerability n. Invulnerably adv.
Inward —adj. 1 directed towards the inside; going in. 2 situated within. 3 mental, spiritual. —adv. (also inwards) 1 towards the inside. 2 in the mind or soul. [old english: related to in, -ward]
Inwardly adv. 1 on the inside. 2 in the mind or soul. 3 not aloud.
Inwrought adj. 1 (often foll. By with) (of a fabric) decorated (with a pattern). 2 (often foll. By in, on) (of a pattern) wrought (in or on a fabric).
Iodide n. Any compound of iodine with another element or group.
Iodine n. 1 black crystalline element forming a violet vapour. 2 solution of this as an antiseptic. [french iode from greek iodes violet-like]
Iom abbr. Isle of man.
Ion n. Atom or group of atoms that has lost one or more electrons (= *cation), or gained one or more electrons (= *anion). [greek, = going]
-ion suffix (usu. As -sion, -tion, -xion) forming nouns denoting: 1 verbal action (excision). 2 instance of this (a suggestion). 3 resulting state or product (vexation; concoction). [latin -io]
Ionic adj. Of the order of greek architecture characterized by a column with scroll-shapes on either side of the capital. [from ionia in greek asia minor]
Ionic adj. Of or using ions. ionically adv.
Ionize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) convert or be converted into an ion or ions.
ionization n.
Ionizer n. Device producing ions to improve the quality of the air.
Ionosphere n. Ionized region of the atmosphere above the stratosphere, reflecting radio waves. ionospheric adj.
Iota n. 1 ninth letter of the greek alphabet (i, i). 2 (usu. With neg.) A jot. [greek iota]
Iou n. Signed document acknowledging a debt. [from i owe you]
Iow abbr. Isle of wight.
Ipa abbr. International phonetic alphabet.
Ipecacuanha n. Root of a s. American shrub, used as an emetic and purgative. [portuguese from s. American indian, = emetic creeper]
Ipso facto adv. By that very fact. [latin]
Iq abbr. Intelligence quotient.
Ir-prefix assim. Form of in-1, in-2 before r.
Ira abbr. Irish republican army.
Iranian —adj. 1 of iran (formerly persia). 2 of the group of languages including persian. —n. 1 native or national of iran. 2 person of iranian descent.
persian. —n. 1 native or national of iran. 2 person of iranian descent.
Iraqi —adj. Of iraq. —n. (pl. -s) 1 a native or national of iraq. B person of iraqi descent. 2 the form of arabic spoken in iraq.
Irascible adj. Irritable; hot-tempered. irascibility n. Irascibly adv. [latin irascor grow angry, from ira anger]
Irate adj. Angry, enraged. irately adv. Irateness n. [latin iratus from ira anger]
Ire n. Literary anger. [latin ira]
Iridaceous adj. Of the iris family of plants.
Iridescent adj. 1 showing rainbow-like luminous colours. 2 changing colour with position. iridescence n.
Iridium n. Hard white metallic element of the platinum group.
Iris n. 1 circular coloured membrane behind the cornea of the eye, with a circular opening (pupil) in the centre. 2 plant of a family with bulbs or tuberous roots, sword-shaped leaves, and showy flowers. 3 adjustable diaphragm for regulating the size of a central hole, esp. For the admission of light to a lens. [greek iris iridos rainbow]
Irish —adj. Of ireland or its people. —n. 1 celtic language of ireland. 2 (prec. By
the; treated as pl.) The people of ireland. [old english]
Irish bull n. = *bull3.
Irish coffee n. Coffee with a dash of whiskey and a little sugar, topped with cream.
Irishman n. Man who is irish by birth or descent.
Irish stew n. Stew of mutton, potato, and onion.
Irishwoman n. Woman who is irish by birth or descent.
Irk v. Irritate, bore, annoy. [origin unknown]
Irksome adj. Annoying, tiresome. irksomely adv.
Iron —n. 1 grey metallic element used for tools and constructions and found in some foods, e.g. Spinach. 2 this as a symbol of strength or firmness (man of iron; iron will). 3 tool made of iron. 4 implement with a flat base which is heated to smooth clothes etc. 5 golf club with an iron or steel sloping face. 6 (usu. In pl.) Fetter. 7 (usu. In pl.) Stirrup. 8 (often in pl.) Iron support for a malformed leg. —adj. 1 made of iron. 2 very robust. 3 unyielding, merciless. —v. Smooth (clothes etc.) With an iron. iron out remove (difficulties etc.). [old english]
Iron age n. Period when iron replaced bronze in the making of tools and weapons.
Ironclad —adj. 1 clad or protected with iron. 2 impregnable. —n. Hist. Warship protected by iron plates.
Iron cross n. German military decoration.
Iron curtain n. Hist. Former notional barrier to the passage of people and information between the soviet bloc and the west.
Ironic adj. (also ironical) using or displaying irony. ironically adv.
Ironing n. Clothes etc. For ironing or just ironed.
Ironing-board n. Narrow folding table on which clothes etc. Are ironed.
Iron in the fire n. Undertaking, opportunity (usu. In pl.: too many irons in the fire).
Iron lung n. Rigid case fitted over a patient’s body for administering prolonged artificial respiration.
Ironmaster n. Manufacturer of iron.
Ironmonger n. Dealer in hardware etc. ironmongery n. (pl. -ies).
Iron rations n.pl. Small emergency supply of food.
Ironstone n. 1 rock containing much iron. 2 a kind of hard white pottery.
Ironware n. Articles made of iron.
Ironwork n. 1 things made of iron. 2 work in iron.
Ironworks n. (as sing. Or pl.) Factory where iron is smelted or iron goods are made.
Irony n. (pl. -ies) 1 expression of meaning, often humorous or sarcastic, using language of a different or opposite tendency. 2 apparent perversity of an event or circumstance in reversing human intentions. 3 theatr. Use of language with one meaning for a privileged audience and another for those addressed or concerned. [greek eironeia pretended ignorance]
Irradiate v. (-ting) 1 subject to radiation. 2 shine upon; light up. 3 throw light on (a subject). irradiation n. [latin irradio shine on, from radius ray]
Irrational adj. 1 illogical; unreasonable. 2 not endowed with reason. 3 math. Not commensurate with the natural numbers. irrationality n. Irrationally adv.
Irrecoverable adj. Not able to be recovered or remedied. irrecoverably adv.
Irredeemable adj. 1 not able to be redeemed. 2 hopeless. irredeemably adv.
Irredentist n. Person advocating the restoration to his or her country of any territory formerly belonging to it. irredentism n. [italian irredenta unredeemed]
Irreducible adj. Not able to be reduced or simplified. irreducibility n. Irreducibly adv.
Irrefutable adj. That cannot be refuted. irrefutably adv.
Irregular —adj. 1 not regular; unsymmetrical, uneven; varying in form. 2 not occurring at regular intervals. 3 contrary to a rule, principle, or custom; abnormal. 4 (of troops) not belonging to the regular army. 5 (of a verb, noun, etc.) Not inflected according to the usual rules. 6 disorderly. —n. (in pl.) Irregular troops. irregularity n. (pl. -ies). Irregularly adv.
Irrelevant adj. (often foll. By to) not relevant. irrelevance n. Irrelevancy n. (pl. –
ies).
Irreligious adj. Lacking or hostile to religion; irreverent.
Irremediable adj. That cannot be remedied. irremediably adv.
Irremovable adj. That cannot be removed. irremovably adv.
Irreparable adj. (of an injury, loss, etc.) That cannot be rectified or made good.
irreparably adv.
Irreplaceable adj. That cannot be replaced.
Irrepressible adj. That cannot be repressed or restrained. irrepressibly adv.
Irrigate v. (-ting) 1 a water (land) by means of channels etc. B (of a stream etc.) Supply (land) with water. 2 supply (a wound etc.) With a constant flow of liquid. irrigable adj. Irrigation n. Irrigator n. [latin rigo moisten]
Irritable adj. 1 easily annoyed. 2 (of an organ etc.) Very sensitive to contact. irritability n. Irritably adv. [latin: related to *irritate]
Irritate v. (-ting) 1 excite to anger; annoy. 2 stimulate discomfort in (a part of the body). 3 biol. Stimulate (an organ) to action. irritating adj. Irritation n. Irritative adj. [latin irrito]
Irrupt v. (foll. By into) enter forcibly or violently. irruption n. [latin: related to *rupture]
Is 3rd sing. Present of *be.
Isbn abbr. International standard book number.
-ise var. Of *-ize.
Usage see note at -ize.
-ish suffix forming adjectives: 1 from nouns, meaning: a having the qualities of (boyish). B of the nationality of (danish). 2 from adjectives, meaning ‘somewhat’ (thickish). 3 colloq. Denoting an approximate age or time of day (fortyish; six-thirtyish). [old english]
Isinglass n. 1 gelatin obtained from fish, esp. Sturgeon, and used in making jellies, glue, etc. 2 mica. [dutch huisenblas sturgeon’s bladder]
Islam n. 1 the religion of the muslims, proclaimed by muhammad. 2 the muslim world. islamic adj. [arabic, = submission (to god)]
Island n. 1 piece of land surrounded by water. 2 = traffic island. 3 detached or isolated thing. [old english igland; first syllable influenced by isle]
Islander n. Native or inhabitant of an island.
Isle n. Poet. (and in place-names) island, esp. A small one. [french ile from latin insula]
Islet n. 1 small island. 2 anat. Structurally distinct portion of tissue. [french diminutive of *isle]
Ism n. Colloq. Usu. Derog. Any distinctive doctrine or practice. [from *-ism]
-ism suffix forming nouns, esp. Denoting: 1 action or its result (baptism; organism). 2 system or principle (conservatism; jingoism). 3 state or quality (heroism; barbarism). 4 basis of prejudice or discrimination (racism; sexism). 5 peculiarity in language (americanism). [greek -ismos]
Isn’t contr. Is not.
Iso-comb. Form equal. [greek isos equal]
Isobar n. Line on a map connecting places with the same atmospheric pressure. isobaric adj. [greek baros weight]
Isochronous adj. 1 occurring at the same time. 2 occupying equal time.
Isolate v. (-ting) 1 a place apart or alone. B place (a contagious or infectious patient etc.) In quarantine. 2 separate (a substance) from a mixture. 3 insulate (electrical apparatus), esp. By a physical gap; disconnect. isolation n. [latin insulatus made into an island]
Isolationism n. Policy of holding aloof from the affairs of other countries or groups. isolationist n.
Isomer n. One of two or more compounds with the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of atoms. isomeric adj. Isomerism n. [greek *iso-, meros share]
Isometric adj. 1 of equal measure. 2 (of muscle action) developing tension while the muscle is prevented from contracting. 3 (of a drawing etc.) With the plane of projection at equal angles to the three principal axes of the object shown. [greek isometria equality of measure]
Isomorphic adj. (also isomorphous) exactly corresponding in form and relations. [from *iso-, greek morphe form]
Isosceles adj. (of a triangle) having two sides equal. [from *iso-, greek skelos leg]
Isotherm n. Line on a map connecting places with the same temperature. isothermal adj. [from *iso-, greek therme heat]
Isotope n. One of two or more forms of an element differing from each other in relative atomic mass, and in nuclear but not chemical properties. isotopic adj. [from *iso-, greek topos place]
Isotropic adj. Having the same physical properties in all directions. isotropy n. [from *iso-, greek tropos turn]
Israeli —adj. Of the modern state of israel. —n. (pl. -s) 1 native or national of israel. 2 person of israeli descent. [hebrew]
Israelite n. Hist. Native of ancient israel; jew. [hebrew]
Issue —n. 1 a act of giving out or circulating shares, notes, stamps, etc. B quantity of coins, copies of a newspaper, etc., circulated at one time. C each of a regular series of a magazine etc. (the may issue). 2 a outgoing, outflow. B way out, outlet, esp. The place of the emergence of a stream etc. 3 point in question; important subject of debate or litigation. 4 result; outcome. 5 law children, progeny (without male issue). —v. (issues, issued, issuing) 1 literary go or come out. 2 a send forth; publish; put into circulation. B supply, esp. Officially or authoritatively (foll. By to, with: issued passports to them; issued them with passports). 3 a (often foll. By from) be derived or result. B (foll. By in) end, result. 4 (foll. By from) emerge from a condition. at issue under discussion; in dispute. Join (or take) issue (foll. By with a person etc., about, on, over a subject) disagree or argue. [latin exitus: related to *exit]
-ist suffix forming personal nouns denoting: 1 adherent of a system etc. In -ism: (marxist; fatalist). 2 person pursuing, using, or concerned with something as an interest or profession (balloonist; tobacconist). 3 person who does something expressed by a verb in -ize (plagiarist). 4 person who subscribes to a prejudice or practises discrimination (racist; sexist). [greek -istes]
Isthmus n. (pl. -es) narrow piece of land connecting two larger bodies of land. [greek isthmos]
It abbr. Information technology.
It pron. (poss. Its; pl. They) 1 thing (or occasionally an animal or child) previously named or in question (took a stone and threw it). 2 person in question (who is it? It is i). 3 as the subject of an impersonal verb (it is raining; it is winter; it is two miles to bath). 4 as a substitute for a deferred subject or object (it is silly to talk like that; i take it that you agree). 5 as a substitute for a vague object (brazen it out). 6 as the antecedent to a relative word or clause (it was an owl that i heard). 7 exactly what is needed. 8 extreme limit of achievement. 9 colloq. A sexual intercourse. B sex appeal. 10 (in children’s games) player who has to perform a required feat. that’s it colloq. That is: 1 what is required. 2 the difficulty. 3 the end, enough. [old english]
Italian —n. 1 a native or national of italy. B person of italian descent. 2 romance language of italy. —adj. Of or relating to italy.
Italianate adj. Of italian style or appearance.
Italian vermouth n. Sweet kind of vermouth.
Italic —adj. 1 a of the sloping kind of letters now used esp. For emphasis and in foreign words. B (of handwriting) compact and pointed like early italian handwriting. 2 (italic) of ancient italy. —n. 1 letter in italic type. 2 this type. [latin italicus: related to *italian]
Italicize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) print in italics.
Itch —n. 1 irritation in the skin. 2 impatient desire. 3 (prec. By the) (in general use) scabies. —v. 1 feel an irritation in the skin. 2 feel a desire to do something (itching to tell you). [old english]
Itching palm n. Avarice.
Itchy adj. (-ier, -iest) having or causing an itch. have itchy feet colloq. 1 be restless. 2 have a strong urge to travel. itchiness n.
It’d contr. Colloq. 1 it had. 2 it would.
-ite suffix forming nouns meaning ‘a person or thing connected with’ (israelite; trotskyite; graphite; dynamite). [greek -ites]
Item n. 1 any of a number of enumerated things. 2 separate or distinct piece of news etc. [latin, = in like manner]
Itemize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) state item by item. itemization n.
Iterate v. (-ting) repeat; state repeatedly. iteration n. Iterative adj. [latin iterum again]
-itic suffix forming adjectives and nouns corresponding to nouns in -ite, -itis, etc. (semitic; arthritic). [latin -iticus, greek -itikos]
Itinerant —adj. Travelling from place to place. —n. Itinerant person. [latin iter itiner-journey]
Itinerary n. (pl. -ies) 1 detailed route. 2 record of travel. 3 guidebook.
-itis suffix forming nouns, esp.: 1 names of inflammatory diseases (appendicitis). 2 colloq. With ref. To conditions compared to diseases (electionitis). [greek]
It’ll contr. Colloq. It will; it shall.
Its poss. Pron. Of it; of itself.
It’s contr. 1 it is. 2 it has.
Itself pron. Emphatic and refl. Form of it. be itself see oneself. By itself see by oneself. In itself viewed in its essential qualities (not in itself a bad thing). [old english: related to it, self]
Itv abbr. Independent television.
-ity suffix forming nouns denoting: 1 quality or condition (humility; purity). 2 instance of this (monstrosity). [latin -itas]
Iud abbr. Intrauterine (contraceptive) device.
I’ve contr. I have.
-ive suffix forming adjectives meaning ‘tending to’, and corresponding nouns (suggestive; corrosive; palliative). [latin -ivus]
Ivf abbr. In vitro fertilization.
Ivory n. (pl. -ies) 1 hard substance of the tusks of an elephant etc. 2 creamy-white colour of this. 3 (usu. In pl.) A article made of ivory. B slang thing made of or resembling ivory, esp. A piano key or a tooth. [latin ebur]
Ivory tower n. Seclusion or withdrawal from the harsh realities of life (often attrib.: ivory tower professors).
Ivy n. (pl. -ies) climbing evergreen shrub with shiny five-angled leaves. [old english]
-ize suffix (also -ise) forming verbs, meaning: 1 make or become such (americanize; realize). 2 treat in such a way (monopolize; pasteurize). 3 a follow a special practice (economize). B have a specified feeling (sympathize). -ization suffix forming nouns. [greek -izo]
Usage the form -ize has been in use in english since the 16th c.; it is widely used in american english, but is not an americanism. The alternative spelling -ise (reflecting a french influence) is in common use, esp. In british english, and is obligatory in certain cases: (a) where it forms part of a larger word-element, such as -mise (= sending) in compromise, and -prise (= taking) in surprise; and (b) in verbs corresponding to nouns with -s-in the stem, such as advertise and televise.
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